The true test will come in the coming days, weeks, or even months, when the Cowboys begin extension talks with Porter Jr. and his camp, which, if George Pickens‘ drama has taught Dallas anything, should be a troubling one.

As reported by Todd Archer of ESPN NFL Nation, Porter Jr. shares the same agent as Pickens: David Mulugheta. In fact, the Cowboys have 20 players set to become unrestricted free agents next offseason, and six of them are represented by Mulugheta.

Considering how contract talks went with Pickens, another player brought to Dallas from Pittsburgh, it should be easy to connect the dots and expect a similar fate when Jones and the brass sit down with Mulugheta.

Similarities between Porter Jr. and Pickens

Pickens and Porter Jr.’s situations look too similar. Both were traded from the Steelers to the Cowboys ahead of or during contract years, and because neither was a first-round pick, the Cowboys can’t use a fifth-year option on their expiring rookie deals. The main difference is that Porter Jr. will make a little less, based on the fact that cornerbacks aren’t quite at the wide receivers’ payroll level in the NFL.

Other than that, it looks like Jones and Dallas have put themselves in the exact same situation they went through last year and during the offseason with Pickens. In the end, the Cowboys franchise-tagged Pickens, and the wideout out of Georgia accepted that, as he is now trying to increase his price tag with a strong 2026 NFL campaign.

Cowboys could franchise-tag Porter Jr.

The same could happen to Porter Jr., especially if negotiations between Jones and Mulugheta get off to a tense start. There’s clearly too much water under the bridge for the two sides to simply put it past them. And in more ways than one, even if the Cowboys mimic Pickens’ standoff to perfection with Porter Jr., that may be the best-case scenario.

The alternative would be repeating what happened with Micah Parsons, also represented by Mulugheta. They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Jerry Jones has definitely done that, though in some ways, he’s sold America’s Team’s soul to Mulugheta, who now has a big say in what the future will bring for Dallas.

Key takeaways

• Agent David Mulugheta represents six Cowboys players entering unrestricted free agency next offseason, including Joey Porter Jr.
• Dallas cannot use a fifth-year option on Joey Porter Jr. or George Pickens.
• Pickens accepted the franchise tag in Dallas after a contract standoff last season.

According to the insider Jon Machota on X, America’s Team owner said on 105.3 The Fan that there are “conversations going on” right now about potentially upgrading the roster. However, he did not specify which positions the team is looking to strengthen.

That said, in order to avoid tampering violations, Jones declined to make specific comments about Joey Porter Jr.’s situation. The cornerback is currently at an impasse in contract negotiations with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and leaving Steel City is one of the possibilities.

The Cowboys’ defense was one of the areas the franchise focused on most during the offseason. Will they continue adding names and talent in an effort to turn the season around in the short term?

Cowboys’ deficit so far this season

Despite maintaining an explosive offense led by Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys’ primary deficit in the 2026 NFL season continues to be their struggling defensive unit. The defense currently ranks near the bottom of the league, allowing 27.3 points per game (25th in the NFL) and a staggering 387.0 total yards per game (30th).

The issue is particularly glaring against the run, where opponents are gouging them for 5.0 yards per carry and ranking 31st in rushing yards allowed (179.7 per game). Furthermore, the unit has been unable to get off the field on critical downs, sitting dead last in the league by allowing a 58.8% third-down conversion rate.

Key takeaways

• Jerry Jones acknowledged ongoing internal conversations about upgrading the roster.
• Dallas holds a 1-2 record heading into Week 4.
• Their defense currently allows 27.3 points per game.

“I don’t know about an expansion,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. “I see the games continuing like they are. And I see the ethos, if you will, of the game, the story of the game really expanding all over the world. But fundamentally, to have an expansion team, probably is pretty far. If it’s here, it’s in the future.”

The creation of a new team, especially one based outside the United States, is not something that can happen overnight. For now, Jones believes it will take a considerable amount of time, but he did not rule out the possibility of it happening.

Goodell confident he can make his vision a reality

The fact that the NFL has been taking games to different countries around the world for years is a clear indication of the league’s ability to expand the sport internationally. While Jones does not appear particularly convinced by the project of a new team, Goodell believes that sooner or later it will move forward, along with the possibility of hosting a Super Bowl outside the United States.

“At some point, there will be NFL teams outside the USA. I have no doubt that this will happen one day,” Goodell told Markus Kuhn in interview for German broadcaster RTL/ntv.

He also said about the Super Bowl: “There are definitely international cities that could host something like that. But we would like to see an NFL team in such a city first.”

What international games remain this season?

