Cowboys Expected To Tag WR George Pickens; Sides Have Mutual Extension Interest, But Tag-And-Trade Possible
FEBRUARY 8: Recent reporting has suggested that, whether he plays on the franchise tag or on a new, multiyear contract, Pickens will remain in Dallas for at least 2026. But it is still possible that 2025 may have been Pickens’ only season with the Cowboys.
While confirming that the club will slap Pickens with the franchise tag, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network (video link) says the team could explore a tag-and-trade scenario. Such a move would obviously weaken the Cowboys’ WR corps but would represent a good value proposition considering they would likely recoup a better draft pick than the third-rounder they dealt to the Steelers to acquire Pickens last year. Plus, it would keep a second high-end receiver contract off the books and allow Dallas to reinvest elsewhere.
Like Parsons, Pickens is represented by agent David Mulugheta, whose exclusion from the Jones-Parsons negotiations was a contributing factor in the trade that sent the star pass rusher to the Packers. Rapoport and others have speculated that Mulugheta’s presence is a wrinkle that could complicate extension talks between Pickens and the Cowboys.
FEBRUARY 7: George Pickens‘ stellar showing in 2025 has no doubt provided a major boost to his free agent stock. A trip to the open market continues to look unlikely, however. 
The Cowboys have a history of using the franchise tag, and applying it to Pickens has long loomed as a possibility for the 2026 offseason. Signs continue to point in the direction of the one-year tender being used in this case. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Dallas is indeed expected to tag Pickens.
Franchise tag values have not been finalized for 2026 at this point, but a relatively narrow range regarding next year’s salary cap recently emerged. The tag price for receivers is currently set to check in at nearly $29MM. That figure will be guaranteed if/when Pickens receives the tag. That would of course leave the door open to negotiations on a long-term deal.
Both sides in this case have been mentioned as willing to explore a deal lasting beyond 2026 based on the success of Pickens’ first Cowboys season. According to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, there is a “mutual interest” for an extension to be worked out. Harris notes Pickens’ issues with tardiness for team meetings – something which became a talking point during his three-year Steelers tenure – carried over to Dallas at times during the 2025 season. Owner Jerry Jones downplayed the matter during an interview with Harris, though, and attention will increasingly turn to the matter of contract talks.
It was confirmed earlier this week the Cowboys have yet to begin extension negotiations with Pickens’ camp. Dallas has a well-documented history under Jones when it comes to high-profile talks taking longer than many feel they should. The Micah Parsons episode of 2025 was an extreme example of how things can spiral over time when neither side budges during an extended period. In the case of Pickens, a decision on the franchise tag will need to made by March 3.
“I’m talking to George all the time by virtue of my excitement for him,” Jones said of the 24-year-old (via the Cowboys’ website). “He’s better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute. I’m looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time.”
The receiver market topped $40MM per season last year when Ja’Marr Chase signed his Bengals extension. He and Justin Jefferson comfortably lead the way in terms of guaranteed money at the position. Pickens is a candidate for a massive raise beginning in 2026 no matter what, but a long-term deal would ensure far greater earnings than the $8.78MM the former second-round pick collected on his rookie pact. A new contract averaging at least $30MM annually was the aim for Pickens and his camp when he arrived in Dallas and elected not to pursue an extension right away.
That decision is set to pay off. Pickens enjoyed a career year in 2025, securing a top-eight finish leaguewide in receptions (93), yards (1,429) and touchdowns (nine). Based on his age and instant chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott, Pickens profiles as a logical candidate for a major investment. On the other hand, Dallas already has one monster WR pact on the books in the form of CeeDee Lamb. He and Prescott are set to represent substantial cap charges on offense for years to come.
The Cowboys have a number of other key decisions to make with their other pending free agents (such as running back Javonte Williams, with whom the team has been in contact). Among the easiest ones Dallas faces, however, is using the tag to keep Pickens from departing. Players who receive the tender have until July 15 to agree to a long-term contract and avoid playing out the season on the tag.
Rory Parks contributed to this post.
Matt Ryan Non-Committal On Michael Penix Jr.’s Status As Falcons’ QB1; Latest On Kirk Cousins’ Future
The Falcons have a new collection of decision-makers in place in the form of president of football Matt Ryan, general manager Ian Cunningham, and head coach Kevin Stefanski. One of the top priorities for that trio will be devising a short- and long-term quarterback plan.
During last week’s introductory press conference for Cunningham, Ryan was asked if Michael Penix Jr. would step back into his QB1 role when he is recovered from the partially-torn ACL he sustained in November. As ESPN’s Marc Raimondi relays, Ryan was notably non-committal on that front.
