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.

“I would bet that we will spend more money in free agency than we have. I want you to know that the only way to push more is for me to go borrow some of my future, ok? Expect me to go borrow some of my future.”

For a franchise that hasn’t reached the Super Bowl in decades, that type of aggressive approach could mark a turning point. Whether it results in marquee free-agent signings or bold roster moves, Jones has publicly committed to doing whatever it takes financially. Now, Cowboys fans will be watching closely to see if those promises translate into the kind of roster capable of finally ending the championship drought.

Jerry Jones and the 2026 NFL Draft

With an eye firmly on the future, Jerry Jones understands that the 2026 NFL Draft could become a defining moment for the Dallas Cowboys. Holding two first-round picks, the franchise has valuable draft capital to either select elite young talent or maneuver aggressively up the board. After losing Micah Parsons, the defense is in urgent need of impact players, particularly along the edge and across the defensive front.

Jones made it clear he would not shy away from making bold moves if it fits the team’s competitive timeline. “I don’t know that I’d expect it but we have the ammunition to be good at it. And I wouldn’t hesitate to be good at it if it will help our team and help the timeline that we’re talking about.”

Armed with premium assets and facing clear defensive needs, the Cowboys have the flexibility to make a major splash. Whether that means drafting a cornerstone pass rusher or leveraging those selections in a high-profile deal, the 2026 Draft has the potential to reshape the franchise’s trajectory.

That move guarantees that the Cowboys retain Pickens’ rights and that the star cannot test free agency in the coming weeks. In addition, they are automatically obligated to pay him close to $28 million for the upcoming season as one of the top five players at the position. By the way, under this tag, Pickens can listen to offers, but Dallas will have the opportunity to match them. If that does not happen, the Cowboys would receive two first-round picks as compensation if the player leaves.

However, the announcement will not sit well in Pickens’ camp. The player is expecting a multi-year deal with a lot of guaranteed money. After proving with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas that he is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, George will not want to earn less than names like Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, or CeeDee Lamb.

Will George Pickens sign a contract extension with Cowboys?

For now, George Pickens is not close to signing a contract extension at all with the Cowboys and, after the franchise tag is officially in place, the wide receiver is most likely to skip all offseason activities with the team as a form of protest if he is not given a major contract.

How much money does George Pickens want from Cowboys?

George Pickens will likely begin negotiations using CeeDee Lamb as a benchmark. His teammate signed a four-year, $136 million contract in 2024. It will be very difficult for him to accept anything less than that.

Furthermore, in a very important detail, Pickens’ agent also has Micah Parsons as a top client. We cannot forget that David Mulugheta had an extremely complicated negotiation with Jerry Jones that ended with the defensive star being traded to the Packers. In the wide receiver’s case, he will not back down either.

Money benchmark for George Pickens

For all practical purposes, Pickens and Mulugheta will take into account that Justin Jefferson earns $35 million annually and that Ja’Marr Chase reset the market with $40 million per season. Based on that, and considering the massive salary cap problems the Cowboys are dealing with, it appears it will be another controversial and lengthy offseason for Jones with one of his stars.

If Jerry wants to keep one of the best offenses in the NFL intact with Dak Prescott, Lamb, and Pickens, he will have to find a way to give the former Steelers player a contract extension.

Since arriving in Dallas, Aubrey has developed into one of the NFL’s most reliable and productive kickers, providing consistency and long-range accuracy that have directly influenced game outcomes. As the Cowboys aim to maximize their Super Bowl window with Dak Prescott under center, maintaining stability in the kicking game has become more than a luxury. It’s a competitive necessity.

Now, according to a report from Todd Archer, negotiations between Dallas and Aubrey’s camp have revealed a significant gap in contract expectations. “The Dallas Cowboys and the agent for Pro Bowler Brandon Aubrey are in agreement that he should be the highest-paid kicker in the NFL. The disagreement is by how much.”

Who is the highest paid kicker in the NFL?

The highest-paid kicker in the NFL is Harrison Butker, who signed a four-year, $25.6 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024, setting the benchmark at an average of $6.4 million per season. That figure has become the reference point in negotiations around the league, including the current talks between the Dallas Cowboys and Brandon Aubrey, whose camp is reportedly seeking a deal that creates clear separation above Butker’s number.

Jerry Jones has another problem with Brandon Aubrey

The Dallas Cowboys may have found stability at kicker, but a new challenge is emerging for owner Jerry Jones as the team navigates contract extension talks with Brandon Aubrey.

According to Todd Archer’s report, negotiations remain stalled despite mutual recognition of Aubrey’s value. “The Cowboys have offered a deal for Aubrey that is more than the league-high $6.4 million average per season for Kansas City’s Harrison Butker, sources told ESPN. However, Aubrey’s agent, Todd France, has asked for a deal closer to $10 million per season, according to sources. The negotiations started last season but have not progressed.”

Jerry Jones is once again navigating a high-profile contract dispute, a familiar position for the controversial owner in recent years. The Cowboys have worked through complex negotiations involving Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons. The first two were successful, but, in a shocking turn of events, Parsons was traded to the Packers.

