Cowboys 2026 free agents: George Pickens and other stars out of contract in Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys continue to operate under constant spotlight, where progress is measured as much by potential as by results. Beneath the NFL headlines, longer timelines are emerging, and contract situations are beginning to frame how the franchise plans its next move, with much of the attention on wide receiver George Pickens.

The 2026 offseason carries quiet significance. Several agreements near expiration, forcing internal evaluations that go beyond box scores. Roster stability, financial limits, and competitive urgency are starting to intersect at a pivotal moment.

Some of the names tied to those expiring deals have played visible roles in shaping recent seasons. Their uncertain futures point to broader decisions ahead, hinting that the Cowboys may soon face defining choices that extend well beyond a single year.

Cowboys 2026 free agents: Key contracts shaping Dallas’ next chapter

Dallas enters the latter half of the decade facing a familiar challenge: how to translate talent into sustained success while managing an increasingly complex financial picture.

The 2026 free-agent class underscores that tension, as several contracts near expiration during a period of heightened organizational pressure. One of the most notable names linked to that timeline is George Pickens.

George Pickens #3 of the Dallas Cowboys in 2025 (Source: Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Acquired to add explosiveness and edge to the Cowboys’ offense, Pickens represents both immediate impact and long-term uncertainty. His situation reflects a broader evaluation process, where upside must be weighed against consistency, fit and future cap commitments.

The team has historically leaned on star power, but recent seasons have emphasized the importance of depth and flexibility. Retaining key contributors without compromising roster balance remains a delicate act, especially as extensions elsewhere tighten available space and limit margin for error.