The rest of the 2026 NFL international slate features a stacked lineup starting in Week 3 with Jerry Jones taking his Cowboys down to Rio de Janeiro to face the Baltimore Ravens at the iconic Maracanã Stadium. After that, London takes over for three straight weeks: Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders in Week 4, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5, and Houston Texans vs. Jaguars in Week 6.

The global tour finishes off with Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints in Paris (Week 7), Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons in Madrid (Week 9), New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions in Munich (Week 10), and wraps up with Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers in Mexico City in Week 11.

Key takeaways

• Jerry Jones expressed skepticism regarding near-future NFL expansion into European markets.
• Roger Goodell expects global expansion and potential Super Bowl hosting in foreign cities.
• Dallas faces Baltimore at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro during Week 3.

“We’re better than we’ve been the last two years on defense,” Jones stated to the press once the game concluded. Dak Prescott’s offense has always been the team’s biggest strength, but now the Cowboys are more balanced following their recent additions.

It is often said in the NFL that defenses win championships. This season, the Cowboys spared no expense in strengthening that side of the ball, and it is clearly starting to pay off.

Schottenheimer agrees with Jones

The Commanders presented a tough challenge, especially with a leader like Jayden Daniels on the other side. America’s Team had to work hard to get the job done. There are still areas to improve, but Brian Schottenheimer echoed Jones’ comments about the defense’s improvement.

“Overall, I thought the communication was better. There’s certainly things to clean up. We certainly did a poor job of containing Jayden (Daniels), but he can do that. He does that to a lot of people. That’s really where the rush yards got away,” Schotty said during his press conference.

“And then we got some things to improve on third down. I thought we really rushed the passer well. I don’t know what the pressure numbers were. I know we didn’t get any sacks, but (Daniels) and Marcus (Mariota) were both moved off the spot quite a bit. So, I felt good about that. But there’s always things to clean up. We certainly have not arrived. We got a lot of work to do.”

Washington couldn’t handle the pressure

The Cowboys’ defense finally flexed its muscles when it mattered most to lock down a 37-20 win over Washington. While they got ripped early on by Jayden Daniels’ legs, the defense slammed the door shut right at the goal line before halftime.

In the second half, they came out swinging—forcing a crucial fumble that flipped into an instant touchdown two plays later and shutting Washington down to just 10 points after the break.

Significant improvements on Dallas’ defense

The Cowboys‘ defense went from a top-tier group to a complete liability over the past two seasons. In 2024, they were solid enough, allowing roughly 27.5 points per game, racking up 52 sacks, and picking off 13 passes. But the 2025 campaign was a total disaster: they allowed a franchise-record 511 points (over 30 a game), saw their sacks plummet to 35, and managed a measly 6 interceptions.

They simply couldn’t get off the field or force turnovers, transforming what used to be an aggressive unit into one of the league’s most porous defenses.

Key takeaways

• Jerry Jones praised the defensive growth after previous concerns over unit strength.
• Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Commanders 37-20 behind a second-half defensive surge.
• 511 points allowed in 2025 set a franchise record for Dallas’ struggling defense.

“They just did a good job all over,” Jones said speaking on 105.3 The Fan. “And I will tell you, they were better than we thought they were. I’m anxious to see how New York continues to play, but I really — combination of things. We didn’t play as well as we should play and can play, but they played better than I thought they could.”

The NFL has provided plenty of evidence that underestimating opponents can be extremely counterproductive, and that is something Jones experienced firsthand. Now, America’s Team will have to learn their lesson in order to secure their first win of the season.

Time for Dallas to bounce back

The Dallas Cowboys got off to a rough start with a 28-20 loss to the Giants, leaving Jerry Jones and the franchise needing a quick turnaround to avoid an early-season panic. Cowboys have no time to dwell on that divisional setback, as they return to AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Sunday, September 20, for a Week 2 matchup against another NFC East rival, the Washington Commanders.

With high expectations surrounding the team, bouncing back on its home turf against Washington is practically mandatory if America’s Team want to get their season back on track before things get too chaotic.

AT&T Stadium will remain unchanged

The controversy surrounding the large windows at AT&T Stadium, which can sometimes allow sunlight to bother players, does not appear to be an issue for Jerry Jones. The Cowboys owner stated that he has no intention of tinting the windows, as was recently done at the stadium during the 2026 World Cup.

“I really don’t know about that at all,” said Jones. “So, no, not necessarily.” He also added: “No, I don’t think so. I don’t know of any plans to surprise our fans.”

Speaking with 105.3 The FAN, Jones mentioned teams such as the Seattle Seahawks, but also made it clear that “the first game for this team was unquestionably important. Don’t get it wrong.” Jones also placed particular emphasis on the team’s defensive struggles in Week 1.

