Jon Machota, the insider who usually stays up to date with everything happening in America’s Team, revealed on X a conversation with Jake Ferguson, in which he warns opponents about the ferocity of this unit on the team.

“Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson says Dallas has only “barely scratched the surface” of who they can be on offense,” Machota said. “He also said this is the best talent he’s seen in the Cowboys’ tight end room.”

There are five names Dak Prescott can rely on to do damage to opponents moving forward: Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Princeton Fant, and finally Michael Trigg.

Prescott has been able to take advantage of his TEs

During the 2025 NFL season, Dak Prescott and Jake Ferguson continued to anchor the Dallas Cowboys‘ aerial attack with highly productive campaigns. Prescott finished near the top of the league by throwing for 4,552 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, completing 67.3% of his passes.

A significant portion of that success went through Ferguson, who earned a Pro Bowl nod after hauling in 82 receptions for 600 yards and 3 touchdowns. Heading into the new season, the duo will look to improve upon these numbers by turning their yardage into higher scoring efficiency—specifically targeting more consistency in the red zone to elevate Ferguson’s touchdown totals and carrying a more balanced offensive load to push past last year’s mediocre team finish.

Will Schottenheimer unlock the tight ends in Dallas this season?

Brian Schottenheimer might heavily emphasize his tight ends to set the tone for his entire offensive system. Rooted in a physical, run-first philosophy, his game plan relies on multi-tight end sets to establish a dominant ground game, which naturally sucks in the defense and unlocks highly efficient, explosive play-action targets down the seam.

“I’m excited. Playing in my first international game, going into my 11th season, I would’ve thought we would’ve had one by now,” he said via the team’s official website. “But it’s all good. The travel will be tough, but international games are part of growing this game. It’s something we’ll manage. We have to take care of our bodies.“

For the first time in NFL history, Rio de Janeiro will host a regular season game. Brazil have hosted games on two previous occasions; however, those matchups were played in the city of Sao Paulo.

The Dallas Cowboys will travel to South America to face none other than the Baltimore Ravens in a matchup that could very well be a potential Super Bowl preview. Can they ultimately get it done?

A long trip for the Dallas Cowboys

Arlington to Rio de Janeiro seems like a long journey. The demands this team will face could be balanced out by a key factor, according to Dak Prescott: proper rest.

“For us, we have to make sure we get some good sleep on the plane,” the QB said, referring to the expected 10-hour flight. “I think that’s one of the biggest keys. Sleeping on a plane hasn’t ever been too difficult for me. Hopefully it doesn’t become an issue that week.

“We’ll just manage. We’ve done it before with Thanksgiving week, just not with travel like this. Other teams have, though. It’s not new. They’re doing everything they can to make sure we have the best plan and resources for recovery. I’m looking forward to it.”

The Dallas travel schedule

The Dallas Cowboys face a demanding travel schedule for the 2026 NFL season, featuring critical divisional road trips to New York, Washington, and Philadelphia. Beyond their NFC East rivals, the Cowboys will also hit the road for major matchups across the country, visiting Houston, Green Bay, and Indianapolis, alongside extensive West Coast swings to square off against Seattle and Los Angeles.

Cowboys’ regular season full schedule

• Week 1: at New York Giants
• Week 2: vs Washington Commanders
• Week 3: vs Baltimore Ravens
• Week 4: at Houston Texans
• Week 5: vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Week 6: at Green Bay Packers
• Week 7: at Philadelphia Eagles
• Week 8: vs Arizona Cardinals
• Week 9: at Indianapolis Colts
• Week 10: vs San Francisco 49ers
• Week 11: vs Tennessee Titans
• Week 12: vs Philadelphia Eagles
• Week 13: at Seattle Seahawks
• Week 14: Bye Week
• Week 15: at Los Angeles Rams
• Week 16: vs Jacksonville Jaguars
• Week 17: vs New York Giants
• Week 18: at Washington Commanders

Earlier when it was announced that Pickens would be tagged, Dak Prescott told him to “bet on himself.” Now, Prescott spoke via the team’s website and said, “The guy that I know George is, obviously he signed the tag, so when he has to be there and ready to play, he’s going to be there. He’s a hell of a talent. We’ve thrown this offseason, so I’m comfortable with where he’s at and I’m excited for when he can get in the building and get rolling.”

To be fair, the first season where Pickens and Prescott played together was one to remember. The connection between them was very natural and incredibly effective. For the Cowboys‘ sake, they hope this year will be the same.

