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.

Several altercations broke out during the session, with videos quickly spreading across social media and generating plenty of controversy. The NFL had already warned teams that maintaining sportsmanship during joint practices would be a major priority, making the Cowboys-Saints incident particularly costly.

Now, the league’s decision makes its position clear: competition is encouraged at joint practices, but unsportsmanlike behavior that threatens player safety will come with a significant price.

Why did the NFL fine the Cowboys and Saints?

The $500,000 fines were issued after the league determined that the actions during the joint practice crossed the line of acceptable behavior. Insider Adam Schefter explained the NFL’s position.

“The Competition Committee has made sportsmanship, including at joint practices, a point of emphasis over the past several years. All clubs were reminded by memo prior to training camp of their responsibility in preventing unsportsmanlike behavior at joint practices that has the potential to result in injury.”

That warning is especially important because joint practices are designed to give teams competitive work against opponents without the risks and consequences associated with a regular-season game.

The Cowboys and Saints instead saw the session descend into multiple confrontations, creating exactly the type of situation the league has been trying to prevent.

Cowboys and Saints receive historic joint-practice punishment

The financial impact is significant, but the message behind the punishment could be even more important. The NFL wants teams to maintain control when practicing against another squad, particularly because players are not protected by the same game-day structure and officials that exist during regular-season contests. A fight can quickly escalate and potentially cause injuries to important players.

The Cowboys and Saints now serve as a major example of the league’s new approach. With each organization receiving a $500,000 fine, other teams around the NFL have been put on notice before the 2026 regular season begins.

The controversy also highlights how quickly incidents at training camp can become major stories. Videos from the Cowboys-Saints practice spread across social media almost immediately, turning what could have been an internal team matter into a league-wide discussion.

Dallas is taking a risk by allowing Pickens to take the field on a one-year deal. If the wide receiver puts up another productive season, the value of his next contract will be much higher. Apparently, Jones is fine with that scenario and even admitted as much.

“He can come out here and have the year that he’s talented enough and mentally prepared to have, and that contract would be a lot bigger than it would’ve been,” Jones said Friday on Up & Adams. Wide receivers have been securing massive paydays in recent years, and Dallas has an in-house example after giving CeeDee Lamb $136 million over four years.

Prescott recognizes Pickens’ talent

Even without playoff success, Prescott has played great football in the regular season throughout his career. To maintain that momentum in the coming years, he has publicly urged Jones to lock up Pickens on a long-term deal.

Also speaking on Up & Adams with Kay Adams, Prescott championed his star target: “You know George, you know he loves football. And at the end of the day, it’s not for the money. However, he should get every dollar that he deserves because he’s a hell of a player, and we should probably give it to him sooner than later because it’s only gonna go up.”

To achieve success, the Cowboys will need to maintain their historical dominance within the division, a feat Prescott has masterfully accomplished throughout his career, though he will also need Pickens’ support.

Over his 10 seasons under center, the veteran signal-caller boasts an incredible NFC East record: going 10-5 against the Philadelphia Eagles, 13-2 against the Washington Commanders, and a staggering 14-3 against the New York Giants.

Pickens’ path to Arlington

Pickens originally arrived in Arlington via a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick (while Dallas also netted a 2027 sixth-round pick).

He immediately put together a career-best 2025 campaign, hauling in 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns. Despite those elite numbers, the front office opted to place him on the $27.3 million franchise tag for the 2026 NFL season.

The Cowboys have three preseason games coming up against the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, and New Orleans Saints before opening the 2026 regular season in a Sunday Night Football clash against the rival New York Giants on Sept. 13.

Jones recently spoke about the outcome of the Parsons trade during training camp in Oxnard, California. It has been nearly one year since the deal was completed, a move that shocked many fans at the time. Still, Jones expressed satisfaction and told reporters he has no regrets about letting Parsons leave.

According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Jones said: “Even though Micah is an outstanding talent [that] anybody would like to have, the bottom line is that I like what the result of the trade has ended up as I stand here today. You could say those picks got us key players, but the main thing that the Herschel Walker trade did, it caused me to be more aggressive and caused us to, if you will, take more risk because we had more picks.”

