“Where he can continue to go and grow is scary because what he did last year was amazing. And the more you watch the film, then you see it and you’re just kind of like, ‘Whoa.’ It’s just different,” the head coach said Saturday to the press. “We’ve got a lot of really good football players, and he’s certainly at the top of that list along with some of our other studs.“

The offense of America’s Team promises to be one of the most aggressive, to the point that the Cowboys already were impressed with UDFA tight ends Michael Trigg and DJ Rogers.

In the last couple of days, Schottenheimer tried to stay out of the trade buzz surrounding Pickens, although the wide receiver’s presence heading into the 2026 NFL season looks encouraging for this team. Can the former Steeler surpass the numbers he put up last season?

Pickens aims to improve on his 2025 numbers

George Pickens has truly cemented himself as one of Dak Prescott’s most lethal targets since joining the Dallas Cowboys in 2025. Following a blockbuster trade from the Steelers, Pickens exploded in his first season in Texas, recording career-highs across the board and earning his first Pro Bowl selection and AP Second-Team All-Pro honors.

Pickens finished the year ranked 3rd in the NFL in receiving yards, proving to be the perfect sidekick to CeeDee Lamb in an explosive Cowboys passing attack. His chemistry with Dak Prescott was evident in several massive performances, including a 168-yard game against the Panthers and a 146-yard showing in a comeback win over the Eagles.

Is he better now than he was in Pittsburgh?

George Pickens once established himself as a premier deep threat during his three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he recorded 174 receptions for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns in 48 games. After a promising rookie campaign in 2022 (801 yards), he had a breakout 2023 season with 1,140 yards and a league-leading 18.1 yards per catch.

However, his final year in Pittsburgh was marked by frustration, including a hamstring injury and public criticism regarding his effort on the field, which eventually led to his trade to Dallas in May 2025.

Right now, the player is enjoying a strong run of form on the field, and it seems he may have found his place in Dallas. For now, Schottenheimer and company are excited about what he could unlock in the near future.

“I don’t think there’s any reason for us to have that [conversation]. That’s now what we plan on doing,” Schottenheimer admitted to The Dallas Morning News.

After putting pen to paper on the $27.3 million franchise tag for the 2026 NFL season, Pickens is set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. Thus, it begs the question of which route Jerry Jones and the Cowboys will go down. Dallas has made it clear it won’t entertain extension talks at this point. If anything, America’s Team will wait to see how Pickens performs next season.

Cowboys won’t make Pickens decision right now

Facing a plethora of options, there’s even room for Jones and the Cowboys to make Pickens the highest-paid WR in NFL history. That prospect is surely one that will motivate Pickens to put together another strong year in Arlington. However, Schottenheimer believes Pickens isn’t one to be money-driven.

“I think [Pickens] would play this game for a dollar as much as he loves football,” Schottenheimer commented on Dallas’ star wideout. “These guys that love playing the game, they love playing the game.”

That might be true, but Jones and the Cowboys still had a tough time reaching an agreement with Pickens and his camp. At the end of the day, the wide receiver out of Georgia will play on the tag in 2026. Whatever happens next is uncertain. Schottenheimer says Dallas isn’t entertaining any speculation around Pickens—neither an extension nor a trade. However, history should warn everybody to keep an eye on America’s Team.

Parsons’ case casts a cloud of concern over Pickens

Anything can happen. Knowing Jones’ history with Pickens’ agent, David Mulugheta, it’s easy to question whether such a record-setting extension will be possible. After all, Micah Parsons—represented by Mulugheta as well—was also poised to sign a groundbreaking contract back in 2025, but he ended up putting pen to paper on a record non-quarterback contract in NFL history in Green Bay.

Indeed, everything is bigger in Texas, but it seems like Jones’ will to extend stars doesn’t match that. Or, what’s also big is the Cowboys owner’s grudge against Mulugheta.