Pickens was arguably the Cowboys’ WR1 in 2025

Last season was Pickens’ first as a Cowboy and he delivered and then some. Dak Prescott led the NFL with 404 completions, and 93 of them were receptions by Pickens, who racked up 1429 yards with nine touchdowns. He was a Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro.

For instance, CeeDee Lamb, who is on paper the team’s WR1, had 1077 yards and three touchdowns on 75 catches. Hence, Pickens outplayed him in every single statistic. Also Lamb had eight drops last season, Pickens had only four.

The Cowboys have made moves to fight for a playoff berth

At least for this season the offense will be a high-octane one, with Pickens, Lamb, and tight end Jake Ferguson as the weapons for Dak Prescott, as well as running back Javonte Williams bringing a running threat.

The defensive line will be a tough one to beat with Quinnen Williams, Rashan Gary, and Kenny Clark. Not to mention, they drafted Malachi Lawrence to help out. The secondary has names like Caleb Downs, Cobie Durant, Malik Hooker, DaRon Bland, and plenty more. The roster is very good.

According to insider Tom Pelissero via his X account, the two-time Super Bowl champion is joining America’s Team on a one-year contract. Valdes-Scantling joins a receiving corps that already features the experience and talent of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

Now it remains to be seen what will happen from here on out with the veteran quarterback in Steel City. Will Rodgers return for another year seeking revenge, or will he instead choose to continue his career elsewhere?

The second stint of Rodgers and Valdes-Scantling has come to an end

During their time together with the Green Bay Packers (2018–2021), Aaron Rodgers and Marquez Valdes-Scantling established a potent deep-threat connection, with MVS hauling in 123 receptions for 2,153 yards and 13 touchdowns from the four-time MVP. Their chemistry peaked in 2020, when Valdes-Scantling led the NFL with an explosive 20.9 yards per reception.

Fast forward to their reunion with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, Rodgers managed to throw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions across 16 games. While Valdes-Scantling’s role was more limited during this second stint—recording just 14 catches for 120 yards and one touchdown in 10 appearances—his presence provided a familiar veteran target for Rodgers as they navigated a transition year in the AFC North.

The weapons available to Dak Prescott

Dak Prescott will have a versatile set of weapons for the 2026 season, as Marquez Valdes-Scantling joins a deep rotation headlined by superstar CeeDee Lamb and second-year breakout Ryan Flournoy.

While MVS adds much-needed speed to the perimeter, the surplus of talent in the wide receiver room could signal a George Pickens trade, especially as the Cowboys weigh the cost of Pickens’ $27.3 million franchise tag against long-term roster stability.

With these options at his disposal, Prescott is well-positioned to command a high-octane offense that blends veteran experience with explosive youth:

Pickens, acquired in a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers, delivered an outstanding campaign in what was the final year of his rookie deal. With his production surging and his role firmly established in the offense, he is now seeking a multi-year extension worth around $35 million per season, aiming to become one of the highest-paid receivers in the league.

For now, the Cowboys have taken a different route. They opted to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on Pickens rather than finalize a long-term deal, a move that has only intensified speculation about his future. Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, executive vice president Stephen Jones said: “We’ve had no one call with interest in George Pickens.”

Could Cowboys trade George Pickens?

Despite Jones’ comments, trade rumors have not gone away. When a player of Pickens’ caliber is involved in a contract dispute, interest can develop quickly, especially if other teams believe the situation could escalate.

At the same time, the franchise tag creates a complicated dynamic. It gives Dallas short-term control, but it does not resolve the long-term question. If negotiations stall or tensions rise, the possibility of a trade could resurface, even if no offers have materialized yet. That’s what happened with the Steelers.

For the Cowboys, this is about balance. Keeping a high-level weapon for Prescott is crucial, but so is managing the salary cap and avoiding a deal that could limit future flexibility. How they handle Pickens in the coming months may define not just his future, but the direction of the offense moving forward.

“We’re just working, no different than I have any offseason,” the quarterback said during the Children’s Cancer Fund anniversary gala, via video from Jon Machota of TheAthletic.com. “Obviously, first real offseason with George being a part of it, and he’s showed up and been active, has looked great. So super excited, leaving all that, those contract talks and that off to the front office.”

Cowboys haven’t kicked off their voluntary offseason program yet. However, for the wide receiver to take part, he would need to either sign the franchise tag—worth $27.298 million for one season—or agree to a participation deal, which is not expected to happen.

