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2026 NFL Franchise Tag Candidates

By Sam Robinson | at February 17, 2026 11:20 pm

We are now in Year 34 of the franchise tag, a retention tool that came about during the same offseason in which full-fledged free agency spawned. The NFL salary cap is rising at a rate allowing teams to hammer out more extensions than in previous periods. That has helped dilute free agency talent pools. This led to a 2025 landscape in which only two players — Tee Higgins and Trey Smith — received the franchise tag. The cap, which stood at $279.2MM in 2025, is expected to rise beyond $301MM this year.

This year’s free agent class looks to feature only one tag lock, but a handful of players make sense as candidates to be kept off the market. An antiquated NFL system regarding positional classifications also affects this year’s free agency crop, as a couple of high-end UFAs-to-be (Tyler Linderbaum, Devin Lloyd) would likely be kept off the market if the league modernized how it sorted positions with regards to tag prices.

Teams who use the franchise or transition tag have until July 15 to complete an extension; otherwise, negotiations cannot restart until after the 2026 season. The transition tag does not bring any compensation back for an unmatched offer sheet, but the two-first-rounder component associated with a franchise tag has not been especially relevant in ages. Although offer sheets have come out in previous eras (Sean Gilbert and Dan Wilkinson signed unmatched offers in the 1990s), clubs avoid these in fear of an unmatched proposal requiring two first-round picks to be sent to the tagging team.

The tag window opens at 3pm CT today. With clubs having until 3pm CT on March 3 to apply tags, here is who may be cuffed:

Likely tag recipients

George Pickens, WR (Cowboys)
Projected tag cost: $28.82MM

The Cowboys have regularly turned to the tag over the past decade. They cuffed DeMarcus Lawrence in 2018 and ’19 before locking down Dak Prescott in 2020 and ’21. The latter Prescott tag was procedural, as the quarterback used the threat of a lofty second tag number hitting Dallas’ cap sheet as leverage toward a player-friendly extension — one that laid the groundwork for his 2024 player-friendly extension. The Cowboys then kept Dalton Schultz (2022) and Tony Pollard (’23) off the market. After two years without unholstering their tag, the Cowboys appear all set to prevent Pickens from reaching free agency.

Acquiring Pickens in a May 2025 trade with the Steelers — which featured a 2026 third-round pick as the top asset going back to Pittsburgh –Dallas reaped immediate benefits from that swap. Pickens, 24, smashed his career-high receiving mark with 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. That booked the former second-round pick his first Pro Bowl honor; more impressively, Pickens was named a second-team All-Pro. The mercurial ex-Steeler WR1 was more than 300 receiving yards clear of CeeDee Lamb for the Cowboys’ receiving lead; even though Lamb missed three games, Pickens’ per-game average (84.1) better Lamb’s (76.9).

A tag surfaced on the radar here in mid-November, and momentum has steadily built for Pickens to follow in Dez Bryant‘s footsteps as a Cowboy wideout being kept off the market. It will take a near-Saints-level odyssey for the Cowboys to create sufficient cap space for a Pickens tag and reasonable spending room; they are projected to be more than $30MM (per OverTheCap) north of the 2026 salary ceiling, but enough smoke has emerged here — after Pickens fit the tag profile upon arrival — to make it safe to expect this outcome.

The Steelers shipped out Pickens in part because of reliability concerns, but the 6-foot-3 playmaker outperformed — with a considerable QB upgrade in Prescott — his previous work. With Lamb tied to a $34MM-per-year deal and Prescott on an NFL-record $60MM-AAV extension, the Cowboys are far from certain to extend Pickens. A tag-and-trade play has surfaced as a possibility, but with negotiations not having begun as of early February, expect the Cowboys to use the tag to at least buy themselves more time on their ultra-talented WR2.

On tag radar:

Breece Hall, RB (Jets)
Projected tag cost: $14.54MM

The Chiefs offered a fourth-round pick for Hall at the deadline, but the Jets held onto their starting running back after having asked for at least a third-rounder. Hall denied a report he was seeking a New York exit — after the blockbuster deals involving Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams — but he could have a chance to explore his value on the open market soon. The Jets, however, have spoken highly of the 1,000-yard rusher. The tag has surfaced as a possibility.

Hall, 24, is more than two years younger than Etienne. He will thus command more in free agency. The former second-round pick is also more than three years removed from the ACL tear that sidetracked his rookie season. The Jets waited on a Hall extension, keeping him on his rookie contract while giving Gardner and Garrett Wilson big-ticket deals, but Aaron Glenn has spoken highly of the Iowa State alum.

