“I would say I’m a defensive player,” Downs said the GBAG Nation show on 105.3 The Fan. “Being able to play near the line of scrimmage, being able to play in the second level, third level, being able to do a lot of different things. You say a weapon, I would just say a full-rounded player.

“If you’re a full-rounded player that can make plays in all facets of your defense and make your defense better, that’s who you want on your team. Not necessarily, oh, I want somebody to be able to set the edge. That’s great, but if he doesn’t necessarily make the play, then it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, you want playmakers, and that’s what I am.”

Evidently, Downs’ arrival to America’s Team will bring more solutions than problems heading into what’s to come. Where will Brian Schottenheimer ultimately give him more playing time during games?

Downs’ college football career

During his dominant tenure with the Ohio State Buckeyes, Caleb Downs solidified his reputation as the most versatile defensive weapon in college football. In 2025, he anchored the secondary with elite production, recording 78 total tackles, 3 interceptions, and 8 pass breakups, all while allowing a sub-50.0 passer rating when targeted.

Beyond his traditional safety role, Downs showcased incredible positional flexibility by logging significant snaps at nickel corner and even playing as a hybrid linebacker in sub-packages, utilizing his high-level processing to disrupt both the run and the pass. His impact extended to special teams as well, where he remained a dangerous return threat, ultimately earning him the Jim Thorpe Award and cementing his status as a top-tier prospect for the Dallas Cowboys.

Jerry Jones’ defense gains strength

The Dallas Cowboys aggressively overhauled their defense in the 2026 NFL Draft, with Jerry Jones orchestrating a series of strategic moves to secure elite talent. Jones made a bold statement by trading up to the No. 11 overall pick to land standout safety Caleb Downs, calling him a “prize” for the organization.

The team continued its defensive-heavy approach by selecting explosive edge rusher Malachi Lawrence in the first round and adding versatile linebacker Jaishawn Barham on Day 2.

By using six of their seven total picks on defensive prospects, Jerry Jones and the front office successfully addressed key personnel needs, aiming to transform the unit into a more physical and cohesive force for the upcoming season.

“The expectation right now is still that [George Pickens] shows up and plays on the tag,” as reported on ESPN’s Get Up morning show.

Although Pickens has Jones and the Cowboys in limbo despite the reported verbal agreement between the organization and his agent, signs may point in the direction that the wideout will finally sign the $27. 3 million franchise tag tender. That might put an end to the drama ahead of the 2026 NFL season—though it’s not guaranteed.

Cowboys won’t entertain long-term contract talks

Jerry Jones has made the Cowboys‘ intentions clear. Dallas wants Pickens to play through the 2026 NFL season on the tag before it makes any decision on his long-term future. Whether that decision is made because of the wide receiver’s performance or the fact his agent is David Mulugheta, that’s another question.

Pickens may accept those terms—likely with remorse and bitterness. Still, signing his franchise tag tender won’t cancel out the trade buzz around Pickens. If anything, it may only bolster it. Until he signs the tender, Pickens can’t be traded. The fact the Cowboys have added Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the depth chart may signal that a trade involving Pickens is a real possibility.

Ever since the 2026 NFL Draft weekend came to an end, most reports indicate the Cowboys aren’t interested in trading Pickens. However, actions tend to speak louder than words, and Dallas’ recent activity begs the question of whether there’s been a sudden change of heart regarding the former second-round selection (by the Pittsburgh Steelers) in 2022.

Pickens’ numbers

The former Steeler is coming off a career year in the 2025 NFL campaign. During his first season on America’s Team, Pickens recorded career highs in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429), touchdowns (9), and first downs (73). Still, Jones and company have their doubts about extending a long-term contract offer to him and his camp, led by Mulugheta.

Things might have been much easier had Pickens been taken off the board at least 20 picks earlier in the 2022 NFL Draft. If he had been a first-round selection, “Dem Boyz” could have simply exercised the fifth-year option on Pickens back in 2025.

However, had Pickens been a first-rounder, his fate in Pittsburgh might have been quite different. He may never have been traded to Dallas in the first place. It’s all hypothetical.

