It's hard to upstage a former U.S. president popping in for a surprise visit, but the Cowboys managed to do just that with the announcement of their decision regarding George Pickens. The team announced Wednesday that they won't negotiate a long-term deal and are content to let the wide receiver play 2026 on the $27 million franchise tag. It's the smart play by Dallas, but now Pickens has a choice to make. Does he sign the tag, show up, and play in a bid to land an even richer contract next season as a free agent? He could sit out for 10 games and forfeit over half that money to make a point... but would that benefit him in the long run? The drama is only just beginning...
The front office didn't reveal any of their draft-weekend plans during their pre-draft press conference, but that doesn't mean it was an uneventful media session. Even at the headquarters of America's Team, it's not every day a POTUS walks through the door. Bill Clinton's pop-in took everyone by surprise (and nearly took Jerry Jones out in a nasty wipeout), but it didn't do much to quell criticism that the Cowboys have turned into a circus, even in a critically important week of draft decisions.
Things have gotten a little silly, though, for several of the other 31 teams, too, as the long wait for draft day comes to its merciful end. The Jets have had to explain why they may still be interested in a player whose personal visit they canceled, we're digging for Easter-egg details on the baseball caps that will be handed out to draftees, and Ravens fans have had their seats at the draft relocated after a personal intervention with the league from Steelers owner Art Rooney II.
Elsewhere in NFL news, Rams coach Sean McVay is sticking by wideout Puka Nacua amid a tough offseason, Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders is ready to jump into the fire again for another QB battle in Cleveland, and Mike Tomlin will reportedly be joining the studio team at NBC. All that, and Patriots coach Mike Vrabel finally answers questions for the first (but probably not the last) time about those photos with NFL insider Dianna Russini.
Cowboys say no negotiating with Pickens, WR to play under tag for '26 :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
Why George Pickens playing on the franchise tag is the best option for Cowboys :: Dallas Morning News (Link)
Cowboys offer few draft hints in press conference marked by surprise VIP visitor :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
Jerry confirms Cowboys have received draft trade calls :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
The origin story of the Dallas Cowboys' legendary NFL draft trade value chart :: Dallas Morning News (Link)
Cowboys' Top 5 prospects at each position in the 2026 NFL Draft :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
Cowboys in dire defensive draft straits due to continued fails in FA :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
IronMan: Cowboys look for key trait in draft to avenge past misses :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
ESPN's top mocker predicts which spot Cowboys will trade up to in draft :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
Arlington will spend $273M on AT&T Stadium improvements, extend Dallas Cowboys’ lease :: Fort Worth Report (Link)
Cowboys QB officially leaves to sign with Panthers :: The Sporting News (Link)
Jets GM: Don't read into canceled visit with DE prospect Bailey :: ESPN (Link)
Art Rooney II's request gives Ravens fans worse seats at NFL draft :: Steelers Depot (Link)
2026 NFL Draft sleepers: Day 2 standouts and Day 3 targets to know :: NFL.com (Link)
2026 NFL Draft hats explained: What’s inside each team’s cap :: The Athletic (Link)
Rams' Sean McVay backs Puka Nacua through rehab, lawsuit: 'Love this kid's heart' :: USA Today (Link)