Schottenheimer may have pushed back on a potential trade, but recent history indicates nothing can be taken for granted when it comes to the franchise valued at approximately $13 billion—according to Forbes‘ list in 2025—and located in Arlington, Texas, the “American Dream City.”

“Super Bowl 61, February 14th, 2027. That’s where we plan on being,” he said via Jon Machota on X. “That’s a tall task. And we have to clean up a number of things that we need to improve on from last year.

“But it was proven this year by Seattle and New England that if you didn’t qualify for the playoffs the previous year, it doesn’t mean you can’t get to the big game.”

The last time the Dallas Cowboys played in (and won) a Super Bowl was on January 28, 1996, in Super Bowl XXX. Can Schottenheimer lead Dak Prescott and company back to the top of the NFL?

Cowboys’ Super Bowl appearances

The Dallas Cowboys have made eight Super Bowl appearances throughout their history, tied for the second-most in NFL history. They hold a 5-3 record in the championship game, securing victories in Super Bowls VI, XII, XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX.

The franchise’s golden eras were defined by legendary figures such as Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin, along with Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry. Despite their storied past and five rings, the team has not returned to the Super Bowl since their last victory in January 1996.

Seattle wins Super Bowl LX

The Seattle Seahawks captured their second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history by defeating the New England Patriots 29–13 in Super Bowl LX, held on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium. Led by head coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks’ defense delivered a masterclass, recording six sacks and forcing three turnovers, including a decisive pick-six by Uchenna Nwosu.

Running back Kenneth Walker III was named the game’s MVP after a dominant performance with 135 rushing yards on 27 carries. Additionally, kicker Jason Myers set a Super Bowl record by converting five field goals, while quarterback Sam Darnold managed an efficient game to secure the title for the “12s” exactly 12 years after the team’s first championship.

“I’ll be excited to see him whenever I see him,” the head coach said via Todd Archer on X. The insider also added that Schottenheimer was not surprised that Pickens signed the franchise tag tender, and that communication between both sides has been excellent.

Dak Prescott is smiling, as is Jerry Jones and company. America’s Team had one of the most effective offenses last season, thanks in part to the contributions of former Steelers receiver. The big question heading into 2026 is whether they can take their numbers to another level.

Pickens’ 2025 numbers

George Pickens had a breakout debut season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025, proving to be a premier deep threat for Dak Prescott. Over 17 games, he recorded career-highs across the board with 93 receptions for 1,429 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 15.4 yards per catch.

His performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and Second-team All-Pro honors, finishing the season as the league’s third-leading receiver in total yards. Following this elite production, the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on him for the 2026 season to ensure he remains a cornerstone of their offense alongside CeeDee Lamb.

What’s Pickens’ contract situation?

Following latest season, the Cowboys placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on George Pickens to prevent him from hitting unrestricted free agency. Under this one-year tender, Pickens is set to earn a fully guaranteed salary of approximately $24.1 million for the 2026 season.

While the tag secures his presence in the lineup for now, both parties have until the mid-July deadline to negotiate a multi-year contract extension; otherwise, he will play out the year on the one-year deal and potentially face the tag again or free agency in 2027.

This part of the team’s performance was one of the lowest points in 2025 under the leadership of Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator. On average, the Cowboys allowed 30.1 points per game (Rank: 32nd, last in the league) and 371.0 yards allowed per game (Rank: 30th).

After his stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, Christian Parker arrived at America’s Team as the new DC. It’s clear that a radical change was coming in the playing philosophy of Brian Schottenheimer’s team.

What lies ahead appears to bring a breath of change in Dallas. Not touching what worked well could be a smart decision, but having strongly reinforced the weak spots might be even better. Could this be enough for them to emerge as contenders in the NFC East?

The Cowboys’ first decisions

In a bold and intriguing move, the Cowboys traded up from No. 12 to No. 11 with the Miami Dolphins to select star safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State. They later reinforced their front seven by trading back slightly and picking UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 23. These two picks represent a significant investment in athleticism and playmaking ability for a unit that lacked both in 2025.