Where Jones, Pickens, and the Cowboys stand

What’s factual is that Jones’ Cowboys and Pickens remain in a standoff. Neither is giving the other an inch. Reports suggest Pickens will play on the tag, but until he signs the tender, anything can happen. Well, actually, virtually nothing can happen.

Once he signs the tender, that’s when the options are truly limitless for Jones and company to work their magic. Perhaps the owner of the Cowboys has one more trick up his sleeve, just for old times’ sake.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Pickens’ agent, David Mulugheta, gave Jones and the Cowboys his word (via email) that Pickens would put pen to paper on the franchise tag tender. However, a week has passed, and the wideout has yet to come forward with his signature, as Todd Archer reported.

Pickens could come out at any hour and finally sign the tender, but with every grain of sand that falls through the hourglass, trade rumors around him only grow stronger and louder across the NFL. Moreover, the fact Marquez Valdes-Scantling is joining the Cowboys’ WR depth chart may signal that trading Pickens is plausible.

Cowboys can’t do much about it

Pickens is still making up his mind and seems to be taking his sweet time. Knowing his agent, Mulugheta, Jones should have known not to expect anything different. “If [Pickens] worked without an agent, he’d save a lot of money with me,” Jones said back in March.

As the standoff continues heading into May, Jones should have added that Pickens would have saved him and America’s Team a lot of time by going solo. Now, the two sides are holding their ground. Even if there was a verbal agreement, words are like the wind blowing through the Chihuahuan Desert.

Neither side is going to give an inch, and both are ready to play the long game. Fans may not, though, and all the drama may only be setting up the Cowboys for failure in the 2026 NFL season.

Could the Cowboys trade Pickens?

Even if the Cowboys gave up on Pickens and opted to trade him away, they would need Pickens to sign his franchise tag tender first. Still, Fowler reports Dallas is not even considering going down that route yet.

Of course, anything can happen, but it seems a very high chance of shipping Pickens away flew out the window the moment the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft ended. The Cowboys came away with one of the best talents in the entire class as they drafted Caleb Downs, and they didn’t have to give up their elite wide receiver to do so, so they may not have much reason to do so now.

Relationship between Jones and Pickens’ agent

Jones, the Cowboys, and Mulugheta have been through a lot. The agent also represents Micah Parsons, so it’s easy to see where the root of this conflict is. Some may see that chapter as water under the bridge; clearly, those people don’t know Jones or Mulugheta.

As if the situation around Pickens wasn’t hard enough, Jones and the Cowboys could be set for another heated negotiation with DeMarvion Overshown. Entering a contract year in Dallas, the 25-year-old linebacker hired Mulugheta as his agent. If America’s Team is interested in re-signing the product out of Texas, expect those contract talks to be complicated as well.

Mulugheta has grown to become a thorn in Jones’ side, and it seems he is everywhere the Cowboys are interested in doing business. Knowing Mulugheta is behind Pickens, it should be no surprise to Jones and company that the wideout is taking his time before holding up to his end of the bargain.

Timing couldn’t be any worse—or at least paradoxical— for Dallas and Overshown. Shortly after Jones strengthened the Cowboys defense with intriguing moves in the 2026 NFL Draft, they could be in for a complicated negotiation with one young player on the defensive side of the football.

Although Jones and the Cowboys recently made a last-ditch effort to mend bridges with Mulugheta, the relationship between the agent and “America’s Team” is still frosty—at best. Mulugheta representing Overshown ahead of a contract year is far from an encouraging sign for the front office in Arlington. If recent trends continue, negotiations with Overshown are going to be complicated.

Why Mulugheta’s hiring is bad news for Cowboys

Jones is not one to overpay—some might say pay accordingly—and Mulugheta is always looking to get the most for his players. It’s a simple matter of 2+2, and the easy math shows why the two sides could be in for yet another contract drama in the 2026 NFL season.

