Cowboys Focus on Offseason Decisions: Retaining Key Free Agents George Pickens and Javonte Williams

As the Dallas Cowboys enter their offseason, the primary focus will be addressing a defense that struggled in 2025, finishing 30th in yards allowed and dead last in points allowed. With major defensive upgrades needed, the Cowboys are also looking to secure some key players on the offensive side of the ball, notably wide receiver George Pickens and running back Javonte Williams, both of whom are set to become free agents.

Keeping Key Offense Pieces: Pickens and Williams

The Cowboys’ offense performed at a high level in 2025, ranking second in yards and seventh in scoring. Much of that success can be attributed to George Pickens, who enjoyed a breakout year after being acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pickens posted career-high numbers, with 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, making him a key piece of the Cowboys’ aerial attack. Javonte Williams, who rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns, was another major contributor to the Cowboys’ offensive success.

“We’ve got work to do on the defensive side of the ball. Whether that’s through free agency or the draft, there’s a lot of resources there that we can use to make our defense better,” said Stephen Jones, Cowboys’ executive vice president, acknowledging the need for improvement on defense. However, Jones also made it clear that retaining offensive talent is a priority.

“Obviously, there’s guys that we want to keep from last year. Whether it’s George Pickens or it’s Javonte, those are all guys that play into the free agency picture,” Jones added, highlighting the importance of securing both players for the long-term.

Pickens’ Status: Franchise Tag Likely

The Cowboys have not yet met with Pickens’ representation, but discussions are expected to begin soon, potentially at the Scouting Combine later this month. Jones emphasized the Cowboys’ desire to keep Pickens in Dallas, though he stopped short of confirming a specific approach.

“We won’t get into any details right now,” Jones said. “Certainly, we want George to be back here in Dallas, and we’ll certainly go from there.”

If the Cowboys are unable to sign Pickens to a long-term deal before free agency opens, they could use the franchise tag to retain him for another season. Given Pickens’ breakout performance in 2025, it’s likely that the Cowboys would prefer to secure him on a long-term contract but are prepared to use the tag if necessary.

Javonte Williams: Earning a Long-Term Deal

As for Javonte Williams, who signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Cowboys last offseason, the running back exceeded expectations with his stellar performance. After accumulating 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns, Williams is now in line for a more lucrative contract, and the Cowboys have already initiated discussions with his agent.

“We’ve certainly visited with Javonte,” Jones said. “We haven’t had a lot of those visits. Most of those happen at the combine. Obviously, we still have some time before free agency starts. We’re always visiting the representatives about our players.”

Given Williams’ strong performance, he’s likely earned a long-term deal that would include a higher annual salary. The Cowboys’ front office will need to balance retaining Williams with their defensive upgrades, but securing him would provide stability and depth at the running back position for years to come.

The Road Ahead for the Cowboys

As the 2026 season approaches, the Cowboys are faced with some critical decisions on both sides of the ball. While addressing the defense remains the top priority, securing key offensive players like Pickens and Williams will be essential to maintaining a balanced and competitive roster. With free agency just around the corner, the Cowboys will need to work swiftly and strategically to retain their stars while addressing the glaring weaknesses on defense.

The Cowboys’ offseason is shaping up to be one of significant change, but also opportunity. With the right moves, they can build a team capable of contending for a Super Bowl in the coming seasons.

This version provides a thorough analysis of the Dallas Cowboys’ offseason priorities, focusing on their efforts to retain key offensive free agents like George Pickens and Javonte Williams while addressing their defensive needs. It also touches on the team’s approach to contract negotiations and the potential use of the franchise tag for Pickens.