Trading two fifth-round picks and the No. 12 selection to move up one spot and select Downs may have been one of Jerry Jones’ biggest successes. Now Downs will have to repay on the field the trust placed in him after being selected out of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

New linebacker in Dallas

With the 92nd overall pick acquired through the Osa Odighizuwa trade, the Dallas Cowboys selected Jaishawn Barham, a versatile defender from the Michigan Wolverines. Capable of playing both as an off-ball linebacker and an edge rusher, Barham recorded 32 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks during his 2025 campaign.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has indicated that Barham will initially focus on the inside linebacker position, where his athleticism and physicality can provide an immediate boost to the team’s defensive core for the 2026 season.

The fourth round was the most active for the Cowboys

The Cowboys bolstered their roster with three fourth-round picks, starting at No. 112 with Penn State tackle Drew Shelton, who was the team’s first offensive selection of the 2026 draft after allowing only one sack in his final college season.

Two picks later at No. 114, the team added Florida cornerback Devin Moore, a 6’3″ defensive standout who recorded 35 tackles, 2 interceptions, and an elite 83.0 PFF grade in 2025. Given this production, Jerry Jones can feel confident about Moore becoming a key playmaker in a secondary that desperately needs a boost.

Finally, at No. 137, Dallas selected Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton, whose 42 tackles and 4 sacks in the SEC provide immediate rotational depth to an interior front looking to regain its dominance.

A new weapon for Dak Prescott

With their final selection at No. 218, the Cowboys returned to the offensive side of the ball to draft Anthony Smith, a speedster from East Carolina. Known for his vertical threat and 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed, Smith is expected to challenge for a role as a deep-ball specialist and a key contributor on special teams.

The rookie joins a revamped wide receiver room headlined by CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, providing Dak Prescott with even more explosive depth for the upcoming 2026 season.

The Dallas offense aims to stay on track

In 2025, Dak Prescott anchored a high-powered Dallas Cowboys offense that ranked second in the NFL with 391.9 total yards per game. Individually, Prescott delivered a statistically elite campaign, throwing for 4,552 passing yards (3rd in the NFL) and 30 touchdowns against only 10 interceptions.

His efficiency was highlighted by a 99.5 passer rating and a 67.3% completion percentage, leading an air attack that featured standout performances from George Pickens (1,429 receiving yards) and CeeDee Lamb (1,077 receiving yards). Despite the team’s defensive struggles, Prescott’s leadership enabled the offense to average over 30 points per game, keeping Dallas competitive throughout the season.

“Hey look, GP loves it here. We love GP,” the head coach said Monday at the Annual League Meeting in Phoenix. “We have plans for GP to be here for a long time. So, we’ll let the business side of this thing play out and see where it goes.”

Pickens might sit out of offseason activities while awaiting a possible long-term deal. “We’re still a couple weeks away,” Schottenheimer also said of organized team activities. “It’s gonna play out how it plays out and again, it’s all voluntary. So we’ll see where it goes.”

Pickens and the rest of the franchise-tagged players have until July 15 to negotiate with their teams. These will be key moments to draw attention for both sides as they look ahead to the upcoming NFL season.

Pickens’ big 2025 with America’s Team

After being acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers in May 2025, George Pickens enjoyed a career-defining breakout season with the Dallas Cowboys. He quickly became a favorite target for Dak Prescott, finishing the 2025 regular season with an impressive 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns in 17 games.

His explosive playmaking ability was on full display as he averaged 15.4 yards per catch, proving to be the elite deep threat Dallas needed to complement CeeDee Lamb. This dominant performance not only led to his first Pro Bowl selection but also solidified his status as one of the premier wide receivers in the league.

Major air weapons for Prescott

Undoubtedly, Dak Prescott can feel lucky. He has one of the most effective receiving corps in the league, as proven last season, throwing for 4,552 yards and finishing 3rd in this ranking, just behind Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff.