Mulugheta represents Micah Parsons and George Pickens. Needless to say, he, Jones, and the Cowboys have been through a lot. Parsons has been traded, Pickens could be traded after signing his franchise tag for the upcoming campaign, and Overshown could meet the same fate if neither Jones’ Dallas nor Mulugheta is willing to give an inch.

Bad blood between Jones and Mulugheta

Jones and Mulugheta don’t see eye to eye, and the proof is in the pudding. The Cowboys’ owner has even gone as far as to say Pickens would make much more money if he parted ways with his agent.

It’s clear Overshown didn’t listen to Jones’ advice, or he did and is choosing to send a powerful message. If negotiations were a game of cards, the 25-year-old linebacker may have pulled an ace from under his sleeve. However, it’s a card that may come back to haunt him.

Overshown battled injuries early in his career

Though a rookie in 2023, Overshown didn’t play a game until the 2024 NFL campaign. The product out of Texas saw his first season cut short as he suffered a season-ending injury in 2024. After taking a gruesome hit to his right knee, Overshown suffered a torn ACL and PCL, as well as ripping his PCL off the bone. Per ESPN, only his LCL remained attached.

Overshown came back after an 11-month absence in November 2025 and appeared in six games last season. So far in his career, Overshown has recorded 118 total tackles (71 solo), 5 sacks, one forced fumble, a fumble recovery, an interception, and even a touchdown. His four-year rookie contract will come to an end after the 2026 season.

The fact that he’s only played 19 games in his three-year career is discouraging for the Cowboys, and it might be the main reason for a potential new chapter between Jones and Mulugheta.

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.

“You’re getting the best corner in the draft,” Moore stated via Jon Machota on X. The cornerback had to wait until the fourth round to be selected, and now he will have to repay that trust on the field.

There’s no doubt that Dallas approached this process by strengthening every position where they struggled last season. Will this finally be the year they become true contenders in the NFC East?

Moore’s numbers in The Swamp

In his final season with the Florida Gators, Devin Moore delivered a career-best performance by finally overcoming the injury issues that had previously limited his time on the field. Starting 11 games in 2025, the senior cornerback recorded 35 total tackles, two interceptions, one sack, and four pass breakups, while also forcing a fumble.

His physical tools and lockdown capability were reflected in his advanced metrics, as he earned an impressive 83.0 overall PFF grade and held opposing quarterbacks to a 70.0 passer rating when targeted.

Other cornerbacks on America’s Team

For the 2026 season, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys have reshaped their secondary to provide Brian Schottenheimer with a formidable group of cornerbacks. Cobie Durant, the former Rams standout, is expected to take over as the primary starter on the right side, bringing experience and elite speed to the perimeter.

Opposite him, the ball-hawking DaRon Bland will command the left side, looking to maintain his reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous turnover threats. This duo, bolstered by the addition of rookie Devin Moore, gives the Cowboys a versatile and aggressive coverage unit designed to shut down the high-powered passing attacks of the NFC.

“We have been able to, as of right now, rebuild this defense,” Jones said to the press via nbcsports.com. “We’ve changed this defense. . . . This is a product of three, four, five years or maybe more of not getting where we’re trying to go and being a contender.

“It’s going to be different, it’s going to be fresh, we’ve got a lot of great energy here, we’ve got guys coming in like we introduced today. . . . When I lay my head down tonight I’m going to say, We’re doing something about the defense on this team.”

Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys’ head coach, echoed Jones’ comments: “We felt like this was going to be a continuation of getting the defense where we want it to be.”

New faces in Dallas

To bolster their defensive unit, the Dallas Cowboys have made several aggressive moves by acquiring a blend of elite young talent and veteran experience. They secured high-impact playmakers in Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, and Jaishawn Barham through the draft and free agency to strengthen the secondary and pass rush.

Additionally, the front office added much-needed depth to the middle of the field by trading with the 49ers for linebacker Dee Winters, signaling a clear commitment to building a more physical and versatile defense for the upcoming season.