“The last time that I was involved in as much change as we have made this year was the first year that I bought the Dallas Cowboys and we won one game … I think that’s an explanation, a valid one. There’s a lot of change to that side of the ball. We’re very optimistic that we can play better right now than what we played there Sunday night.”

Cowboys’ defense struggles against Giants

America’s Team’s defense had a rough night at MetLife Stadium, getting completely worn down in a 28-20 season-opening loss to the New York Giants. New York completely dictated the pace, outgaining Dallas 394 to 244 in total yards and dominating the clock with a staggering 36:40 time of possession.

The Cowboys couldn’t figure out Jaxson Dart, who torched them for 230 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and an efficient 79.3% completion rate, all while adding 54 yards on the ground. Factor in another 165 rushing yards surrendered to the Giants’ backfield, and it was clear the defense spent way too much time gasping for air on the field.

Time to bounce back

The Cowboys won’t have time to sulk after that opening-night flop against the Giants, as a crucial stretch lies ahead. They’ll return to Arlington to host the Washington Commanders in Week 2, aiming to fix their defensive communication and re-establish control at home.

Next comes a marquee international showdown against the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro, followed by a quick turnaround for an in-state battle against the Houston Texans. To get back on track, Dallas must tighten up its run defense, settle down Dak Prescott, and prove that Week 1 was just a fluke rather than a sign of systemic flaws.

The Seahawks’ recent experience

Although the Seattle Seahawks stumbled in Week 1 of the 2025 season with a tight 17-13 home loss to the San Francisco 49ers, they bounced back to pull off an incredible championship run. Mike Macdonald’s team ultimately capped off its dominant year by capturing the trophy in Super Bowl LX, overpowering the New England Patriots in a 29-13 victory.

Even though head coach Brian Schottenheimer admitted the physicality brought by the Giants was too much for the Cowboys, many believe there was one play where the game was lost for Dallas. That was Prescott’s costly interception before the end of the first half.

“Yes. Yes, [that was when the game turned]. We all know you can’t make it on a play. But a play sometimes is the decisive point,” Jones stated during an interview on 105.3 The FAN. “And there’s no question that [Prescott’s interception] was impactful for the entire game, what happened to us.”

The quarterback wants to move on. Prescott made that clear when he acknowledged the loss to New York while urging Dallas to stay focused on the 2026 NFL season. However, the loss stings, and he didn’t get such grace from America’s Team’s owner.

Prescott’s first INT in a while

Although his pick on Sunday night against the Giants wasn’t the first time the Cowboys’ signal-caller made an eyebrow-raising play in primetime, it was indeed his first turnover in a long time. Obviously, the fact that it was only Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season and Dallas hadn’t played since January helps.

Still, Prescott had entered the season with a four-game interception-less streak. Dak had finished the last season stringing together several clean games. However, he didn’t have the best of starts to the campaign.

Prescott finished the 28-20 loss in New York with 175 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Prior to Week 1, Prescott’s last interception in an NFL game was on Dec. 4, 2025, when he threw two picks in a 44-30 loss to the Detroit Lions.

Jones reiterated Friday that the Cowboys would consider making a substantial move if the right opportunity becomes available. Joseph Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News shared Jones’ comments from an appearance on 105.3 The Fan on X. “Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reiterates that they’d be open to making a substantive trade,” Hoyt wrote.

Jones, however, made it clear that Dallas will not make a major move simply for the sake of adding another player. “Totally predicated on the availability and the circumstances if we had the chance to improve it,” Jones said. Hoyt added that a potential deal would ultimately need to be the right move for Dallas before the organization makes a splash.

Dallas still has room to make another trade

The possibility of another major addition is not mere speculation. Dallas has generated additional financial flexibility by restructuring several contracts, granting the organization greater room to maneuver if an attractive opportunity arises.

Jones noted that the Cowboys could leverage that flexibility to reinforce this season’s roster, with the addition of another defensive player serving as an especially logical possibility. Dallas has already undertaken a significant defensive overhaul and hired Christian Parker as defensive coordinator, meaning the addition of another proven, high-impact defensive player could elevate the unit’s potential.

A blockbuster trade may not materialize before Week 1, making an immediate deal difficult to predict. However, the trade landscape can shift rapidly once games begin.

Players who currently appear unavailable could become realistic targets if their teams struggle, injuries create roster needs, or front offices alter their plans. Names such as Joey Porter Jr. have been mentioned as potential defensive targets, while other established pass rushers could become available if their respective teams reconsider their stance later in the NFL season.