A lethal duo in Dallas

The connection between Dak Prescott and George Pickens became the centerpiece of the Dallas Cowboys’ high-powered aerial attack last season. Prescott orchestrated a prolific campaign, finishing the season with 4,552 passing yards and 30 touchdowns against only 10 interceptions, earning a 99.5 passer rating and a Pro Bowl selection.

His primary deep threat, George Pickens, thrived in his first year in Dallas, setting career highs across the board with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns. Averaging 15.4 yards per catch, Pickens provided the vertical explosive element Schottenheimer envisioned, helping the Cowboys maintain the NFL’s second-best offense and solidifying a dominant partnership that redefined the team’s offensive identity.

The Cowboys’ wide receiver corps

Beyond the options that George Pickens can give him in the offense, Dak Prescott also has other high-level targets, such as CeeDee Lamb.

The next NFL Draft in sight

The defense was undoubtedly one of the weak points of this team last season. Will they look to strengthen that area? These are the picks that Jerry Jones and company will soon have at their disposal.

• Round 1: No. 12
• Round 1: No. 20
• Round 3: No. 92
• Round 4: No. 112
• Round 5: No. 152
• Round 5: No. 177
• Round 5: No. 180
• Round 7: No. 218

However, the defensive side of the ball tells a different story. The departure of Micah Parsons left a massive void in 2025, stripping the unit of playmaking at the edge rusher position. While the additions of Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark provide a significant boost in the trenches, the defense still lacks the depth and versatility needed to compete with the NFL’s top contenders.

That imbalance could define Jones’ strategy heading into draft night. With a roster that feels close but incomplete, the Cowboys are widely expected to be aggressive. A trade, particularly one aimed at securing a defensive cornerstone, could happen early trying to chase that elusive Super Bowl.

Who will the Cowboys draft in 2026?

One projection gaining traction involves a bold move up the board in a trade with the Cleveland Browns at No. 6 to land linebacker Sonny Styles, a prospect viewed as a potential defensive centerpiece. Mel Kiper Jr. outlined the reasoning behind such a move, emphasizing just how urgent the Cowboys’ defensive needs are.

“Dallas wasn’t stopping anyone last season. We’ve all wondered whether the Cowboys would use both of their first-round picks on defense this month, but this trade up the board might have a greater impact, even if it means sacrificing one of those Day 1 selections. Styles is my No. 4 prospect, and he is explosive (43½-inch vertical jump), rangy (4.46 in the 40-yard dash) and productive (77 tackles last season).”

That scenario would signal a clear shift in priorities for Dallas. Rather than spreading resources across multiple needs, the Cowboys would be targeting a high-impact defender capable of transforming the unit immediately. Styles’ athletic profile and production suggest he could step in as a tone-setter from day one.

Speaking in an interview on FOX, Jones openly acknowledged the urgency to fix the defense. “Well, I’ll tell you, I believe we’ve done one thing. We’re figuring out how to stop them. We can’t do anything but go up there. That’s where we address and that’s where we’re putting our energy and our money.”

The Cowboys already possess one of the most dangerous offenses in the league with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens leading the way. That firepower was evident during the 2025 season, when Dallas consistently moved the ball and produced points. However, the defense struggled badly, finishing as one of the worst units in the NFL and often forcing the offense into high-scoring battles.

Cowboys shift focus to defense in Super Bowl push

Because of those struggles, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was dismissed and the Cowboys brought in a bright young mind in Christian Parker as DC. The move signals a philosophical reset, with Dallas aiming to modernize the scheme and generate more consistency.

If the Cowboys manage to reach a top-15 level on defense while the offense maintains the spectacular production, the team’s ceiling rises dramatically. With Prescott operating efficiently and weapons across the field, even an average defensive improvement could translate into several more wins. That balance is exactly what Dallas lacked in recent seasons.

Under that scenario, there is little doubt the Cowboys would become contenders in the NFC East. More importantly, a balanced roster could open the door for an improbable Super Bowl run. The offense is already in place, and now Jerry Jones is betting that a defensive overhaul will finally push Dallas into championship territory.

“My dad grew up a big Cowboys fan. He said when you were growing up you were either kind of a Cowboys fan or Steelers fan, so I was a Cowboys fan,“ he said via Jon Machota.

“I was a big fan of the Cowboys. I loved Tony Romo. I love watching Romo play. Even when I was in college, watching Dak play. Big fan of Dak and big fan of all the players I watched growing up.”