Gang Green wants to retain Hall. The easiest way for that to happen would be to extend his negotiating window via the tag. A $12MM-per-year offer could await the fifth-year player, making a tag logical. If the Jets were to place the transition tag on Hall, it would cost them a projected $11.73MM. They would receive no compensation in the event of an unmatched offer sheet, thus allowing another team to dictate the contract structure a la the Packers’ Kyle Fuller offer sheet in 2018.

The Jets saw Hall sidekick Braelon Allen miss much of the season, but the former Joe Douglas-era fourth-round pick remains signed through 2027. Allen gives the Jets some protection against a Hall exit, with a mid-round 2027 compensatory pick possible as well. But Hall is a dynamic RB that will be an attractive FA commodity if unattached come March 9. The Jets have a big decision to make over the next two weeks.

Trey Hendrickson, DE (Bengals)
Projected tag cost: $34.8MM

The defensive end tag is projected to come in at $27.32MM, but because Hendrickson was attached to a $29MM salary (following a late-summer raise), he is the rare tag candidate to whom the 120% rule would apply. As PFR’s glossary indicates, “the amount of the one-year offer is determined by a formula that includes the salary cap figures and the non-exclusive franchise salaries at the player’s position for the previous five years. Alternately, the amount of the one-year offer can be 120% of the player’s previous salary, if that amount is greater.” In Hendrickson’s case, it would be.

Cincinnati has been here with a veteran contract not too long ago. The team tagged A.J. Green in 2020, doing so after he had played out a five-year extension. That decision, which paired the former Pro Bowl mainstay with Joe Burrow‘s rookie contact, backfired after Green could not reprise his prime form after missing 2019 due to injury.

Hendrickson, 31, is more likely to resemble prime form than Green was at 32 six years ago. But the All-Pro edge rusher is coming off an injury-shortened season, playing in only seven games. Hendrickson also underwent core muscle surgery in December.

Also adding Hendrickson to pair with Burrow’s rookie deal (in 2021), the Bengals saw their four-year, $60MM pact with the Saints draftee become a bargain. Hendrickson anchored Cincy’s Super Bowl LVI defense and went on to register 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons (2023, ’24). The Bengals gave Hendrickson a one-year, $21MM extension in 2023 — a deal the D-end signed in fear the team would tag him in 2025. But the Higgins process dragged out to a point that would have been moot.

Hendrickson then angled for an extension during the 2025 offseason but saw the Bengals — who almost always draw a hard line on post-Year 1 salary guarantees — dig in and only offer him a backloaded deal without future guaranteed salary. The one-year, $29MM offer (which did not contain a no-tag clause) turned out to be a nice reward for the productive pass rusher, but it drained a year from his prime. The Bengals are planning to use the Combine to gauge Hendrickson’s value, which would give serious thought to a tag-and-trade scenario.

This might not go over well with Hendrickson’s camp, but if the Bengals — who have two first-round DEs (Myles Murphy, Shemar Stewart) contracted — believe they can land something of consequence, they will use the tag. If Hendrickson does not sign the tender, Cincy can rescind the tag down the road.

Kyle Pitts, TE (Falcons)
Projected tag cost: $16.32MM

Pitts gives off buyer-beware vibes due to inconsistency, but the tag has regularly served as an avenue for this genre of player to be retained for further evaluation. As PFR’s Connor Byrne noted in his Falcons Offseason Outlook, the team is in an extraordinarily rare position of seeing a former quarterback (Matt Ryan) make a franchise tag call on one of his former weapons. Atlanta’s new personnel chief peppered Pitts with targets as a rookie, making him the NFL’s second tight end (after Mike Ditka) to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie.

The former No. 4 overall pick, however, regressed and did not eclipse 675 yards in a season from 2022-24. The Falcons’ issues replacing Ryan, with neither Marcus Mariota nor Desmond Ridder impressing, hindered Pitts and Drake London.

A declining Kirk Cousins did not save the day, but he sure helped Pitts in a contract year. The Cousins-Pitts connection humming in Tampa (11 catches, 166 yards, three touchdowns) put him on the tag radar and launched him to second-team All-Pro honors (with injuries to George Kittle and Brock Bowers helping clear a path). More buzz has since circulated about Pitts being tagged; the 6-foot-6 pass catcher has spoken highly of Kevin Stefanski, who helped David Njoku and Harold Fannin to productive seasons.

Though, Pitts only finished with five touchdowns last season; he has not been a prolific end zone threat (15 TDs in five years) and one 100-yard game. His 928-yard season impressed, and receiving tight ends are not so easy to replace. This is a situation to monitor. The Falcons’ previous regime showed little interest in extending the 25-year-old pass catcher, but this one might be more amenable to keeping the TE beyond his rookie deal.

