The clock ran out on George Pickens' window for a long‑term contract with the Dallas Cowboys, a deadline that passed without a deal in place. The team has until the start of the 2026 season to decide whether to apply the franchise tag again, a maneuver that has previously sparked tension in Dallas. Pickens will still wear a Cowboys uniform next year, but the lack of a secured extension casts a shadow over his long‑term outlook.
Training camp battles loom
With the offseason program winding down, several Cowboys players find themselves on the hot seat. Young contributors such as Luke Schoonmaker and Marist Liufau must prove they belong on the 53‑man roster, while veterans like Zack Martin are already drawing attention for their interactions with emerging stars. The pressure to perform in camp could reshape the team's depth chart before the regular season even begins.
Around the league
Across the NFL, contract negotiations continue to dominate the conversation. Alvin Kamara has reworked his deal to remain with the New Orleans Saints, while Patrick Mahomes is targeting a Week 1 return after ACL surgery. Veteran broadcaster Jon Gruden is set to make his comeback as a play‑by‑play analyst, and the Los Angeles Rams are preparing to unveil new alternate uniforms that will debut in the upcoming season.
Remembering a Houston pioneer
The football world also took note of the passing of Janice McNair, a key figure in the effort to bring an NFL franchise back to Houston. Her contributions to the city's sporting landscape are being honored as the league reflects on the legacies of those who helped shape its modern fabric.