A risk they had to take

According to Jones, it was a necessary risk to continue growing for the future, especially given the picks they now hold and the options those assets provide. He added that it eventually allowed them to take more risks and improve the team.

“So, in a way, this actually created a mental part to us and to my role in it with me, to step out and make the moves and take, if you will, risks that are involved to be where we are today, with a complete makeover of the defense,” Jones said. Indeed, the Cowboys used Parsons’ departure to strengthen their roster in different areas.

Jones has already capitalized on Parsons trade

The Cowboys traded Parsons on Aug. 28, 2025, to the Packers in exchange for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027. These picks were subsequently used to acquire All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets and select defensive end Malachi Lawrence in the draft.

The trade also allowed them to generate significant salary cap flexibility, which proved very useful. It was key to signing safety Jalen Thompson, acquiring pass rusher Rashan Gary, and giving Williams his recent three-year contract extension.

“I’m sure we can make a way,” Lamb said via Yahoo Sports. “I know it’s going to be a little crazy, but I know we can make a way for this one. “Listen, this is my advocation, @ Jerry, can you please figure out a way? Let’s figure it out. I don’t care what needs to happen. Let’s figure it out and it’s going to get you a couple more championships.”

Many times, people believe that having several stars on a roster could hurt the chemistry inside the locker room. Lamb, an experienced player, prefers to put individual ego aside in order to strengthen the team as a whole.

“I don’t have no ego here, I want to win,” the experienced wide receiver said. “I don’t understand the narrative or X, Y, Z, but it is what it is.” Will Jones finally satisfy Lamb’s desire to continue playing alongside Pickens for a longer time with the Cowboys?

What is Pickens’ contract situation?

George Pickens enters the 2026 season playing under a fully guaranteed, one-year $27.3 million franchise tag after the Dallas Cowboys and his representation failed to reach a multi-year extension prior to the July 15 deadline. Under league rules, contract negotiations cannot resume until after Dallas concludes its regular season in January 2027.

Coming off a career-best 2025 campaign where he tallied 93 receptions for 1,429 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns alongside CeeDee Lamb, Pickens can secure a lucrative long-term future in Dallas by maintaining elite WR1/WR2 productivity while continuing to display total maturity within Brian Schottenheimer’s team.

If he sustains this level of play without off-field distractions in 2026, he will either force Dallas to hand him a top-tier multi-year deal in 2027 or potentially utilize a second franchise tag estimated at $32.8 million.

Lamb is having a strong training camp

The Cowboys’ 2026 training camp is producing good results, especially on offense. Lamb is building a strong connection with Dak Prescott, something that has fans excited ahead of their Week 1 debut against the New York Giants.

“It’s demoralizing for the defense,” he said. “They were mad, hyped and all that. You know how defensive guys be. But as for us man, we just got to connect, fight through the fire and air it out.”

“That’s exactly why, if you’re me, you would be open to that is because of the man. I have all the respect in the world for him, and I know what he did for the Mavericks and what he’s done for basketball,” Jones said to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.

“You want to associate with the highest quality of [a person] who loves the game and then also at the same time wants to do something about it. Mark leads the way in that.”

Will Jones sell the Cowboys anytime soon? That remains uncertain. The only clear thing is that Mark Cuban, with his extensive experience in the sports world, could be the perfect candidate to take over.

Mark Cuban’s era with the Mavericks

Mark Cuban’s transformative era as owner of the Dallas Mavericks began in January 2000, when he purchased the majority stake in the struggling franchise for $285 million. Under his passionate leadership and player-first investment, the Mavericks emerged as a perennial contender, highlighted by winning two Western Conference titles (2006 and 2011) and the franchise’s sole NBA Championship in 2011.

In late December 2023, Cuban sold his controlling majority stake to the Adelson and Dumont families at a valuation of approximately $3.5 billion. Today, he serves as a minority owner (retaining around 27% equity) while maintaining oversight of the team’s basketball operations.