Jones needed to improve the Cowboys’ defense

The 2025-26 season was a historic struggle for the Dallas Cowboys‘ defense, which finished at the bottom of the league in several key categories. The unit surrendered a league-high 30.1 points per game, ranking 32nd in scoring defense, and struggled significantly to get off the field with a 32nd-ranked opponent third-down conversion rate of 47.3%.

Allowing 377 yards per game and failing to generate consistent pressure, the defense’s inability to stop the run or the pass was the primary factor in the team’s disappointing 7-9-1 record.

A tough schedule ahead for Dallas

In the midst of roster construction and awaiting the confirmation of the 2026–27 schedule, these will be the opponents the Cowboys must face if they are to establish themselves as contenders in the NFC East.

According to Adam Schefter, Pickens is officially signing his franchise tag, a move that carries important implications beyond just securing his short-term status. “George Pickens is signing his franchise tag. Once Cowboys WR signs his franchise tag, he can be traded anytime.”

That detail is crucial, as it immediately opens the door for potential trade scenarios. While the franchise tag often signals a temporary commitment, it can also serve as a bridge toward a deal elsewhere, especially in situations where long-term negotiations have stalled.

Will Cowboys trade George Pickens?

Yes. With the tag now signed, the Cowboys gain flexibility in how they handle George Pickens’ future. Jerry Jones could keep him for the 2026 season, but the owner also now has the option to explore trade offers without contractual restrictions.

Given the earlier decision not to pursue a long-term extension, the possibility of a trade becomes more realistic during the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams in need of a top-tier wide receiver could view Pickens as an immediate impact addition, particularly with the financial clarity provided by the tag.

Ultimately, this move shifts the conversation from whether Pickens will play to where he might play. As the situation evolves, the Cowboys now hold a valuable asset, one that could either remain central to their offense or become a key piece in a potential trade scenario.

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Cowboys owner Jerry and COO Stephen Jones held a professional conversation with Mulugheta in which they discussed Pickens’ future in Dallas. Mulugheta and the franchise in Arlington have been through a lot, and both sides may benefit from wiping the slate clean.

Hours away from Roger Goodell announcing the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft—to no one’s surprise, it will most definitely be Fernando Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders—Jones and the Cowboys are staying busy. In fact, they have reportedly reached—or made an effort to reach—a truce with Mulugheta.

Still, anything can happen, and if history has taught us anything, it’s that even the nicest-looking gift can turn into a trap. Don’t believe it? Ask the Trojans. As Pickens could hold leverage over Jones and the Cowboys amid the contract standoff, the front office in Dallas is making sure to cover all its bases.

Jones recently took a shot at Mulugheta

Pickens’ future has been up in the air for quite some time. The Cowboys have now ruled out a long-term extension for the star wideout and will have him under the franchise tag for the 2026 NFL season.

In more ways than one, it feels like Dallas is playing hardball with Pickens as a means of getting at his agent, and the wide receiver is the collateral damage. Jones hasn’t been too secretive with his thoughts on Mulugheta. “If he worked without an agent, he’d save a lot of money with me,” Jones said back in March about Pickens, with a clear dig at Mulugheta, whom he hasn’t often seen eye to eye with.

Mulugheta, who works for Athletes First, is also Micah Parsons’ agent. Everybody knows how that story ended—as it’s the reason the Dallas Cowboys own two first-rounders, and why the Green Bay Packers don’t have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—and why the front office in Dallas isn’t too fond of Mulugheta.

Could Pickens be traded out of Dallas?

Whether a player can be traded is often a complex question in the NFL—one that can rarely be answered with a simple yes or no. Simply put, virtually every player outside of franchise quarterbacks can be traded with little remorse from teams.

When it comes to Pickens, whom the Cowboys want to keep around but are unwilling to sign to his presumed long-term deal, it leaves the door open for a trade. The fact Dallas and Pickens’ agent don’t get along particularly well only adds to the suspense, and the timing of the 2026 NFL Draft may be the cherry on top.

Thus, if there’s a time and place for Pickens to be moved, before, during, or in the aftermath of the draft might be a reasonable window for the Cowboys to explore those possibilities. If Jones realizes there’s no bridge left to mend with Mulugheta, and Pickens won’t follow his advice to go solo in negotiations, then the Cowboys could conclude that a trade before—or during—the season is better than watching Pickens walk out as an unrestricted free agent.

