FRISCO, TEXAS — The Dallas Cowboys face a July 15 deadline to sign George Pickens to a new contract before the upcoming season. Internal reports suggest a deal is unlikely to be reached before this deadline, with Pickens anticipated to play the 2026 season under the franchise tag. Staff writer Nick Eatman stated, "Time is running out for the Cowboys to get a deal done with George Pickens before the season." Eatman added, "The deadline is July 15 but it sounds as if they are holding firm to the stance they made back in April that no new contract will be given before the season."

Staff writer Tommy Yarrish commented on the situation, saying, "I see why some would say George Pickens, but if that happens it likely won't be until next offseason." Yarrish also noted regarding Quinnen Williams, "I could see a Quinnen Williams deal getting done before that, although the Cowboys do have the luxury of time and don't have extend him this offseason as he's still got two years left on his current deal." The Cowboys are scheduled to begin training camp in Oxnard, California, in less than a month.

Quinnen Williams, 29, has two seasons remaining on his current contract, covering 2026 and 2027, with an annual salary of $24 million. Eatman indicated, "I think it's possible Quinnen Williams gets a new deal before then." Williams, Kenny Clark, and Rashan Gary are all scheduled to become free agents in 2028. Staff writer Kurt Daniels mentioned, "I wouldn't be surprised if the Cowboys keep their powder dry until the 2028 offseason, when the likes of Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary will be free agents." Cooper Beebe and Nate Thomas are nearing the end of their rookie contracts. During the 2025 Dallas Cowboys training camp, Jake Ferguson and DaRon Bland signed contract extensions. Brian Schottenheimer is in his second season with the team.