The Dallas Cowboys’ valuation

According to Forbes, the Dallas Cowboys are valued at a record-setting $13 billion, solidifying their position as the most valuable sports franchise in the world for the 19th consecutive year. This valuation represents a 29% increase from their previous $10.1 billion mark, making them the first team in sports history to cross the $13 billion threshold.

Driven by an estimated $1.234 billion in annual revenue and an operating income of $629 million, Jerry Jones’ franchise continues to lead global sports business by a wide margin.

The first season under head coach Brian Schottenheimer offered reasons for optimism on offense. Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens formed one of the NFL’s most explosive trios, helping Dallas produce impressive offensive numbers throughout the year. The problem, however, came on the other side of the ball, where the defense consistently failed to make enough plays in critical moments.

If new defensive coordinator Christian Parker can turn that unit around, many believe the Cowboys have the talent to become legitimate championship contenders. Jones clearly shares that belief, and he appears willing to make another major move to strengthen the roster.

Will the Cowboys make a trade before the season?

According to Jerry Jones, the answer is yes if the right opportunity presents itself. Speaking at the start of training camp, the Cowboys owner made it clear he is prepared to sacrifice future assets in exchange for an impact player who can help the team immediately.

“I’ll be very interested. I’ll give up future to add substantive to where we are today as to a player. To give you an idea of what I would invest, it’ll be something substantive to get the right kind of deal. To improve us on opening day. I would. I feel that good about this team, this year.”

Jones also revealed that he has already been active in trade discussions. “I talked about a situation yesterday with another team and another owner.” Those comments strongly suggest the Cowboys’ front office is exploring potential blockbuster scenarios before the regular season begins.

Who could the Cowboys target in a trade?

If the Dallas Cowboys ultimately pull off a blockbuster trade, the move will likely focus on improving the defense. One intriguing possibility could be Maxx Crosby, especially after reports earlier this offseason linked the Cowboys to the star pass rusher before negotiations ultimately failed to produce a deal.

With the Los Angeles Rams already making a massive splash by acquiring Myles Garrett, the pressure is on Dallas to respond in an increasingly competitive NFC. For now, there is no indication that a deal is imminent.

Still, Jones has once again made his intentions clear. If the ideal player becomes available, the Cowboys owner says he is willing to part with premium draft capital in an effort to give Dallas its best chance to compete for a Super Bowl in 2026.

Pickens was acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers after a surprising trade before the 2025 season and immediately became one of the most productive players in Dallas’ offense. Following an outstanding year alongside Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, many around the league expected the talented receiver to cash in with a lucrative new deal.

Instead, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones chose a different route. Dallas used the franchise tag to prevent Pickens from reaching free agency, ensuring he remains with the team while delaying the massive payday the receiver was seeking. The situation has created obvious frustration as Pickens remains unable to earn a contract that reflects his production as a top wideout.

Will George Pickens report to Cowboys minicamp?

The next key date in this standoff is June 16, when the Cowboys begin mandatory minicamp. Unlike the voluntary portion of the offseason program, players can face fines for missing mandatory activities.

Fortunately for Dallas, head coach Brian Schottenheimer appears confident that Pickens will be in attendance despite the contract dispute. “I expect he’ll be here. I think he’s in a good spot, but, again, I know he’s handling his business. I know he misses his teammates and we miss him too. You know how we feel about him. We love him. This is just part of the business.”

The situation bears some resemblance to the Cowboys’ previous contract battles with star players. Dallas faced significant criticism for delaying negotiations with Micah Parsons, and now the Cowboys find themselves dealing with another high-profile player unhappy with his contract status.

Whether Jerry Jones eventually rewards Pickens with a long-term extension remains one of the biggest questions hanging over the franchise as training camp approaches.

Instead, according to Jeremy Fowler, the organization chose to place the franchise tag on the star wide receiver, creating uncertainty about his long-term future. “Essentially, the Cowboys want to see more from Pickens, who came to Dallas with character concerns, before committing long-term dollars. But a receiver coming off a banner season with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns rarely has to wait.”