“Neither of us are the head coach of the football team, so we can’t answer your question on that,” Ryan said of himself and Cunningham (even though final personnel authority belongs to Ryan, with both Cunningham and Stefanski reporting to him). “I think as we start to get into this process and dive deeper into the roster – how it currently stands, where it’s going in the future – I think those are conversations that’ll be a part of it.”
The club hoped it would be set at the quarterback position for the foreseeable future after making two splashes in the 2024 offseason. The Falcons signed Kirk Cousins in free agency in March 2024 and then surprised everyone (including Cousins) by selecting Penix with the No. 8 overall pick of that year’s draft. Cousins’ first season in Atlanta was derailed by injury, and he was ultimately benched in favor of Penix, who entered the 2025 offseason as the unquestioned starter. Despite Cousins’ status as an obvious trade/release candidate, the Falcons elected to retain the four-time Pro Bowler as the most expensive backup passer in NFL history.
Penix did not make the progress the Falcons hoped for in his sophomore campaign, and his season-ending ACL injury allowed Cousins to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup. In his 10 appearances (eight starts) in 2025, Cousins completed 61% of his passes for 1,721 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 games. He posted a 5-3 record as a starter.
The terms of Cousins’ recent contract restructure mean he will soon be released. However, there is at least a theoretical possibility that Atlanta could re-sign Cousins after releasing him, as we recently suggested. In that scenario, the 37-year-old would represent a viable stopgap solution until Penix is medically cleared. Cousins’ familiarity with Stefanski’s system – Stefanski was Cousins’ quarterbacks coach/offensive coordinator in Minnesota from 2018-19 – could make a new contract more likely. While retirement and a foray into broadcasting are also on the table, Cousins said he feels “rejuvenated” after finishing out the 2025 season as a starter and would like to continue playing in 2026 (via NFL.com’s Jeremy Bergman).
Penix recently suggested he would be cleared by April, but Raimondi stands by prior reporting on the southpaw’s timeline. The ESPN scribe referenced a timeline of nine to 12 months.
“Quarterback’s obviously very important, and we’re excited about Mike and what he’s doing with his rehab,” Ryan said of Penix. “I’ve been up at the facility the last three weeks, and Michael’s been in there attacking that and he’s in a good space right now, so we’re excited about where he is at. But certainly, a lot of discussions for us about the entire roster.”
Texans’ Dino Vasso Withdraws From Consideration For DC Jobs; Browns Interview Two Internal Staffers
Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso garnered considerable attention for a defensive coordinator job in this year’s coaching carousel. The 38-year-old staffer has decided to remain in Houston, however.
Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Vasso has withdrawn from consideration for DC jobs. It sounds as if the Texans may have given him a raise to stay, as Rapoport adds Vasso has secured a contract extension.
Vasso initially joined the Texans as a cornerbacks coach in 2021 and held that role for three years. His duties were expanded slightly in 2024, when his title was upgraded to defensive backs coach. The Texans’ defense has certainly benefited from strong secondary play in recent seasons, and we previously heard that former Browns DC Jim Schwartz and current Texans DC Matt Burke have offered endorsements for Vasso.
Vasso’s work earned him recent DC interviews with the Titans and Cardinals, and he was also named as a legitimate contender for the Browns’ DC job (which recently became available upon Schwartz’s resignation). Even though Vasso did not take a Cleveland interview, he was a top candidate for that role, as Rapport notes. Shortly after the Vasso news broke, Rapoport’s colleague, Tom Pelissero, reported that the Browns have interviewed internal candidates Ephraim Banda (safeties coach) and Jason Tarver (linebackers coach) for the opening.
New Browns head coach Todd Monken has previously stated the team will keep Schwartz’s system in place, as Pelissero relays. As such, promoting an internal staffer would be a logical move, particularly since Cleveland’s defense was one of the league’s best in 2025. Banda interviewed for the Cowboys’ and Jets’ DC gigs this year, and Tarver worked as the Raiders’ DC from 2012-14.
According to Rapoport, Vasso would have been on the short list for the Raiders’ current defensive coordinator vacancy as well. Patrick Graham, who served as Las Vegas’ DC for the past four seasons, recently joined the Steelers in the same capacity. He will become an experienced voice for Mike McCarthy’s first staff in Pittsburgh, and the Raiders – who are planning to hire Klint Kubiak as their next head coach – will now have one fewer option to fill his spot.
