FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys never do quiet. Even coming off a mediocre 7-9-1 campaign that extended their conference championship drought to 31 years, they remain the loudest room in the NFL. But the noise this offseason isn’t about Super Bowl hype; it’s about a historically awful defense and a star receiver looking for a massive payday. After watching Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb secure their futures, George Pickens has one message for Jerry Jones: I’m next.
The $30 Million Question
Pickens didn’t just break out in 2025; he exploded. The former Steeler, acquired via trade, hauled in 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, forming arguably the league’s most dangerous tandem with Lamb. But his timing complicates things. With the Cowboys sitting nearly $29 million over the cap, slapping the franchise tag on Pickens might be the only move to buy time. That decision alone could paralyze their ability to sign defensive help, leaving a roster that is top-heavy on offense and paper-thin everywhere else.
A Defense in Ruins
You can’t talk about 2025 without addressing the elephant in the room: the defense collapsed without Micah Parsons. Following the blockbuster trade that sent the pass rusher to Green Bay, the unit fell apart. They finished dead last in points allowed and 30th in yards. The final month was a horror show, with the team dropping four of their last five games as opposing offenses marched up and down the field at will. Without a significant influx of talent, this unit won’t stop anyone in the NFC East.
“We know what the standard is, and we didn’t hit it. Not even close. You lose a guy like Micah, you lose a brother like Marshawn [Kneeland]… it takes a piece of you. But we can’t use that as a crutch anymore. We have to find a way to get stops, period.”
— Trevon Diggs, Cowboys Cornerback
Schottenheimer’s Tightrope Walk
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer deserves a nod for keeping the ship afloat during a nightmare scenario. The tragic mid-season loss of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland rocked the franchise to its core. Schottenheimer managed to rally the grieving locker room to three straight wins, briefly flirting with a Wild Card spot before reality set in. His offense, led by Prescott’s 4,552 passing yards and 30 TDs, did its part. Now, Schottenheimer needs the front office to give him a defense that can at least force a punt.
2026 Draft: Defense or Bust?
Dallas holds two first-round picks (No. 12 and No. 20), and the strategy should be obvious. They need edge rushers, linebackers, and interior grunt workers. However, if Pickens walks, wide receiver suddenly jumps to the top of the list. With no picks in the second or third rounds due to previous trades, the Cowboys have zero margin for error on Day 1. If they miss on these first-rounders, the 2026 season could be over before it starts.