Strong markets await otherwise:

Travis Etienne, RB (Jaguars)
Projected tag cost: $14.54MM

Jacksonville’s previous front offices turned to the tag regularly this decade. Edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue became a tag-and-trade player in 2020, while left tackle Cam Robinson was cuffed in 2021 and ’22. The team tagged Evan Engram over Jawaan Taylor in 2023. Second-year GM James Gladstone reshaped the team’s skill-position corps last year, moving on from the likes of Engram, Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, Devin Duvernay and Tank Bigsby. Although the Jags drafted two running backs (Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen), Etienne returned to his RB1 role and produced 1,107 rushing yards and a career-high 13 total touchdowns.

Chosen in Urban Meyer‘s lone draft at the helm, Etienne lost work to Bigsby in 2024 but regained his grip on the Jags’ RB job after the team traded Bigsby to the Eagles before Week 2. The college Trevor Lawrence teammate turned 27 last month, making this a prime window for him to cash in before concerns about his mileage (897 career carries) add up.

Fortunately for Etienne, this Jaguars front office is not expected to use the tag here. The team is projected to be more than $13MM over the cap as of Tuesday, and even though the cap is expected to rise by at least $22MM in 2026, the Jags will look to use $14.5MM toward another area of the roster. This would allow Etienne to shop around for a multiyear guarantee, no sure thing on the RB market. Absent a tag, the Jags will have until 3pm CT on March 9 to keep him out of free agency.

Odafe Oweh, OLB (Chargers)
Projected tag cost: $28.2MM

This is more of a cap space-based idea. The Bolts are projected to hold more than $82MM in cap room, with some cost-cutting options at play as well. They also have both Oweh and Khalil Mack unsigned for 2026. Although top edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu has one season left on his rookie deal, the Chargers will need to make moves at the position due to the statuses of Mack and Oweh. With Mack going into an age-35 season, he is not a tag candidate. At 27, Oweh makes a bit more sense.

Oweh’s sack production does not rival Hendrickson’s, but he played well after a deadline trade with the Ravens. All 7.5 of Oweh’s sacks last season came as a Charger, and he racked up 10 in 2024 after Baltimore picked up his fifth-year option. The former first-rounder, who joined Kwity Paye and Jaelan Phillips as 2021 first-round edges to play out option years, will be one of the top free agents available if the Chargers let him reach the legal tampering period unattached.

The Bolts are not viewed as likely to tag Oweh; they could work out a separate deal with him before March 9. By not using the tag, Los Angeles would risk losing a prime talent. Oweh did not eclipse five sacks until his fourth season, so a $28MM tag number — the linebacker rate, as Oweh is a career 3-4 OLB — does not quite align with his production.

Tagging him at that number would make for an interesting negotiation, as the Bolts have a Tuipulotu extension to hammer out this year. But Oweh also could be used as a rental as the Chargers prepare to battle the Broncos and Chiefs for AFC West supremacy in 2026.

Jaelan Phillips, OLB (Eagles)
Projected tag cost: $28.2MM

Philadelphia let Josh Sweat walk in free agency last year, and GM Howie Roseman has not used his franchise tag since keeping DeSean Jackson off the market in 2012. That was Andy Reid‘s last Philly year. With Roseman as the clear lead decision-maker, the Eagles have taken their chances with in-house free agents.

Phillips, 26, played well for the team despite low sack numbers. And he is a former Vic Fangio Dolphins piece. Phillips’ 35 pressures last season ranked 12th in the NFL. The Eagles struggled to replace Sweat before their Phillips deadline deal, seeing Za’Darius Smith retire and Nolan Smith go through an IR stint. Brandon Graham unretired, but he would be going into an age-38 season if he came back again. Expected to be Philly’s lead edge rusher, Smith only tallied three sacks last season.

A $28MM tag would not quite align with Phillips’ value, however. Unlike the Chargers, the Eagles are projected to hold barely $18MM in cap space. That makes Phillips — who has ACL and Achilles tears on his NFL medical sheet — less likely to see the tag. But the Eagles would then be five days away from competing with other teams to sign him.

Kenneth Walker, RB (Seahawks)
Projected tag cost: $14.54MM

Zach Charbonnet‘s divisional-round ACL tear unleashed Walker. Held in a full-on timeshare with Charbonnet last season, Walker broke through for 116 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries against the 49ers. He then gashed the Patriots for 161 scrimmage yards in a Super Bowl LX MVP performance. Walker, 25, has encountered some trouble staying healthy. But he made it through his contract year — a second 1,000-yard season — unscathed for a team that may have Charbonnet bound for the reserve/PUP list come September.