The Titans ultimately hired Gus Bradley as their DC under new head coach Robert Saleh. The Cardinals’ and Browns’ searches will continue, and Vasso will remain a trusted advisor on the Texans’ defense for Burke and head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Houston led the league in both total defense and points per game in 2025. Although it will be difficult to replicate that performance in 2026, another strong showing will presumably keep Vasso’s DC stock high next year.
Sean Payton Has Not Decided On Broncos’ 2026 Play-Caller
FEBRUARY 8: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler confirms nothing has been decided with respect to offensive play-calling duties for the Broncos in 2026. Several league sources believe Payton will eventually relinquish that responsibility to Webb, though it could happen gradually rather than all at once.
FEBRUARY 5: Davis Webb‘s promotion to Broncos offensive coordinator stirred speculation that he may take over play-calling duties from Sean Payton.
Webb received interest from several teams this cycle for both head coaching and offensive coordinator jobs that would have come with the opportunity to call plays. Since experience as a play-caller has become an increasingly important factor in getting a head coaching job, his decision to stay in Denver suggested he would get a shot at calling the Broncos offense.
However, there is no language in Webb’s contract guaranteeing him that responsibility, according to Luca Evans of the Denver Post, and Payton has yet to make a decision on the matter.
Giving up play-calling duties would be a major departure for Payton, who has been calling plays for his offenses for the last 20 years. But he may have already hinted at such a change, per 9News’ Mike Klis (via DNVR Sports). Payton talked about needing to move quicker as a coach in January, and delegating play-calling duties to Webb may allow him to do that.
“I don’t think Sean [Payton] is ready to announce that, but I’m not going to be surprised if Davis Webb does [call plays],” Klis said.
Payton has voiced his approval of Webb’s play-calling abilities in the past. Webb called the Broncos offense for a preseason game in 2025 and the unit scored 27 points, racked up 562 yards, and averaged 7.8 yards per play.
“I had thrown a couple of call sheets or stat sheets from my first time and highlighted a few things and said, ‘see if you can beat this,’” Payton said (via Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post). “And he did.”
Of course, the regular season is a different story, but who better to mentor Webb in his first year as a play-caller than Payton himself? And if Webb were to falter for any reason, Payton could always step in to right the ship.
Chiefs TE Travis Kelce Leaning Towards Continuing Playing Career?
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s contract expired at the end of the 2025 season, which put retirement squarely on the table for the 36-year-old. Although he was not prepared to make a decision on his playing future in the immediate aftermath of the campaign, he did say he would make up his mind before the start of the new league year in March. As of now, signs are pointing to a return to the field in 2026.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic (subscription required), a 14th season for Kelce “is looking more real than ever,” and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network says Kelce and the team have been in touch about a continuation of his on-field career. Rapoport adds, to no surprise, that KC wants the future Hall of Famer back.
To that end, the two sides plan to reconvene after Super Bowl LX to finalize a mutually-workable plan. It is unclear exactly when Kelce will formally announce his decision, but it would be fair to expect a new contract to be hammered out between a player and a team that have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship.
The return of longtime offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to the Chiefs’ staff in his familiar OC role may have made Kelce more inclined to come back. His comments on the matter suggested as much.
“I can’t wait to see him back in the building, man,” Kelce said. “He’s one of my favorite coaches of all time, one of my favorite people of all time. I’ve had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player, as a person, and I just love the guy.”
The Chiefs posted a 6-11 record in 2025, but Kelce himself enjoyed another strong season, recording 76 catches for 851 yards and five scores. After posting a career-low 8.5-yards-per-reception rate in 2024, Kelce was back to double-digits last year with an 11.2 mark.
Speculatively, it could be that Kelce does not want to end his playing days following a season in which the Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. Even so, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk suggests money could be a complicating factor.
As of the time of this writing, Kansas City is projected to be roughly $55MM over the salary cap, which puts the team in the worst financial situation in the league. It is unclear how much the Chiefs are willing to pay Kelce, but it would be surprising for him to earn over $17MM per year on his next contract, as he was on his most recent deal.
Of course, there are plenty of machinations that will allow KC to become cap-compliant and to keep the players it prioritizes. While Rapoport acknowledges the team’s current cap status, he does not believe it will create a real hurdle to a Kelce re-up.
Derek Carr Could Consider 2026 Return; QB Has No Shoulder Limitations
Last May, Saints quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement, and it was subsequently reported that he was “extremely unlikely” to reverse that decision. In addressing the matter several months later, however, he did not close the door to an NFL return, and both the Bengals and Colts considered him during their search for injury replacements for their starting quarterbacks in 2025.
