Smith-Njigba's Deal Shakes Up NFL, Pickens' Contract Talks

0:00It's March 25th. From kickoff to the final whistle, this is NFL News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Jackson Smith and Jeetbaugh just reset the Y receiver market with a massive $168.8 million contract extension. That deal sets a new benchmark for top receivers in the league and is already rippling through contract talks everywhere. Jesse Holley, a former player-turned analyst, says George Pickens and his team should use this as their starting point. He believes negotiations for Pickens need to kick off at around $41.5 million per year to match the rising value. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys aren't feeling the pinch yet since Pickens is locked in with Pittsburgh. But they know the market has shifted and holding costs are climbing fast for star-wide outs. The Seattle Seahawks likely paid up to keep Smith and Jeetbaugh from hitting free agency where another team would have swooped in. It was a necessary move in today's high-stakes landscape. As more receiver's eye extensions expect demands to climb even higher, forcing front offices to adapt quickly to this new reality.