Cowboys QB room this 2026

Heading into the 2026 season, Dak Prescott continues to command the Cowboys’ locker room as the undisputed leader, especially after his massive four-year, $240 million extension provided the stability the franchise needed.

The competition behind him has intensified with the arrival of Sam Howell, who recently signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract ($500,000 guaranteed) to vie for the primary backup role.

Howell will be competing directly with Joe Milton III, the former Patriots signal-caller who joined Dallas last year and remains a high-potential developmental piece in a now crowded quarterback room.

Cowboys’ legendary QBs

The Dallas Cowboys boast a storied lineage of legendary quarterbacks, headlined by Hall of Famers Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, who combined for five Super Bowl championships (VI, XII, XXVII, XXVIII, XXX).

Staubach’s “Captain Comeback” icon in the 1970s and Aikman’s clinical precision during the 1990s dynasty set a gold standard for the franchise, a legacy later carried forward by prolific passers like Tony Romo and current leader Dak Prescott.

Historic NFL rivalry

The historical rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers is primarily defined by their unprecedented three Super Bowl matchups, where Pittsburgh holds a 2-1 advantage after victories in the 1970s and a Dallas win in 1996.

While the Steelers enjoyed a dominant run in the 2000s, the Cowboys faced a title drought during that era, yet the rivalry remained fierce due to their clashing identities.

• Super Bowl X, Steelers 21 – 17 Cowboys
• Super Bowl XIII, Steelers 35 – 31 Cowboys
• Super Bowl XXX, Cowboys 27 – 17 Steelers

Last season, Dak Prescott led an impressive unit alongside George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. However, the defense was one of the worst in the NFL and a key reason to explain why Dallas couldn’t fight for the Super Bowl.

Jones addressed the team’s approach in an interview with AP, expressing satisfaction with the moves the Cowboys have made during the offseason. “I think we’re within the boundaries of what we have available, what we’re trying to accomplish with draft picks and with the salary cap. I wouldn’t try to revisit or try to redo what we’ve done on either that cap or the trades we’ve made. I like what we got.”

Who did the Cowboys sign in free agency?

One of the most notable decisions by Dallas was placing the nonexclusive franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens. The Cowboys also brought back running back Javonte Williams on a three-year deal, while making a major defensive addition by trading for edge rusher Rashan Gary. In the secondary, Jerry Jones strengthened the safety position by signing Jalen Thompson to a three-year contract.

The Cowboys also focused heavily on adding depth through a series of one-year deals. Dallas agreed to terms with defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia, defensive end Sam Williams, cornerback Cobie Durant, safety P.J. Locke, quarterback Sam Howell, edge rusher Tyrus Wheat, offensive lineman Matt Hennessy and tight end Princeton Fant.

In addition to those signings, the Cowboys released quarterback Will Grier, while trading defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers for a third-round pick and sending defensive tackle Solomon Thomas to the Titans in a seventh-round pick swap. The Cowboys also placed second-round tenders on kicker Brandon Aubrey and guard T.J. Bass.

The Cowboys showcased one of the best offenses in the sport last year, and Pickens earned Second-Team All-Pro honors. Much of that success came from the connection between Prescott and Pickens. In a recent article from the Cowboys staff, Prescott was seen offering advice to Pickens about staying motivated after receiving a major payday.

“George loves football,” Prescott said. “That’s the one thing about it. I just want him to know, don’t change your love for football. Don’t get in the business mind of this. You played last year on a one year deal for not even that much, right? So, if you can go $30 million or whatever it is now, I think it’s the same thing I got when I was franchised, hey, go do it.

“At the end of the day, bet on yourself. He’s a hell of a player. Hopefully, we can get him long term and sign that but, if not, I think the way he plays the game, the person that he is, he’ll be just fine.”

Cowboys make decision on Pickens

One of those decisions involved what they would do with George Pickens, and they officially chose to place the franchise tag on him, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. “The Dallas Cowboys will place the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens today to secure his rights at least through 2026, according to sources. Fixed to adding today,” Archer wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The Cowboys acquired Pickens in a trade last offseason, and the move proved to be a strong decision considering what they were able to do offensively. Dak Prescott had another reliable option in the passing game, and when CeeDee Lamb was injured, Pickens stepped up in his absence and delivered several important plays.

There is little doubt that Pickens deserves a long-term contract, but at this moment, it remains uncertain what the Cowboys ultimately plan to do. Placing the franchise tag on him shows that the Cowboys value him and want to retain him, but if he plays next NFL season under the tag and improves on his previous year, they may have to pay even more.