Trending Now - Cowboys and Vikings Update: Key News From Indy and Free Agency

WHO:

Dallas Cowboys owner and General Manager: Jerry Jones

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator: Christian Parker

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver: George Pickens

Dallas Cowboys kicker: Brandon Aubrey

Minnesota Vikings players: Ty Chandler, Andrew DePaola, K Will Reichard, Jalen Nailor, and others

Minnesota Vikings head coach: Kevin O'Connell

WHAT:

The 2026 NFL Combine concluded.

Jerry Jones stated, “we got to go this year” regarding personnel decisions.

The Cowboys placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on George Pickens on February 24, 2026.

If Pickens signs the franchise tag before the July 15, 2026 deadline, he would earn approximately $27.3 million for the 2026 season.

The Cowboys have an offer on the table for Brandon Aubrey that would make him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL.

The NFL announced the 2026 salary cap at $301.2 million, an increase of $22 million from 2025's $279.2 million.

The Cowboys plan to restructure contracts of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Smith to create about $66 million in cap space.

Ty Chandler's 2025 stats: 17 rushes for 47 yards (2.8 avg.); 3 catches for 11 yards.

Andrew DePaola's 2025 stats: 17 games played; four consecutive All-Pro nods since 2022.

Jalen Nailor's 2025 stats: 29 catches on 53 targets for 444 yards (15.3 avg.); four touchdowns.

K Will Reichard's field goal success rate since 2024: 87.7%.

WHERE:

Dallas Cowboys: Frisco, Texas

NFL Combine: Indianapolis, Indiana

Minnesota Vikings: Eagan, Minnesota

WHEN:

NFL Combine concluded in early March 2026.

The non-exclusive franchise tag was placed on George Pickens on February 24, 2026.

The New League Year begins on March 11, 2026, at 3 p.m. (CT).

George Pickens must sign the franchise tag before July 15, 2026.

WHY:

Jerry Jones emphasized the need for immediate contributors due to the Cowboys' history of drafting players with injury histories.

The Cowboys aim to invest in the present to improve their roster.

HOW:

The Cowboys plan to borrow from future capital to enhance their current roster.

The restructuring of contracts is a method to free up salary cap space for the Cowboys.

The NFL Combine wrapped up earlier this month in Indianapolis, and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is making it clear that the team needs to make impactful personnel decisions this year. On February 24, the Cowboys placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, who could earn around $27.3 million for the upcoming season if he signs before the July 15 deadline, while the team is also looking to restructure contracts for key players like Dak Prescott to create about $66 million in cap space. Meanwhile, the NFL announced a salary cap increase to $301.2 million, which is fueling the Cowboys' strategy to invest in their roster for immediate improvement.