Jerry Jones Details Cowboys Offseason Priorities at NFL Meetings

At the NFL's annual league meetings in Phoenix this week, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones addressed several key offseason priorities, including contract negotiations with wide receiver George Pickens, plans to overhaul the team's defense and a push for an expanded regular-season schedule. The discussions highlighted the Cowboys' strategy to rebuild after a disappointing 2025 season, in which their defense struggled while the offense provided much of the team's production.

Jones emphasized the franchise tag as a core tool for retaining talent, particularly with Pickens, whom the team tagged non-exclusively for 2026 at a projected value of around $23 million. "The franchise tag is an integral part of all teams, but certainly an integral part of our strategy over the next two or three years," Jones said, noting its role in managing salary cap space amid future commitments totaling over $170 million in void years from 2028 to 2031. The Cowboys have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term extension with Pickens, who had a breakout 2025 with 93 receptions, 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed optimism about Pickens' future, stating, "We have...