The Dallas Cowboys are aware that placing the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens this offseason might lead to a holdout scenario. Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones acknowledged the possibility, indicating the organization is mindful of the risks involved during contract discussions.
Jones said,
“I mean, a lot of the guys we’ve tagged participated in everything, Dak [Prescott] leading the way. He played under two of them. He never missed anything. Hopefully, that’ll be the case here.”
The Cowboys hope Pickens will follow the example set by others who remained engaged after receiving their tags.
Balancing Pay and Team Priorities in Player Retention
Though the Cowboys are eager to keep Pickens, they are also weighing the financial implications of paying him top receiver money alongside CeeDee Lamb. This raises questions about the optimal use of resources, especially as the team seeks a significant defensive overhaul.
Jones explained,
“Those are all things that we’re looking at, so we’ll make decisions based on where we ultimately come down.”
He emphasized that maintaining Pickens is a priority but acknowledged that defensive needs may influence final decisions.
“I mean, obviously, what we need to get accomplished on the defensive side of the ball is going to affect a lot of things. … It’ll be a work in progress,”
Jones added.
Philadelphia Eagles’ Confidence in Jalen Hurts’ Versatility
Across the league, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts encountered criticism despite setting a personal best with 25 touchdown passes this season. Head Coach Nick Sirianni maintains strong confidence in Hurts’s capabilities and believes he can adapt to any offensive scheme.
Sirianni noted,
“He’s shown that he can do all these things. I think what’s awesome about Jalen is he’s shown he can do a lot of a lot of things really well. … The great thing about great players is they can usually fit to any scheme.”
His remarks underline the team’s trust in Hurts as their long-term starter.
Assessment of Dexter Lawrence’s Recent Performance and Outlook
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence recorded a career-low 0.5 sacks in 2025. General Manager Joe Schoen attributed much of Lawrence’s diminished production to an elbow injury sustained during the 2024 season that continued to affect him.
Schoen commented,
“I’m not sure that elbow was great all year. I think that bothered him a little bit. But it’s never just one person on defense. The defense as a whole I felt like could have played better. It’s definitely not Dexter.”
Despite the downturn, Schoen dismissed any notion that Lawrence’s performance was solely responsible for defensive struggles.
Addressing previous expectations, Schoen said,
“Nine sacks might been an outlier the year before, so the expectation rises. That’s rare for a nose tackle. That’s insane for a nose tackle to get nine sacks. It’s in there, he still has a lot of good years left. It wasn’t just Dexter last year. I can’t put anything on him. The expectation is for him to be on the team and to come back and have a really good season for us.”
Lawrence carries a projected cap hit of $26.9 million in 2026, but the Giants have no plans to part ways with the veteran player.
“The plan is for Dexter to be on the roster,”
Schoen confirmed.
Implications for Team Strategies Moving Forward
The Cowboys’ cautious approach to Pickens’s contract situation reflects the challenges teams face in managing salary commitments while addressing roster needs, particularly on defense. How Dallas balances its investment between key offensive players and defensive improvements will likely shape their offseason moves.
Meanwhile, the confidence expressed by Eagles leadership in Jalen Hurts emphasizes stability at the quarterback position, while the Giants’ commitment to Dexter Lawrence suggests a belief in his continued value despite recent setbacks. These decisions collectively illustrate how NFL franchises navigate talent retention amid evolving competitive demands.
