Blogging The Boys
Offseason decisions begin now.
The Cowboys could save at least $2.5 million in 2026 by placing the franchise tag on George Pickens
Acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers in early May, Pickens was phenomenal for Dallas during the 2025 season, ranking eighth in the NFL in receptions (93), third in receiving yards (1,429), sixth in yards per reception (15.4), and tied for eighth in receiving touchdowns (nine) en route to earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl.
Sure, CeeDee Lamb being sidelined for a few weeks helped, but this was still a monster campaign. Some were concerned about Pickens’ behavioral issues in Pittsburgh, but outside of a few minor incidents in which he appeared to check out, he was seemingly a model teammate for most of the season, which is why Dak Prescott, Brian Schottenheimer, and even Jerry Jones himself have all expressed desire to bring him back.
According to Spotrac, Pickens’ market value could see him land a four-year deal worth $122,425,436, making his average annual salary a robust $30,606,359 per season, which would make him the seventh-highest-paid receiver in the league.
According to Over The Cap, however, the projected franchise tag figure for a wide receiver for the 2026 season is $28,046,000.
Thank you, Chicago.
DE Marcus Spears, 2005
Dallas would wait another six years before picking 20th again.
As soon as their previous 20th overall pick (Ebenezer Ekuban) left in free agency, the Cowboys immediately picked a player at the same position with the same pick.
Marcus Spears was actually the Cowboys’ second pick that day after selecting future Hall of Fame DE DeMarcus Ware with the 11th pick.
Spears injected some life into the defensive line and locker room, and stayed with the Cowboys playing under Bill Parcells.
In eight seasons in Dallas, Spears collected 10.0 sacks and 23 tackles for loss before signing a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
Spears called it quits after that lone season in Baltimore, but his impact in Dallas will never be forgotten.
Jaydon Blue remains a question mark after the 2025 season.
If you would have asked Dallas Cowboys fans immediately after the draft which new player they were most excited to see in 2025, many of them would probably place running back Jayden Blue at the top of their list. Blue, a 5-foot-9, 195-pound RB from Texas, was a hometown favorite. He had a highlight reel that dropped jaws and he played a position the Cowboys seemed to be desperately thin at heading into...