“I’ve always thought Baltimore outcoached them since he had been the coach there. I had a funny feeling when he got there with the Giants, knowing we face him 2 times a year. He’s an outstanding coach,” Jones said on the 105.3 The FAN show.

Jones and Harbaugh are two figures with a long history in this league, and mutual respect is evident despite the fact that they will be on opposite sidelines next Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Will the head coach once again put America’s Team against the ropes?

Harbaugh’s record against the Cowboys

Since taking over as an NFL head coach with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008, John Harbaugh has held a 4–1 record against the Dallas Cowboys. His only loss came back in 2016, but outside of that setback, he has consistently gotten the best of America’s Team.

He picked up head-to-head victories in 2008, 2012, 2020, and most recently in Week 3 of the 2024 season, when Baltimore held off a late Dallas rally to secure a 28-25 win. Next Sunday, he will have a chance to improve on those numbers, this time at the helm of the Giants.

All set for the debut

The wait is finally over for fans, and now it’s time to get ready for the debut of these two NFC East powerhouses. The confirmation that Malik Nabers is virtually set to play for the Giants puts even more pressure on Brian Schottenheimer, who will have another reason to worry.

MetLife Stadium will be dressed to the nines for this highly anticipated divisional matchup, with both teams looking to start their campaigns with a winning record. Will the G-Men capitalize on home-field advantage, or will the Cowboys pull off the upset and defy the predictions?

“I’m excited what he has to do with us this year and in coming years, and I emphasize that, in coming years,” Jones revealed via The Athletic‘s Jon Machota. That said, the Cowboys owner made it clear that Pickens will have to continue performing at the highest level: “The better he plays, the better it is for him.”

The start of the 2026 NFL season will put Pickens head-to-head against Greg Newsome in a highly anticipated Sunday Night Football matchup between the Cowboys and the New York Giants. The wide receiver will face a major test to prove that he can remain with the franchise for many years to come.

What is Pickens’ contract situation?

Pickens is locked into playing the 2026 NFL season on a one-year, $27.3 million franchise tag with the Cowboys. Since the July 15 deadline passed without a multi-year extension being locked down, Dallas legally can’t offer him a long-term deal until after the regular-season finale in January 2027.

Pickens is coming off a monster 2025 campaign where he dropped 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, but with CeeDee Lamb already on a massive contract, the Cowboys‘ front office has openly admitted that fitting both wideouts under the cap long-term is going to be a massive financial riddle to solve.

Jones remains positive about Von Miller’s arrival

Starting a new NFL season requires not only talent, but also experienced players who can help navigate the challenges that come along the way. The Cowboys managed to acquire the services of Von Miller, and Jerry Jones himself is confident that the veteran pass rusher will put up very good numbers this season.

“I’m excited about what he can do, and I think he’ll really be in a position to really have some serious numbers out there. I’m glad we got him,” Jones firmly stated to the press.

Von Miller has already made it clear that he plans to help the Cowboys wherever he is needed, bringing the kind of veteran presence that could prove highly valuable to the team. It remains to be seen what role the coaching staff ultimately gives him once the ball gets rolling.

The league fined both Dallas and New Orleans $500,000 after several fights broke out during the practices in Oxnard, California, with the NFL emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and player safety during joint sessions. Jones acknowledged that the fine was significant and said the Cowboys plan to appeal the league’s decision.

However, the owner also made clear that the Cowboys cannot simply dismiss what happened as part of the competitive nature of training camp. “Without any humor at all, this is a serious matter and it needs to be taken that way by everybody associated at the club level, right up through the top. You have to have consequences and that needs to register. We all know, whether you play in a game or out here in society, if you aren’t sensitive about the consequences of your behavior, then you’ll get brought to your knees pretty quick.”

What happened between Cowboys and Saints?

The Cowboys’ punishment could also go beyond the NFL’s $500,000 penalty. Jones said Dallas will review the incidents and impose fines on individual players deemed responsible for the altercations. One player who drew particular attention was linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku, who was ejected from practice after throwing a punch, marking his second ejection during training camp.

Jones’ comments reflect the seriousness with which the Cowboys are treating the incident. Joint practices are designed to give teams valuable competitive work against another opponent, but repeated fights can eliminate that benefit and increase the risk of injuries before the regular season even begins.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer had already expressed disappointment with the practice, while Saints coach Kellen Moore also acknowledged that the session included behavior that went beyond normal football intensity.

The NFL had reminded teams before training camp that they were responsible for preventing unsportsmanlike behavior during joint practices. The league’s decision to hand both organizations $500,000 fines demonstrates how seriously it is enforcing that message. Jones himself acknowledged that the penalty was a way for the league to get everyone’s attention, particularly because there are fewer traditional consequences such as game penalties during a practice.