The franchise tag window is set to open, and, seemingly right on time, there’s drama in Dallas about a star player who may be eligible for it. While wide receiver George Pickens is widely expected to be tagged by the front office, there’s no telling whether Cowboys management is in a big hurry to make it official… or if they’ll do it at all. Word leaked Monday that the Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro was disciplined during the course of the season for being late to meetings and the like. On the surface, that wouldn’t seem to be a huge deal- especially considering the monster production Pickens delivered on the field- but some observers are wondering if the bad-mouthing from the brass has already begun in an effort to impact the big-money negotiations.

A few veteran names are being mentioned as possibilities for the Cowboys, as Dolphins pass rusher Bradley Chubb finds himself on the market ahead of free agency and Browns linebacker Devin Bush is expected to be on the hunt for a new team soon. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell came up with a somewhat bizarre trade suggestion, wondering if the Cowboys would deal Kenny Clark away… for next to nothing in return.

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Remember Joe DeCamillis? The onetime Cowboys special teams coordinator left Dallas in 2012 and made stops in Chicago, Denver, Jacksonville, and L.A. before heading back to the college ranks, Now he’s back in the NFL- with the Raiders this time- as the coaching carousel spins on. The Super Bowl champs have a new offensive coordinator, the Browns have a new defensive coordinator, and a Seahawks assistant hits the jackpot with a major promotion in Vegas.

Around the league, the NFL is mourning the untimely passing of veteran offensive lineman Tre Johnson, the Dolphins have started a massive housecleaning by releasing Tyreek Hill, and Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was attacked in a New York City hotel. And will we be waiting all offseason for… Wednesday night?!? The NFL appears ready to move opening night up 24 hours for the 2026 season, with the Cowboys still among the teams that could be in play.

Dallas Cowboys forced to discipline George Pickens during season, insider says :: SI.com (Link)

2026 NFL franchise tag candidates: Kyle Pitts, George Pickens :: ESPN (Link)

Why it’s important for Cowboys, George Pickens to reach long-term deal in timely fashion :: Dallas Morning News (Link)

Bradley Chubb landing spots: Cowboys, Bears among best fits with Dolphins set to release veteran pass rusher :: CBS Sports (Link)

Proposed Cowboys trade with Bengals shows how big of a dilemma Dallas faces :: A to Z Sports (Link)

Cowboys predicted to land $12 million free-agent LB, 1st-round pick :: Cowboys Wire (Link)

Free Style: Jadeveon Clowney deserves another go in Dallas :: DallasCowboys.com (Link)

Dak Prescott’s history should scare Cowboys of what’s to come in 2026 :: Cowboys Wire (Link)

Dowdle, Williams may have taught Cowboys valuable lesson about RBs :: Cowboys Wire (Link)

NFL Combine 2026: 21 participants count as “local prospects” for Dallas :: Blogging the Boys (Link)

Exclusive: Former Cowboy Nate Newton on pardon — ‘Tell the president thank you’ :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Link)

Jerry Jones says he wouldn’t be Hall of Famer without Michael Irvin :: TMZ Sports (Link)

Latest Coaching Updates

Raiders name Joe DeCamillis special teams coordinator :: Raiders.com (Link)

Seahawks hire 49ers TE coach Brian Fleury to be offensive coordinator :: Seahawks Wire (Link)

Browns name Mike Rutenberg as their new defensive coordinator :: Browns Wire (Link)

Raiders hire Seahawks QBs coach Andrew Janocko as offensive coordinator :: NFL.com (Link)

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News & Headlines from Around the NFL

Dolphins release WR Tyreek Hill in flurry of roster moves :: ESPN (Link)

Former NFL All-Pro lineman Tre’ Johnson dies at 54 while on family vacation :: NBC News (Link)

Browns safety Ronnie Hickman assaulted at New York City hotel, treated for minor injuries :: CBS Sports (Link)

NFL expects to kick off 2026 regular season on a Wednesday: Source :: The Athletic (Link)

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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys News: Will George Pickens’ punishments affect franchise tag?