George Pickens’ Contract Situation Remains in Spotlight
The Dallas Cowboys have spent the past week focused on the future of star wide receiver George Pickens. Pickens is currently under a non-exclusive franchise tag, which means he can negotiate with other teams, but the Cowboys have the right to match any offer or receive two first-round picks as compensation. Contract negotiations between Pickens and the Cowboys are ongoing, and the team has until July 15 to reach a long-term deal. Quarterback Dak Prescott shared at a recent Dallas event that Pickens is in great spirits and has been working out hard this offseason. Prescott said he is leaving contract matters to the front office, but he is excited about their growing chemistry on the field.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that the team is in regular contact with Pickens, but he could not guarantee the receiver’s participation in voluntary offseason programs. Despite the uncertainty, Schottenheimer expressed confidence that Pickens will remain with the team for the long term. He praised Pickens’ enthusiasm for training with Prescott, which is a positive sign for the Cowboys’ offense. The front office continues to prioritize keeping Pickens as a core part of the roster.
Brandon Aubrey’s Contract and Kicking Future
Another major storyline this week is the contract status of Brandon Aubrey, the Cowboys’ All-Pro kicker. Aubrey received a second-round tender, allowing him to negotiate with other teams while giving Dallas the right to match any offer. If another team signs Aubrey and the Cowboys do not match, Dallas would receive a second-round pick as compensation. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed satisfaction with the progress of Aubrey’s contract talks and indicated that the team has long-term plans for him. Aubrey recently agreed to a record-setting four-year, $28 million extension, making it the largest contract ever for a kicker in NFL history. This move secures the Cowboys’ kicking game for years to come and shows the team’s commitment to special teams excellence.
Injury Updates: Ezeiruaku and Bland on the Mend
The Cowboys are also managing several key injuries as they prepare for training camp. Second-year outside linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku announced he is changing his jersey number from #41 to #6, which he wore at Boston College. Ezeiruaku is recovering from offseason hip labrum surgery and is not expected to participate in offseason programs starting April 20. However, the expectation is that he will be fully recovered by training camp in Oxnard, California. This recovery timeline is important for the Cowboys’ defensive depth and future plans.
All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, but recent updates are positive. Head coach Schottenheimer reported that Bland is doing well physically and remains engaged with the team during his recovery. The Cowboys are optimistic that both Ezeiruaku and Bland will be healthy and ready to contribute when the season begins. Their return is crucial for maintaining a strong defense and providing depth in the secondary.
Roster Moves: Ballentine Re-Signed, Hoffman Departs
The Cowboys made several roster moves this week to strengthen their lineup. Veteran cornerback Corey Ballentine was re-signed to add depth and experience to the secondary. Ballentine has played for six different NFL teams since entering the league in 2019 and appeared in five games for Dallas last season. His experience and versatility make him a valuable asset as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
On the offensive line, Brock Hoffman announced via Instagram that he will sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hoffman joined Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and appeared in 54 games over four years, starting in sixteen. To fill Hoffman’s roster spot, the Cowboys signed Matt Hennessy, who can play both center and guard. This move ensures the team maintains depth and flexibility on the offensive line, which is vital for protecting Prescott and supporting the run game.
Contract Restructuring and Salary Cap Management
The Cowboys also made important financial moves by restructuring contracts for key players. Defensive tackle Kenny Clark had his $11 million roster bonus converted into a signing bonus, freeing nearly $9 million against the salary cap. Offensive tackle Terence Steele also restructured his contract, creating additional cap space while remaining on the roster. Offensive coordinator Clayton Adams praised Steele’s continued improvement, highlighting the team’s focus on building a strong offensive line. These restructuring moves give the Cowboys more flexibility as they approach free agency and the draft.
NFL Draft Rumors and Trade Speculation
With the NFL Draft approaching, rumors are swirling about potential trades and draft strategies. The Cowboys hold two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft (12th and 20th overall), giving them valuable assets to improve the roster. There has been speculation about a possible blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns, but team officials have downplayed the likelihood of trading both first-round picks. Instead, the Cowboys are expected to focus on adding an ultra-athletic defender, similar to their 2021 selection of Micah Parsons.
The team may also look to draft a rookie running back to help manage the workload of veteran Tony Pollard, who is entering a contract year. The Cowboys’ draft strategy centers on upgrading multiple levels of the defense and finding players who fit their schemes. Executive vice president Stephen Jones acknowledged that trades often happen on draft day when players fall unexpectedly or teams want to move up slightly without paying too high a price. Fans are encouraged to tune into live coverage of Round 1 starting April 23 at 8 p.m. ET across multiple networks.
Team Outlook and Offseason Activities
As the Cowboys continue their offseason preparations, the focus remains on managing injuries, finalizing contracts, and building team chemistry. There is optimism about the health of key players like Ezeiruaku and Bland, and the team is confident in retaining core talents such as Pickens. Offseason activities include workouts among players, with Pickens training alongside Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. The front office is working to ensure the roster is ready for training camp and the regular season.
The Cowboys’ active approach to contract negotiations, injury management, and draft planning shows their commitment to building a competitive team. With strong leadership from Prescott, a talented roster, and smart front office moves, Dallas is positioning itself for another run at the playoffs. Fans can expect more updates as the offseason progresses and the team finalizes its plans for the 2026 season.