“Brian Schottenheimer doesn’t rule out selecting an offensive player in the first round,” Pro Football Talk posted on X.

The Cowboys had one of the league’s best offenses last season, ranking second with 391.9 yards per game. But on the flip side, their defense struggled, giving up an average of 377 yards per game. The team was only better than the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Commanders. Clearly, improving the defense is a priority heading into the draft.

The Cowboys have already started to make some moves to strengthen their defense. The team has traded for edge pass rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers, signed safety Jalen Thompson, and defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia.

Based on the current draft projections, the team’s biggest needs for the 2026 NFL Draft will be for a linebacker and an edge rusher.

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“I feel like we’ve set ourselves up to take the best player available,” Schottenheimer said. “If the best player on the board is clearly an offensive player, then we’ll certainly discuss that and more than likely, knowing [Cowboys owner Jerry Jones], pull the trigger.”

We’ve seen Dallas take that approach before. Back in 2020, they surprised a lot of people by drafting wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in the first round, choosing him over top defensive players like Damon Arnette, K’Lavon Chaisson, Kenneth Murray, Jordyn Brooks, and Patrick Queen.

Although the team drafting another offensive player may seem simple on the surface, it could be part of a larger scheme, especially considering the status of George Pickens.

Pickens is one of the most talented wide receivers on the Cowboys roster. He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After spending three seasons there, he was traded to Dallas in 2025.

Now, his current contract situation is uncertain. The Cowboys have placed a one-year franchise tag on him, but it looks like Pickens may have other plans for his future.

George Pickens looks for a better deal from the Cowboys

As George Pickens’ four-year rookie contract, originally signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, runs through 2026, the Dallas Cowboys have placed a one-year franchise tag on him worth $27.2 million. However, he has refused to sign the $27.298 million franchise tender without a long-term extension in place.

Pickens is reportedly seeking a deal similar to his teammate CeeDee Lamb, who signed a four-year, $136 million extension, earning $34 million annually.

There has been talk about a potential long-term deal, but so far, no official offer or agreement has been finalized. The Cowboys and Pickens could still void the franchise tag by agreeing to a long-term contract this offseason, but they have until July 15 to make it happen.

Dallas has also been dealing with some salary cap challenges lately. That became pretty clear after committing a combined $187.8 million to cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, without getting the kind of results they were hoping for.

That situation could be influencing how cautious they are with Pickens, trying to balance paying top talent while still keeping some financial flexibility.

Adam Schefter gave some insight into the situation on The Pat McAfee Show.

“I don’t see a long-term deal coming into focus until right before the deadline, which would be the middle of July,” Schefter told McAfee. “Which tells you that there’s a real probability that George Pickens will not be there for the offseason program.”

At the same time, letting Pickens go would leave a major gap in the Cowboys’ offense. Last season, George Pickens put up 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns, finishing in the top 10 across the board while also earning his first Pro Bowl selection.

At the end of the day, this situation could shape not just Pickens’ future, but the entire direction of the Cowboys’ offense moving forward.