According to Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo of NFL.com, Carr is content in retirement at the moment but could be open to a 2026 comeback if the right opportunity presents itself. It is unclear exactly what the “right opportunity” would include, though the NFL.com triumvirate says Carr’s prospective coaching staff would be a key factor.
Carr, who stepped away from the game (at least temporarily) at age 34, chose that route rather than undergoing a shoulder surgery that would have jeopardized his availability for the 2025 slate. In their own announcement on his retirement, the Saints said the four-time Pro Bowler had “significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff.”
Fortunately, Carr’s shoulder responded well to rest and recovery. He began rehabbing as the 2025 season went along, and he presently has no shoulder limitations. He is throwing fully as part of his regular exercise regimen.
While Carr is not actively pursuing a comeback, the usual dearth of quality options on the free agent and trade markets, as well as the perceived weakness of the 2026 draft class of collegiate QBs outside of presumptive No. 1 selection Fernando Mendoza, could make him attractive to clubs in need of a bridge option. The fact that he is back to full strength heightens his appeal.
The Saints still control Carr’s rights, meaning they would have to work out a trade with an interested club. But Rapoport et al. do not see that as a real hurdle. Tyler Shough’s strong showing as a rookie and the amicable end to Carr’s New Orleans tenure suggest such a deal would be easy to consummate, and trade compensation would likely be minimal given that Carr has no future with the Saints.
Across 27 games with New Orleans, Carr posted a 14-13 record and completed over 68% of his passes, throwing for 40 touchdowns against just 13 picks. That amounted to a 98.8 quarterback rating.
Bears Promote Press Taylor To OC
FEBRUARY 8: The Bears have indeed named Taylor their new offensive coordinator, per Rapoport (as relayed by Bobby Kownack of NFL.com). Of course, Johnson will continue to serve as the offensive play-caller, but Taylor — who is still considered a talented young coach — will receive a promotion and will take on a larger role in assisting Johnson and installing Chicago’s offense.
FEBRUARY 4: A successful first season as Chicago’s passing game coordinator may lead to a promotion for Press Taylor. The Bears will consider Taylor for their offensive coordinator job, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Head coach Ben Johnson is on the hunt for a new O-coordinator after losing Declan Doyle to the Ravens last week. Doyle left to work as a play-caller, which is a responsibility Johnson handles in Chicago. Taylor and Cardinals passing game coordinator Connor Senger are the first known candidates to replace Doyle.
Unlike Senger, the 38-year-old Taylor has previous OC experience, having held the position in Jacksonville from 2022-24. Head coach Doug Pederson called the plays in the first of those seasons, but he passed those responsibilities to Taylor over the next two years.
While the Jaguars finished a respectable 13th in total offense and scoring in 2023, they plummeted to 25th and 26th in those categories during a four-win 2024. That led to a coaching change in Jacksonville and Taylor’s departure.
With Taylor assisting their aerial attack in 2025, the Bears climbed from 31st in passing to 10th. Quarterback Caleb Williams made obvious strides in the second year of his career, helping the Bears to 11 wins and an NFC North title. While wide receiver D.J. Moore‘s production declined significantly, and fellow wideout Rome Odunze missed five games because of a foot injury, tight end Colston Loveland helped pick up the slack during an outstanding rookie campaign.
The Bears selected Loveland 10th overall last year and then grabbed another promising target, receiver Luther Burden, in the second round. After he helped Loveland and Burden combine for 105 catches, 1,365 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025, the Bears are considering a bigger role for Taylor.
Falcons OLB James Pearce Jr. Arrested
Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. was arrested on Saturday in Doral, Florida and booked in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. 
Booking records indicate Pearce faces two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He has also been charged with one count each of aggravated stalking and fleeing or eluding police with lights or siren. According to Pablo Hernandez of WPLG Local 10 News, Pearce was arrested after crashing his car while fleeing police.
Doral Police was dispatched to a dispute involving one man and one woman. Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez stated the woman in question was WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Jackson, 24, was selected in the first round of the league’s 2024 draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. Pearce is alleged to have fled the scene prior to ultimately crashing and being detained.
Andy Slater of Fox Sports South Florida reports Pearce is accused of intentionally crashing his Lamborghini into Jackson’s car to prevent her from reaching a police station. It was that incident, he adds, which led to the Pearce police chase.
“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami,” a team statement reads (h/t Josh Kendall of The Athletic). “We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”
The Falcons made a concerted effort to boost their pass rush during the opening round of the 2025 draft. After selecting Jalon Walker 15th overall, Atlanta traded back into the Day 1 order and added Pearce with pick No. 26. The arrival of both players proved highly impactful in upgrading the Falcons’ production along the edge. Pearce, 22, collected 10.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits in 2025. Those totals helped him finish third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
Pearce’s bond has yet to be set, according to the WPLG piece. His arrest report has not yet been made available, it adds, limiting details on the nature of the alleged incident.
