The clock is ticking for the Dallas Cowboys and kicker Brandon Aubrey. After placing a second-round tender on the Pro Bowler, Dallas risked letting another team swoop in with a better offer. While reports indicate the Cowboys presented a record deal, Aubrey's camp held out for more. With a Friday deadline looming and no competing offers yet, Aubrey faces a decision: sign the $5.81 million tender for 2026 or stage a holdout, putting a key special teams piece in limbo.

Meanwhile, the draft strategy in Dallas is heating up. While VP Stephen Jones has downplayed a trade for George Pickens, the rumor mill is churning over the 12th overall pick. If Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate is available, could the Cowboys pivot? Mock drafts largely project a defensive back at No. 12 and a front-seven player at No. 20, but a new, aggressive theory is gaining steam: Dallas might trade up to leapfrog their NFC East rival, the New York Giants.

Such a bold move would target a premier talent both teams covet. Is it linebacker Arvell Reese, the Buckeye standout some analysts now rank as the draft's best player? Or perhaps safety Sonny Styles or running back Jeremiyah Love? A trade-up would put immense pressure on the Cowboys' scouting department to nail their remaining selections, especially with potential "steals" like edge rusher Keldric Faulk and cornerback D'Angelo Ponds still on their radar.

And while not an immediate need, keep an eye on Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker. A charismatic and physical prospect, Dunker is the type of draft-night personality that captures headlines and could be a foundational piece for the future.

In broader NFL news, the saga between coach Mike Vrabel and reporter Dianna Russini has reached a conclusion with Russini's resignation from The Athletic. In the NFC East, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence appears to be staying put, and safety Nasir Adderley is attempting a comeback to the league after a three-year retirement.