The Seahawks want to retain Walker, and he wants to stay. The team has a history of paying running backs without using the tag, re-signing the likes of Marshawn Lynch, Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny under GM John Schneider. The latter two RBs were not tag-level players, and both ran into injury trouble on second contracts. A Tuesday report also noted the Seahawks are leaning against tagging Walker.

A transition tag is projected to be nearly $3MM cheaper; that could also be an option for Walker, who upped his free agency price with the Super Bowl performance. Running back value has been difficult to peg in recent years, but as mid-20-somethings coming off 1,000-yard seasons, Walker and Breece Hall figure to do quite well. The Seahawks will run the risk of losing him, as hometown discounts are not wise at a position without many bites at the apple, if they do not apply the tag.

The Colts’ call

Daniel Jones, QB/Alec Pierce, WR
Projected tag costs: $47.32MM, $28.82MM

Both have come up as tag candidates, with one being much easier to cuff. Quarterback tags are relatively rare, but six passers have been cuffed since 2011. The Colts tagged Peyton Manning before the lockout (and before the effects of a career-threatening neck injury were known), while the Eagles kept Michael Vick off that 2011 market. The Saints tagged Drew Brees in 2012, while both Kirk Cousins and Dak Prescott were tagged twice. Lamar Jackson requested a trade while on the 2023 tag. Vick’s career did not live up to expectations, but it is safe to say Jones would be the worst quarterback tagged during the rookie-scale era.

This situation looks quite familiar; Giants fans can recall a similar setup playing out in 2023. New York had both Jones and Saquon Barkley unsigned that year. While Barkley was widely acknowledged as the far superior player, positional value led the Giants to prioritize Jones by extending him just before the March ’23 tag deadline and using the tag to retain Barkley. That backfired, with Jones underwhelming before a November 2023 ACL tear. Barkley joined the Eagles a year later and ripped off one of the great running back seasons in NFL history.

Somehow, Jones has managed to gain leverage again despite a bad 2024 season and an injury-plagued 2025. Jones suffered an Achilles tear after playing through a fibula fracture. He also has two bouts of neck trouble in his New York past. But the Colts have made no secret of their intent to keep going with Jones, who was playing well before his Achilles setback.

Jones, 28, averaged more than seven yards per attempt for the first time (8.1) and had the Colts at 8-2. His injury led to the Philip Rivers comeback, but with that in the rearview mirror, Indianapolis’ decision-makers have Jones as a key component in job preservation.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon retained both Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen, but the duo has yet to find quarterback stability. Ballard bears more responsibility for this due to his status as a 10th-year GM, with a string of passers coming through post-Andrew Luck. Jones’ one-year, $14MM deal panned out for a while, but even after he underwhelmed on his $40MM-AAV Giants payday and ran into more injury trouble, the Colts’ QB issues and having traded their 2026 and ’27 first-round picks for Gardner equips the QB with negotiating ammo. He played his hand well in 2023, and the Colts may need to overpay soon.

That QB tag number would hinder the Colts in free agency, forcing cost-cutting maneuvers for a team projected to hold less than $36MM in cap space. A Pierce tag — also floated as a possibility — would be more reasonable. The Colts went between 2013 and 2024 without using the tag, but Ballard’s first such move took a wide receiver (Michael Pittman Jr.) off the market.

Pittman has not quite justified his three-year, $72MM deal, and Pierce passed him as Indy’s top target last season (1,003 yards). A scenario in which the Colts pay Pierce and Jones while bidding farewell to Pittman in the final year of his contract should be considered in play.

A situation in which the Colts extend Jones and leave the tag open for Pierce (25) is a route to monitor, though it would limit Ballard’s ability to do much else in free agency. But QB dependability has eluded the franchise since Luck’s 2019 retirement, and Pierce has led the NFL in yards per catch in back-to-back seasons. Seeing the former second-round pick walk would hurt the Colts’ ability to build a quality passing attack around Jones.

NFC East Rumors: Giants, Okereke, Goedert, Eagles, Ertz, Cowboys

By Sam Robinson | at February 16, 2026 8:00 pm

As our Giants Offseason Outlook covered, the team will be making some cost-cutting moves. Three “obvious” cuts are coming, per The Athletic’s Dan Duggan, who tabs Devin Singletary, Graham Gano and James Hudson as soon-to-be released veterans. The Giants can save $5.25MM by releasing Singletary, $4.5MM by cutting Gano and $5.38MM by axing Hudson. Signed on the same day Saquon Barkley defected to the Eagles, Singletary was unable to remain New York’s starter for long. He lost his job to Tyrone Tracy in 2024 and saw Cam Skattebo leapfrog him last year. Tracy’s rookie deal runs through 2027, while Skattebo is signed through 2028. Gano has missed a staggering 28 games since signing a three-year, $16.5MM extension in 2023. The Giants benched Hudson, their hopeful swing tackle, after a penalty-filled Week 2.