Legal aspect complicates trade

“Players who have been offered franchise tags must sign the tender in order to formally process a trade,” Spotrac reported. Thus, until Pickens signs the tender, he can’t be traded by Dallas. And if he is—once the tender is signed—the team that acquires him would have to absorb his roughly $27.3 million cap hit for the 2026 NFL season.

Regardless of whether his new team gives him a new deal or not, Pickens will carry that cap hit in 2026. This complicates trade talks around Pickens. Either a team is willing to take on nearly $30 million against the cap, or the Cowboys hold on to him for the season—and the drama resumes next year.

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One of the more extreme, yet entirely possible, scenarios involves Pickens declining to sign the franchise tag. If he chooses that route, he could sit out until Week 10 of the regular season without being paid, still earn an accrued year, and position himself to hit free agency in 2027. While that approach would be financially and competitively challenging, it remains a legitimate option under league rules.

Even if that path seems unlikely, it underscores the level of control Pickens now holds. With no extension on the table, every decision from this point forward carries significant implications for both his career and the Cowboys’ roster stability.

Could George Pickens force a trade from Cowboys?

Another realistic outcome is that George Pickens pushes for a trade to a team willing to meet his long-term contract expectations. A similar situation unfolded with Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers, where contract dynamics played a central role in shaping the narrative in negotiations with Jerry Jones.

The financial structure of the tag also complicates matters. Playing on a one-year deal worth around $27 million may not align with Pickens’ long-term goals, particularly if he is seeking security and a multi-year commitment. That tension could make a holdout or trade request more plausible.

Adding another layer to the situation is Pickens’ representation by David Mulugheta, who also represents Parsons. Given the reported strain between Jones and Mulugheta, negotiations, or lack thereof, could become even more contentious.

As a result, the Cowboys may be risking not only losing one of their top players, but also entering a full-scale contract dispute with no easy resolution. At the same time, it’s not good to have an unhappy player on the field.

“Yes,” Jones replied when asked point by Clarence Hil of DLLS Sports whether or not the Cowboys received calls from other teams ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

“We look at both [trading up or trading down],” Jones said, via K.D. Drummond of USA Today. “There’s every type of trade possible. Players on other rosters, draft picks, all of that is in play.”

The General Manager also added: “You could imagine making a call right now and making a trade. Picks or players. That hasn’t usually been our experience. . . . [But] the nature of having extra picks in that first round gives more credence to some options. And one that would be up or down.”

In this situation, is it better to receive calls or make them? For Jerry Jones, it’s ultimately the former, as “the results are better.”

Key needs for the Cowboys

Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys are expected to prioritize their defense after allowing a league-high 30.1 points per game last season. Their most pressing needs lie in the front seven, specifically at linebacker and edge rusher, as the team looks to find a long-term identity following several roster shifts.

Analysts are closely watching if Jones will finally trade up from the No. 12 pick to secure a blue-chip talent like Ohio State’s Sonny Styles, who would provide much-needed range and size at linebacker.

Additionally, the secondary remains a concern; while the team recently added depth, securing a high-upside cornerback or a versatile safety like Dillon Thieneman is considered essential to fortifying the back end of Mike McCarthy’s defense.

Dallas’ available picks

• Round 1: No. 12
• Round 1: No. 20
• Round 3: No. 92 (via 49ers)
• Round 4: No. 112
• Round 5: No. 152
• Round 5: No. 177 (compensatory pick)
• Round 5: No. 180 (compensatory pick)
• Round 7: No. 218

When and where is the next Draft?

The 2026 NFL Draft begins tomorrow, Thursday, April 23, and runs through Saturday, April 25. The event is being held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with activities centered around the North Shore, Point State Park, and Acrisure Stadium.

This marks the first time the “Steel City” has hosted the draft since 1948, bringing the league’s biggest offseason event to one of football’s most historic markets.