And just like that, NFL football is back to being the topic of conversation.
With just days until NFL free agency begins on March 11, and the legal tampering period opening on March 9, it’s time for teams to start putting the pieces together ahead of the draft in late April.
For the Dallas Cowboys, they’ve already begun getting things done in-house before the Jones family and company search for help on the open market.
On February 21, Javonte Williams signed a team-friendly deal, three years for $24 million with $18 million guaranteed, to return after a phenomenal first season in the Lone Star State.
At the top of every Cowboys fan’s wish list is wide receiver George Pickens, as the team placed the franchise tag on him to ensure he remains in Dallas for at least one more season.
The tag allows the front office and Pickens’ world-class agent, David Mulugheta, to continue negotiating a long-term extension, something many inside the building believe needs to happen.
According to Spotrac.com, Pickens’ market value on an extension is projected at four years for $122 million.
Another key piece of the Cowboys’ future is kicker Brandon Aubrey.
The All-Pro kicker wants to be remembered not only in the record books but also in the bank account.
The two sides have yet to agree on a deal, but the restricted free agent is reportedly seeking nearly $10 million per year, a figure many consider a stretch. Aubrey could receive a second-round tender if an agreement isn’t reached.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the NFL salary cap increased by $22 million in 2026 to $301.2 million. That gives teams more financial flexibility, something that could benefit the Cowboys as they continue negotiations with both Pickens and Aubrey.
Jerry Jones and company have been operating a little differently over the past year.
Just a few days ago, the Cowboys restructured the contracts of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Smith, freeing up $66 million in cap space.
And Dallas might not be done with in-house adjustments. It’s been rumored that defensive tackle teammates Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark could each receive extensions to lower their cap hits this season, which could open up more than $20 million in additional cap space.
Given what the organization has been doing as of late, could this offseason be different than most in Arlington?
Multiple sources have noted this offseason that the Cowboys are expected to be spenders.
People in and around the building believe that if the team can shore up the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys could become legitimate contenders.
That line of thinking isn’t too far-fetched. Everyone knows the star power on offense and how explosive the unit can be on any given possession.
But if the defense can improve from being one of the three worst units in the league to even the top half, the Cowboys would be in a great position heading into the 2026 season.
In this article, I’ll highlight two free agents in each of the following categories: “Makes the Most Sense,” “It’s a Possibility,” and “Would Be Awesome, but Doubtful.”
Makes the Most Sense
LB Nakobe Dean (Projected Contract: 4 years, $31 million)
Former Team: Philadelphia Eagles
If I had to bet on the Cowboys throwing the brinks truck at any free agent next week, it would be former Georgia Bulldog Nakobe Dean.
The Philadelphia Eagles appear willing to let the four-year linebacker test the market, especially with younger players like Jihad Campbell expected to take the next step.
Dean, one of the top linebackers available, has recorded 226 tackles and 7.5 sacks in his career.
Coming out of Georgia, there were concerns about his health, which is why he fell to Philadelphia in the third round of the 2022 draft. Those concerns still linger, as he has missed 21 games over the past three seasons.
It also raises the question: do you want your top two linebackers to both have lengthy injury histories in Dean and DeMarvion Overshown?
Personally, I wanted the Cowboys to draft Dean at the time. Instead, Dallas selected Sam Williams in the second round, and Dean was taken five picks prior to Jalen Tolbert later in the third round.
More than anything, though, Dean has a connection with new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Parker wanted to bring in a familiar face to help command his 3–4 front.
S Jalen Thompson (Projected Contract: 2 years, $19 million)
Former Team: Arizona Cardinals
Jalen Thompson might not be a name many casual football fans recognize, but he has a key connection to the Cowboys’ coaching staff.
Thompson played under new Cowboys cornerbacks coach Ryan Smith for the past three seasons in Arizona.
The Cowboys have had issues at the safety position for years, and bringing in a player familiar with the coaching staff could make for a smoother transition as the defense enters a new era.
Drafted in 2019, Thompson has been a consistent presence in the secondary, starting every game he has played in over the past three seasons.
The former Cardinal recorded 95 tackles last season and had a career-high four interceptions in 2023.
With longtime Cowboy Donovan Wilson set to hit unrestricted free agency and likely depart The Star, adding another veteran presence at safety could help stabilize Parker’s defense as it takes shape.
It’s a Possibility
DE Trey Hendrickson (Projected Contract: 2 years, $50 million)
Former Team: Cincinnati Bengals
The 31-year-old has finally been released from the shackles of the Cincinnati Bengals after dealing with contract disputes over the past few seasons.
With the Cowboys needing additional help in the pass rush, Hendrickson could be a perfect fit.
His name has been linked to Dallas for quite some time now.
According to former ESPN analyst Trey Wingo, the Cowboys shifted their focus last night from another big-name defensive star, whom I’ll discuss below, to Hendrickson.
The four-time Pro Bowler appeared in only seven games last season, but in 2024 he recorded a league-high 17.5 sacks.