Vikings To Consider Wide Range Of QB Additions?
Given the way J.J. McCarthy played (when available) in 2025, the Vikings find themselves in the market for at least one notable quarterback addition. The manner in which the team goes about bringing in a new passer will make for an interesting offseason storyline. 
Both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones departed in free agency during the 2025 offseason. The success both quarterbacks had with their new teams provided a stark contrast to McCarthy, who was sidelined for his entire rookie campaign. The former top-10 pick started 10 games in Year 2, struggling in a number of categories along the way. Poor play, along with various injuries, ensured the need for competition to be brought in this spring.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell and since-fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah both spoke on that subject after the season ended. Free agency and the trade market loom as avenues for the Vikings to make an addition. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network predicts (video link) a veteran will be sought out in the near future. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini also expects a move on that front (subscription required). A new deal for Carson Wentz – who took over QB1 duties prior to undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery – could be an option. Otherwise, several paths will at least be explored this spring.
As ESPN’s Kevin Seifert writes, “all bets are off” when it comes to how the Vikings will proceed. The firing of Adofo-Mensah came at an unexpected time, but many observers were not surprised a change was made in the wake of his QB setup not going to plan. Seifert’s colleague Jeremy Fowler notes Jones was a higher priority than Darnold last spring with respect to a Minnesota re-signing. The Colts wound up inking Jones to a one-year pact, but he is widely expected to remain in Indianapolis for 2026. Darnold, meanwhile, is one the books with Seattle through 2027.
McCarthy’s rookie deal has another two years remaining on it, with a potential fifth-year option to be decided on next spring. The Michigan product is certainly not a bust so early in his NFL career, but stabilizing Minnesota’s offense will depend in large part on much better play from under center. A short-term addition such as Aaron Rodgers or Joe Flacco could buy time for McCarthy to develop further. The trade market could involve other veterans such as Jacoby Brissett, who has one year remaining on his deal and is owed just $5.44MM for 2026.
It would be noteworthy to say the least if the Vikings were to consider drafting a new passer relatively early. The team does not have a full-time general manager at the moment, and Rob Brzezinski‘s replacement will not arrive until after the draft. A strong possibility exists for Minnesota’s next GM to inherit not only McCarthy but also another quarterback they had no role in acquiring. That would definitely make for an interesting dynamic between O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah’s eventual successor.
The Vikings are one of many teams currently projected to be over the cap for 2026. Several cost-shedding moves will be required as a result, and the amount of financial flexibility created will go a long way in determining which quarterbacks become affordable.
Bears T Ozzy Trapilo Expected To Miss Time In 2026
Ozzy Trapilo was a key figure on the Bears’ offensive line during his rookie season. His second NFL campaign is likely to be delayed, though. 
Trapilo suffered a torn patellar tendon during Chicago’s wild-card victory. The injury ended his rookie year and set up a lengthy recovery period. Surgery took place shortly after the Bears were eliminated during the divisional round, general manager Ryan Poles said (via Scott Bair of the Marquee Sports Network).
Trapilo’s attention will be focused on the rehab process for several months. Poles confirmed (via Bair) the second-round pick will be sidelined well into 2026. Missed time at the beginning of next season can be expected as a result. Not having Trapilo available for any notable stretch will leave the Bears thin at offensive tackle.
Chicago made a number of necessary moves aimed at providing upgrades up front last offseason. Guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson were acquired via trade before center Drew Dalman was signed in free agency. That trio, along with incumbent right tackle Darnell Wright, helped stabilize the Bears’ O-line. The left tackle spot remained a question mark well into the season, however. Trapilo wound up making six starts during the regular season, while former UDFA Theo Benedet started eight times and logged a similar overall snap share.
Braxton Jones was sidelined for an extended period due to a knee injury. He was activated from injured reserve in time for Chicago’s divisional round matchup but did not play. Jones, a pending free agent, was benched by new head coach Ben Johnson shortly before suffering his injury. A departure would come as no surprise, but coupled with Trapilo’s recovery timeline it would – at least temporarily – leave Chicago short on LT options.
Trapilo, 24, saw limited action at right tackle (a familiar position dating back to his time at Boston College). The majority of his play came on the blindside, though, and he delivered an encouraging performance in terms of PFF evaluation (31st among qualifying tackles). A full-time spot in the starting lineup could be available upon returning to full health, but the time at which that will be the case will be worth monitoring.