The situation immediately reminds many around the NFL of what happened with Micah Parsons. After refusing to meet Parsons’ contract demands, the Cowboys eventually traded the superstar pass rusher to the Green Bay Packers, a move that created enormous backlash among fans and analysts.

Cowboys could face major problem with George Pickens in 2027

According to the report several people around the league already believe this situation could become much more complicated if the Cowboys continue delaying a long-term agreement beyond the 2026 season.

An NFL executive told Fowler. “Dallas is going to face a big decision because Pickens is set up to have another productive season and the receiver market has skyrocketed. If they tag him again without the promise of a new deal, he could revolt.”

That warning reflects the growing tension surrounding wide receiver contracts across the NFL. Elite receivers continue resetting the market every offseason, and if Pickens delivers another dominant campaign, his asking price could increase even further by next year.

For Jerry Jones, the gamble is clear. The Cowboys believe Pickens still needs to prove he can consistently handle the responsibilities that come with a massive contract despite his production on the field. However, delaying negotiations also increases the risk of creating another fractured relationship with one of the franchise’s biggest stars.

At this point, Jones appears willing to bet on one more season before fully committing. But if Pickens dominates again in 2026, the Cowboys could soon find themselves dealing with another contract saga capable of completely overshadowing the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.

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

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

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

Pickens aims to improve on his 2025 numbers

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

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

Is he better now than he was in Pittsburgh?

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

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

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

The star wideout had Dallas in limbo, but Pickens finally stayed true to Jones and the Cowboys. It took a while, but he put pen to paper on the franchise tag. If the relationship between Pickens and Jones’ Cowboys is indeed on good terms, reports suggest Dallas may unload a huge paycheck for Pickens next summer.

However, the deal lies in the hands of Pickens, whose off-the-field drama is a big reason why the Cowboys haven’t re-signed him to such an extension yet. If Pickens proves he can behave, there’s little reason to believe Jones wouldn’t welcome him back with open arms to AT&T Stadium—a.k.a. Jerry World.

“If [Pickens] goes into this season, plays on the franchise tag, and has a repeat of last year—and I don’t mean on the field, I mean off the field—he will sign the biggest contract for a wide receiver in NFL history,” Andrew Hawkins stated on NFL Live. “And he would’ve earned it, and answered a lot of questions.”

It’s up to Pickens

The ball is in Pickens’ court now. Obviously, Jones and the Cowboys are free to trade him at any moment if the right offer comes up, but they’ve shown no indication of being interested in trading Pickens. After all, the former second-round pick proved he can be a main target in Dallas’ offense.

Last season, he led the Cowboys in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429), and receiving touchdowns (9). He was also the team leader in big plays—20-plus-yard gains—with 22 such catches or runs after the catch. With CeeDee Lamb sidelined in several games, Pickens proved his worth. Most importantly, he showcased his professionalism and eased most concerns about his personality and off-the-field antics.

Aside from being benched—along with Lamb—in the opening series against the Las Vegas Raiders after being late to the team bus, Pickens stayed out of trouble all year long. If he can keep that up, Jones may pay him the big bucks in 2027.

Cowboys don’t want to re-sign Pickens right now

With Pickens under the franchise tag and the board’s reluctance to re-sign him before the 2026 NFL season, the Cowboys are essentially hitting all the green lights to complete a blockbuster trade. Pickens wants to stay in Dallas, so he won’t complain much so as not to force Jones’ hand.

Simply put, Pickens must trust Jones will keep his word. Exactly like the Cowboys did when it was up to the wide receiver to come forward and sign the $27.3 million franchise tag.

Where Pickens’ contract ranks among NFL WRs

Entering the upcoming campaign, Pickens’ $27.3 million deal in 2026 ranks 15th among wide receivers in average per year (APY). Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the NFL with his $42.1 million APY contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Out of every big-name wide receiver across the league, only Pickens is set to enter a contract year. Nico Collins could give him a run for his (projected) money, but the Houston Texans’ star is under contract through 2027.

Thus, if Pickens stays the course and puts up another fantastic season with America’s Team, he could be in for a skyrocketing jump to the very top of that list. It’s up to him—and to Jerry Jones not to pull off a signature, unexpected trade.