For 2026, this is the intriguing group of players who will be on the field and available for the Cowboys’ QB:

Following a disappointing 2025 season that saw the Cowboys miss the playoffs and trade All-Pro Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, fans are eager for a turnaround. The front office has already been active this offseason, aggressively rebuilding a defense in the free agency that was among the league’s worst last year.

By signing players like Rashan Gary (acquired via trade), Jalen Thompson, P.J. Locke, Cobie Durant, Darrion Kendrick, Tyrus Wheat, and Otito Ogbonnia, Schottenheimer believes the team has plugged enough holes to avoid a “need-based” draft.

“I think we did a really good job of setting ourselves up to be able to draft natural and draft pure, which is what you want to do,” HC Brian Schottenheimer said, via the team’s website. “You don’t want to have to be forced to reach for a player, that’s when you make mistakes.”

What are the Cowboys’ needs in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Cowboys currently hold eight picks in the draft, including the extra first-rounder from the Packers in the Parsons trade. This draft stock is vital for a team looking to replace the production of Parsons.

While Dallas was linked to Maxx Crosby following Parsons’ exit, a deal never materialized, and Crosby remains with the Raiders after a separate trade to the Ravens collapsed.

This leaves the defensive end position as a primary focus. Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. is widely considered the premier edge rusher in this class, but with his stock rising into the top 10, it is unlikely he will be available at No. 12.

With two picks in the top 20, the Cowboys are in a prime position to secure elite talent. Although Schottenheimer has hinted at a patient approach, using these picks to land cornerstone prospects will be essential for the franchise’s post-Parsons rebuild.

The Cowboys won’t have an easy 2026

With months still to go until the 2026 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles remain the favorites to take the NFC East. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, they might not even be the second-best team in the division.

This offseason, the Giants signed John Harbaugh as their new head coach. He is expected to bring a massive change to New York, with fans believing the team could even steal the NFC East title this year.

According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, who shared the news on his X account, one of the first casualties of this situation is Matt Eberflus, who has been relieved of his duties. From now on, Brian Schottenheimer will need to find a new defensive coordinator for his team.

Defense proved to be the Achilles’ heel for America’s Team this season, with Dak Prescott standing out as their top performer on the field. After finishing with a 7–9–1 record, Eberflus was the first scapegoat to be fired in Arlington.

Jones has shown in recent years that he does not hesitate to make drastic decisions regarding his various staffs. Over the past four seasons, the Cowboys will now be searching for their fourth defensive coordinator, someone capable of building a true fortress for the team.

Cowboys’ defense struggled to find its footing

Throughout the 2025 season, the Dallas Cowboys’ defense transitioned from a feared unit to one of the team’s most glaring deficits. Despite having elite individual talent, the group struggled significantly with consistency and stopping the run, frequently allowing opponents to dictate the tempo of the game.

A telling statistic of this decline was that Dallas finished the regular season ranked 28th in rushing yards allowed per game, surrendering an average of 142.5 yards on the ground.

This inability to control the line of scrimmage forced the offense into shootouts and ultimately derailed its postseason aspirations. Whoever takes over from here will face a tough task ahead in improving on the team’s 2025 performance.

On the immediate horizon are the Minnesota Vikings, who will face the Cowboys in a high-stakes Sunday Night Football matchup at AT&T Stadium. The good news for Prescott and company is that CeeDee Lamb is making favorable progress from his concussion, raising hopes for his return.

Insider Jon Machota, via his X account, revealed the significant injury update provided by Schottenheimer regarding the wide receiver’s status: according to the HC, Lamb is “doing good. Progressing nicely.”

The incident involving Lamb, which forced him to leave the field, occurred just minutes into the third quarter. Up to that point, the wide receiver had recorded a total of six catches for 121 yards.