Adding another former All-Pro presence in the trenches would only help a young secondary that could continue to experience growing pains early in the 2026 season.
There have been rumors for a couple of seasons that the Cowboys would have interest in Hendrickson, and with the nine-year veteran now hitting the open market, it’s safe to assume Jerry Jones will at least gauge the possibility.
LB Quay Walker (Projected Contract: 3 years, $29 million)
Former Team: Green Bay Packers
Watching Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn attempt to play linebacker under Matt Eberflus last season was truly a disgrace to football.
And that might even be putting it lightly.
The Cowboys need to address the linebacker position in some way before the draft. The likelihood of Ohio State linebackers Sonny Styles or Arvell Reese being available at No. 12 seems slim after their record-breaking combine performances.
Walker may require the Cowboys to dig a little deeper into their pockets than Dean, but they would be getting a tackling machine.
In his four-year career, Walker has surpassed the 100-tackle mark every season.
An overall solid NFL linebacker who can go sideline-to-sideline with the best of them is exactly what Dallas needs next to DeMarvion Overshown.
There’s no doubt Walker will draw significant interest on the open market, but Jerry Jones has stated he’s willing to spend this offseason.
And to top it off, new passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley has worked with Walker in Green Bay over the past two seasons.
Connections are everything in the world of business, and that relationship could be another factor that helps the Cowboys when free agency begins next week.
Would Be Awesome, But Doubtful
S Jaquan Brisker (Projected Contract: 3 years, $30 million)
Former Team: Chicago Bears
There’s likely going to be a bidding war for what many consider the best safety available on the market.
It’s possible a team ends up overpaying for Brisker, who is coming off a 93-tackle season and helped elevate the Bears’ defensive backfield alongside Naquan Wright and Kevin Byard, who are both also free agents.
Chicago will have some tough decisions to make regarding who they choose to retain.
At just 26 years old, Brisker is entering the prime of his career and could be an intriguing fit for a young, up-and-coming coaching staff in Dallas.
He would also have the opportunity to work under defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who has coached multiple All-Pro players throughout his career.
Trade for Maxx Crosby (Under Contract: 3 years, $106 million)
Current Team: Las Vegas Raiders
The talk of the town.
Rumors have been circulating for quite some time, and with multiple social media posts from Maxx Crosby hinting that he’d be interested in becoming a Cowboy, it’s hard to ignore the smoke, because there might actually be a fire.
According to Trey Wingo, the Cowboys and Raiders were allegedly close to a deal that would have sent Crosby to the Lone Star State. However, other teams reportedly stepped in with stronger offers, which led Dallas to back away from negotiations.
Now, is that true? Maybe, maybe not.
But if there is some truth to it, it’s a good sign the Cowboys aren’t willing to give up both of their first-round picks (No. 12 and No. 20) in April.
Personally, I agree with that stance. Giving up both first-round selections would be a mistake for a team that needs to get younger while maintaining cap flexibility.
The Raiders have been hesitant to move their franchise player, but with a new regime coming in and a slow rebuild likely ahead, Crosby prefers to compete in the playoffs while he’s still in his prime.
As the days pass, it becomes more plausible that owner Mark Davis could eventually budge and accept an offer before teams lose the cap flexibility to make a deal once free agency officially begins.
If Las Vegas were willing to settle for a package centered around one first-round pick, an early pick next year, and a player to help balance the money, a deal could make sense.
My trade prediction:
Crosby and a 2027 fifth-round pick in exchange for the Cowboys’ No. 20 pick in 2026, defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, and a 2027 third-round pick.
The Cowboys would land an absolute game-wrecker, while the Raiders would stockpile draft capital and add a solid defensive tackle.
Now, will this actually happen? Probably not, but this time of year is always fun for speculation.
Crosby is currently signed through 2029 and carries cap hits of $35 million and $29 million over the next two seasons. From a cap standpoint, it wouldn’t be easy for Dallas to make the numbers work.
But for a five-time Pro Bowler, it might be worth the hassle.
Crosby isn’t just an elite pass rusher, with four seasons of 10 or more sacks, he’s also dominant against the run. In 2025, he recorded a career-high 28 tackles for loss.
He would single-handedly solve several issues on a defense that still needs plenty of work through both free agency and the draft.
And anytime you add a potential future Hall of Famer, you’re putting your team in a good position.
Final Thoughts
I completely believe Jerry Jones when he says he wants to make a splash to improve this team right now.
No more “redshirts” or long-term projects coming out of the draft. The Cowboys need players who can make an immediate impact.
As the years go by, Dak Prescott is only getting older, and the window to capitalize while he’s still playing at a top-five level won’t stay open forever.
The offensive talent is already there. But if Dallas can shore up the defense, this team could become legitimate contenders from top to bottom.
Get ready, the next week could be a hectic one in Dallas.
For more NFL content, follow me on Twitter @MontaltoJared, on TikTok @JarSportsTakes, and on YouTube @PickSwapMedia.
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