The Dallas Cowboys are assessing various strategies as they approach the NFL draft. Owner Jerry Jones, co-owner Stephen Jones, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer have been holding interview sessions this week.
Pickens’ Contract Negotiations
Jerry Jones addressed the status of negotiations for a long-term deal with George Pickens, who has been franchise-tagged. The Cowboys may want Pickens to play on the $27.3 million tag instead of signing him to a long-term deal with guaranteed money. There have been no new developments in negotiations.
The Cowboys might be seeking more consistent performance from Pickens before committing to a four-year deal averaging $30 million, which includes a $40 million signing bonus. Pickens’ 2025 numbers included 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. The $27.3 million guaranteed tag number far exceeds the $6.75 million he’s earned during a four-year NFL career.
Draft Day Strategy
Jerry Jones indicated the Cowboys would consider packaging draft choices to move around during the draft, either up or down. He stated he would entertain improving on what gives the team a better chance to get another player while still having a pick. He added that this would be an option given the assets the team possesses in this draft.
Moving up from the 12th pick in the first round would need to be for a generational player. Many mock drafts show that after the Cowboys’ 20th pick in the first round, there is a range of five to eight players the team would not be interested in with that high of a first round pick. These positions include wide receivers, offensive linemen, tight ends and defensive tackles.
The Cowboys could trade back a few spots to pick up a Day 2 draft choice. This would be the case unless a player like CeeDee Lamb, Dez Bryant or Zack Martin is available.