Lamb’s numbers this season in Dallas

Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has firmly established himself as Dak Prescott‘s principal weapon in the Dallas Cowboys’ offense this season. Through the air, Lamb has been a high-volume and efficient playmaker, racking up 57 receptions for 865 yards.

While his touchdown total stands at 3, his impressive 15.2 yards per reception average underscores his ability to turn short catches into significant gains and consistently move the chains for the Cowboys.

What lies ahead for the Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys face a critical and challenging final stretch as they fight to secure their spot in the playoffs. The team will benefit from two consecutive home games at AT&T Stadium against the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Cowboys will conclude their schedule with two key divisional road tests: first against the Commanders and finally, a potentially decisive finale against the Giants at MetLife Stadium. Dallas must emerge victorious in these high-stakes contests to ensure a postseason bid.

During last offseason, the arrival of George Pickens was finalized, and it was undeniably a much-needed upgrade for America’s Team. In fact, Brian Schottenheimer stated that the plan is to keep the wide receiver in the franchise for many years to come.

“Sign me up. I mean, what do you say?” Schottenheimer said Tuesday, via Schuyler Dixon of the Associated Press. “Those two guys [Pickens and CeeDee Lamb], I just love their relationship, man. I love the firepower that they give us. That’s one of those games where you never know which one it’s going to be.

“Some games it’s both of them. Some games it’s one of them, and again, like I said, I pinch myself at times. Because when you’re talking about you’re Dak [Prescott] or the play caller, like myself, you’re like, ‘OK, if we do this, which way do I throw it to? I like that matchup, but wow, that one is pretty good, too.’ That’s real. I’m very in favor of George having a long-term future with us.”

Pickens’ impact on the Cowboys’ offense

George Pickens has proven to be a sensational addition to the Dallas Cowboys offense this season, quickly establishing himself as a primary deep threat for quarterback Dak Prescott.

Through 10 games, Pickens has recorded 58 receptions for a total of 908 receiving yards, giving him a robust average of 15.7 yards per catch. He leads the team with seven receiving touchdowns, already marking his highest touchdown total in a single season.

The dynamic connection with Prescott has been on full display, notably during the recent win against the Raiders where Pickens hauled in nine catches for 144 yards and a score, solidifying his role as one of the league’s most productive wide receivers.

Will Pickens remain a Cowboy next season?

Pickens is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after this season, but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has stated they can afford to keep him. They have the options of signing him to a long-term contract or using the Franchise Tag to secure him for the next year.

It’s been a difficult few days for America’s Team following the passing of Marshawn Kneeland. However, Prescott chose to carry on his former teammate’s legacy within the franchise, stating that from now on they will approach every game with the same attitude Kneeland embodied.

“Obviously, coming out there tonight and playing with the style that he played with, the intensity, the effort, the finish, super proud of the guys,” the QB said via ESPN. “This doesn’t put a cap on it. We’re going to continue to move forward, shining a light on Marshawn and carrying his legacy. And we need to play like this every week moving forward. He’ll always be with us.”

The Cowboys managed to take care of business with a 33–16 final score, and in doing so, they remain determined not to lose ground on the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East.

Schottenheimer’s emotion

Emotions are running high within the Cowboys after the recent news regarding Kneeland, and one of those who spoke about it was head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who was visibly emotional following the game against the Raiders.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have some tears when I first put this shirt on, as you can imagine,” Schottenheimer said to the press. “But more than anything, I know Marshawn was looking down on us, and we wanted to make him proud. And I think we did that.”

Chasing the playoffs

The Dallas Cowboys are entering a critical and demanding stretch of their schedule as they fight to secure a spot in the playoffs. Their path is immediately tested by a tough sequence of three games: first, they host the divisional rival Philadelphia Eagles, followed by a high-stakes home matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

They conclude this difficult run with a road trip to face the Detroit Lions. To successfully make their playoff push, the Cowboys must navigate this challenging slate, which includes two Super Bowl contenders, by capitalizing on their home advantage and relying on strong performances from their core players.