The ongoing talks with Brandon Aubrey add another layer to that pattern, and the financial puzzle will only grow more complicated as the franchise also prepares for a new contract for wide receiver George Pickens in 2026.

“The Dallas Cowboys are expected to place their franchise tag on Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens, league sources told ESPN. The projected cost of the one-year, fully guaranteed franchise tag for Pickens will be roughly $28 million.”

Now, the next step for Jones is to try to negotiate a contract extension with Pickens so that the star remains with the Cowboys long term. Alongside Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, George is a cornerstone for being Super Bowl contenders.

George Pickens could be upset with Jerry Jones and Cowboys

George Pickens could become upset with Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys because, in any negotiation, the franchise tag is not player-friendly. In fact, it is seen as a measure to tie a star down and potentially hinder a long-term contract extension.

David Mulugheta, Pickens’ agent, already had friction with Jones while negotiating a new deal for Micah Parsons, and it all ended in a historic trade to the Packers. Now, the start with Pickens is not the best.

George Pickens’ contract extension with Cowboys

George Pickens will seek a contract extension with the Cowboys worth close to $35 million per season on a four-year deal. However, thanks to the franchise tag, Jerry Jones has all the leverage to drag things out and, if he chooses not to pay him, keep him on a one-year agreement under the tag. Instead of opting for an early extension, Jones has chosen more controversy in something that could impact their Super Bowl chances for 2026.

“It hurts and every year it just means even more. You want to be here and you want to be playing. But, the mindset that I have is that we go through everything for a purpose. You can’t tell me that all these ten years and every experience I’ve had wasn’t for us to be better and get there next year.”

The Dallas Cowboys showed flashes of brilliance during the 2025 season, especially during a stretch of victories that included wins over the Eagles and the Chiefs. In the end, everything ended in disappointment with a 7-9-1 record and missing the playoffs.

Cowboys’ last Super Bowl win

The Cowboys’ last Super Bowl victory came thirty years ago, when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers. Because of that, Prescott understands that the pressure will continue to increase.

“It gets bigger each year that we don’t make it. That’s real. When you have a year like I did as a rookie, you think you’re going to have multiple opportunities to get back. Now, you sit here in Year 10 having opportunities in the playoffs and not doing what you wanted to do as a team and definitely individually.”

Despite the drought, the Cowboys showed promising signs in Brian Schottenheimer’s first year as head coach. The offense looks great with Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, and it will be even better if they retain George Pickens by giving him a contract extension. If the defense raises its level, it is very possible that they can be in the mix.

“We did some things last year that helped us, really helped us. Busting the budget would have to be going beyond that. Going beyond what ground we made up. That would be that, busting the budget. You would expect me to take the improvement that we have on assets, to have personnel to play. You would expect me to use everything that I gave up to get it.”

The Cowboys appear to have one of the best offenses in the NFL with Dak Prescott, George Pickens, and CeeDee Lamb. However, after the Micah Parsons’ trade to the Packers, the defense collapsed and became one of the worst in the league. That is where Jones needs to allocate the budget if he wants to contend. Also, Jerry has to give Pickens a contract extension or franchise tag him.

Jerry Jones and the Micah Parsons’ trade

Despite the fact that trading Micah Parsons had a huge impact on the Cowboys during the 2025 season, Jerry Jones does not regret his decision because, in the long term, he knew that with that move he could fill more holes on the roster.

“It was just more worth it to us to have the picks than the player. I’m serious. I understood Micah’s sensitivity and I understood that with him. I understood the agent wanting to be involved. I understood all of that. The reason that Micah is not here has everything to do with what we have and what we got for him.”

Because of that, as he said a few months ago, Jones is only asking for patience so that his vision can become a reality after letting Parsons go. The owner believes the plan will lead Dallas to another Super Bowl.

“We’ll be sitting here three or four years from now talking about what we did get. I can’t tell you how much I understand Micah. That’s what happens when you get players involved, so it becomes competitive. It might mean, ‘I might not mean as much as I do to the other team.’ I understand that. I do better face-to-face with the player in portraying that than I do separated from that.”

“I’m talking to George all the time by virtue of my excitement for him He’s better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute. I’m looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time.”

The Cowboys’ offense looked impressive in the 2025 season with Pickens, Dak Prescott, and CeeDee Lamb. Because of that, the quarterback put pressure on Jones to sign George as soon as possible and ensure the same chemistry for 2026.

Will George Pickens sign contract extension with Cowboys?

George Pickens said that he would like to sign a contract extension, but that everything depends on the negotiations between his agent David Mulugheta, and Jerry Jones. “Just the ultimate best deal when it helps everybody. If it’s the best thing for both parties, then I’m willing to do anything. But like I said, I can’t control it, so I just kind of chill.”

Will George Pickens leave the Cowboys?

If Jerry Jones does not give George Pickens a contract extension, the wide receiver would become a free agent and generate a lot of interest around the NFL. However, Jones would also have the option of using the franchise tag on him.

By the way, during Super Bowl week, Micah Parsons hinted that he would try to convince Pickens to sign with the Packers. This was Jones’ response in an interview with Sports Illustrated. “We think a lot of George Pickens as well. I’m sure having played him, he thinks a lot of him as well. So, we’re really proud to have him as a Cowboy.”