FRISCO, Texas — The calendar says February, but the pressure in Dallas is already at a boiling point. After a disappointing 7-9-1 finish to the 2025 season—marking a second straight year without playoffs—the Cowboys face a defining offseason. The offense was electric, led by the breakout arrival of George Pickens, but the defense couldn’t stop a cold. Now, franchise icon Emmitt Smith is sounding the alarm: Pay the playmakers now, or regret it in April.
The $28 Million Question
George Pickens didn’t just arrive in Dallas last season; he kicked down the door. After being acquired from Pittsburgh, Pickens posted a career-high 1,429 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, proving to be the perfect counter-punch to CeeDee Lamb. But with his rookie contract officially expired, Pickens is staring down free agency.
The franchise tag window is open, projected at a staggering $28 million for wide receivers. While the front office usually likes to drag negotiations into the summer, Emmitt Smith went on Up & Adams during Super Bowl Week to warn Jerry Jones against that exact strategy.
“Solidify the Foundation”
Smith’s message was simple: Do not let the offensive core linger in uncertainty. With the defense needing a total overhaul following the controversial Micah Parsons trade last year, Smith argues the offense must be locked in before the draft.
“I would make that decision right now, or right before the draft, so I know how to proceed in the draft. Not only that, I would solidify my offensive scheme with [CeeDee] Lamb, Pickens, and [Jake Ferguson], the way we ran the ball with Javonte [Williams]. That solidifies the foundation.” — Emmitt Smith, via Up & Adams
Smith’s point hits home. The Cowboys’ offense under Brian Schottenheimer was a juggernaut in 2025. Dak Prescott enjoyed one of the best statistical years of his decade-long career because he finally had two elite perimeter threats. Losing Pickens—or even letting negotiations distract from the draft—could derail the only thing that worked.
The Javonte Williams Factor
Smith also name-dropped running back Javonte Williams, another 2025 success story. Signed to a “prove-it” 1-year deal, Williams racked up 1,201 rushing yards and 11 scores, giving Dallas the physical edge they lacked for years. He is also a free agent. If Dallas follows Smith’s blueprint, they re-sign Williams and Pickens immediately, leaving the entirety of their draft capital to fix a defense that ranked near the bottom of the league in 2025.
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
The urgency here is real. The franchise tag deadline is February 24. If Dallas tags Pickens, it eats massive cap space immediately. If they sign him long-term, they can structure the money to keep Williams. The Cowboys have the pieces to contend in 2026, but only if they stop the bleeding on defense. That starts by ensuring the offense doesn’t bleed out in free agency first.
