Once again this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys have some big contract decisions to make ahead of the 2026 campaign. After failed negotiations with superstar linebacker Micah Parsons led to him getting traded to the Green Bay Packers last offseason, the Cowboys are operating with a sense of urgency this time around, and it led them to a four-year, $28 million contract extension with kicker Brandon Aubrey on Monday.
Aubrey’s deal had been getting worked on for quite some time now, and Dallas was able to get it across the finish line right before the 2026 NFL Draft. However, they aren’t done in this department yet, and according to a new report, it sounds like the Cowboys are set to immediately turn their attention to getting a deal done with star wide receiver George Pickens.
Cowboys Turn Attention to George Pickens After Brandon Aubrey Deal
Considering how poorly the situation with Parsons went last offseason, it isn’t much of a surprise to see that the Cowboys are looking to avoid a similar situation this time around. Aubrey’s contract was a big priority after he established himself as the most lethal kicker in the game over the past few years, and he is now the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history.
He isn’t the only player who needs a new deal, though. Pickens is also still in need of a big-money contract after Dallas placed the franchise tag on him earlier this offseason. The Cowboys already have fellow wide receiver CeeDee Lamb signed to a massive four-year, $136 million contract, so while that complicates things with Pickens, the team should still be able to find a way to get things over the finish line with him.
Finalizing Aubrey’s contract before the 2026 draft is a shrewd piece of business for Dallas, as it can now turn its attention to the 2026 NFL Draft. That isn’t all they will be focused on, though, as it sounds like the front office is going to immediately turn its attention to Pickens and begin working on his new contract.
“The Cowboys can now turn their attention to George Pickens…,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network shared in a post on X shortly after the news of Aubrey’s deal came to light.
Cowboys May Have a Tough Time Extending George Pickens
GettyDallas Cowboys WR George Pickens.
Pickens chose a great time to put together a career year, as he finished the 2025 season with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, all of which were career-highs for him. As a result, Pickens earned Pro Bowl honors and a spot on the All-Pro Second Team, which has only given him more leverage in his negotiations with the Cowboys.
Considering how things unfolded with Parsons, it feels like Dallas has to find a way to keep Pickens in town. The problem is that the wide receiver market is continuing to become more and more expensive, so paying Pickens could become quite a pricy endeavor. The Cowboys did well to take care of Aubrey’s deal, but all it has really done is set the stage for their negotiations with Pickens, which are becoming more and more important with each passing day.
Insider Reveals Cowboys’ Next Move After Brandon Aubrey Contract Extension