The Cowboys find themselves in a tricky spot with George Pickens. In 2026, they won’t negotiate a long-term deal, which means he’ll likely play under the franchise tag. That’s not ideal for a Pro Bowl wide receiver.
A trade could be a better option, allowing him to secure a long-term contract and play elsewhere. However, the Cowboys need to focus on their defense, which struggled last season. They conceded a record 511 points, ranking last in the NFL. With two first-round draft picks, the team can make significant changes.
Despite this, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hinted that they might still consider adding to their offense. He said, “Given the right circumstances, you have to look at offense.” This raises eyebrows since the Cowboys already have a strong offense, ranking second in yards and seventh in points last season.
The last time they took a big offensive player was in 2020 when CeeDee Lamb fell to them at 17th overall. Even though they needed defensive help, they chose Lamb, who has since proven to be a great asset. Among the defensive players selected after Lamb, only Patrick Queen has made a Pro Bowl.
This year, the Cowboys hold the 12th and 20th picks. They’ve shown interest in promising wide receivers, such as Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State and Carnell Tate from Ohio State, during pre-draft visits.
Stephen Jones, the team’s executive vice president, has stated that the decision on Pickens impacts their draft strategy. He highlighted that they always look at the bigger picture and are open to selecting the best player available, just like they did with Lamb.
Jones refrained from commenting on whether they’ll inform Pickens if they draft a wide receiver. He mentioned they have various options to consider but maintains that getting into specifics is not beneficial at this time.
In today’s NFL, team dynamics and draft strategies are ever-evolving. Engaging with up-and-coming players or reshaping established ones can reshape a team’s future. The Cowboys face critical decisions that can either strengthen their defense or bolster their offense. How they navigate this will be key to their success in the coming seasons.
For more on NFL team strategies and movements, check out this report from ESPN.