While Jon Runyan Jr. was listed as a likely Giants cut months ago, Duggan places Bobby Okereke on the borderline. The team can save $9.25MM by releasing Runyan, while Okereke can bring back $9MM. Okereke, 29, is due a $3MM roster bonus on March 13. With the Giants projected to hold less than $7MM in cap space and making wholesale changes under John Harbaugh, significant roster changes are likely.

Here is the latest from the NFC East:

The Eagles gave Dallas Goedert a pay cut in 2025, and while the longtime starter caught a franchise tight end-record 11 touchdown passes last season, The Athletic’s Zach Berman expects the sides to part ways soon. Goedert, 31, will be a free agent next month. A glaring hole will exist at tight end if/once the Eagles move on, but Berman anticipates the team adding a younger option. As PFR’s Connor Byrne noted in his Eagles Offseason Outlook piece, Goedert not being re-signed will tag the team with a hefty dead money bill ($20.49MM) stemming from void years. No other Philly TE surpassed 80 receiving yards in 2025.
Goedert’s predecessor, Zach Ertz, is also unsigned for 2026. Coming off an ACL tear, Ertz does not want to retire just yet, ESPN.com’s John Keim notes. Ertz, 35, bounced back with the Commanders by combining for 1,158 receiving yards in his two-season tenure. Jayden Daniels relied on the 13-year veteran in 2024, and he posted a better yards-per-game figure (38.8) in 2025. Still, Ertz being in his mid-30s coming off an ACL tear will limit his market. It is quite possible he remains in free agency until he returns to full strength.
The Commanders already took care of one free agent, re-signing punter Tress Way. The veteran specialist’s one-year contract is worth $3.04MM; almost all of that figure is guaranteed at signing, per OverTheCap.
The Giants will need to make a decision on their right tackle soon. Jermaine Eluemunor profiles as a player the team may want to retain. He started 34 games over the past two seasons in New York and was a fifth-round Ravens draftee in 2017, playing two Baltimore seasons. Eluemunor, 31, could draw between $7-$10MM per year, according to SNY’s Connor Hughes. With Eluemunor already earning $7MM per year on his 2024 Giants deal, it should be expected the proven starter fetches more. He joins Braden Smith, Jack Conklin and Jonah Williams as experienced RTs set to hit the market.
The Cowboys have made three new coaching hires. They are adding Kyle Fuller as assistant O-line coach and Scott Symons as inside linebackers coach, ESPN.com’s Todd Archer and CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer report. Fuller, who played for six teams in a seven-year O-line career, served as a Raiders quality control coach in 2025. Symons will make a cross-town move, being hired after three years as SMU’s DC. The Mustangs finished as a top-35 defense nationally in each of the past three seasons, winning 31 games in that span. Dallas is also hiring Demeitre Brim as assistant D-line coach, per Zenitz. Brim comes over after one season with the Golden Knights, previously coaching at Nebraska and Lehigh.
Wrapping this coaching roundup, the Commanders are hiring LSU’s Jake Olsen to their defensive staff, Zenitz adds. Olsen spent the past two seasons as the Tigers’ safeties coach. Olsen was at Mizzou from 2022-23 but coached under new Commanders DC Daronte Jones at LSU in 2021.

7 comments Dallas Cowboys New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Washington Commanders Dallas Goedert Demeitre Brim Devin Singletary Graham Gano Jake Olsen Jermaine Eluemunor Kyle Fuller (OL)Scott Symons Tress Way Zach Ertz

2026 NFL Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker

By Sam Robinson | at February 15, 2026 10:15 pm

The 2026 head coaching carousel has now seen 10 jobs open since the start of the offseason, as the Bills have fired Sean McDermott. HC firings generally lead to coordinator changes, and several other teams have proceeded with OC or DC moves to start their offseasons. Here are the current OC and DC searches transpiring. As the remaining HC searches conclude, more coordinator searches will be added to this list.

Updated 2-23-26 (10:40pm CT)

Offensive Coordinators

Arizona Cardinals (Out: Drew Petzing)

Nathaniel Hackett, quarterbacks coach (Dolphins): Hired

Atlanta Falcons (Out: Zac Robinson)

Bryan McClendon, wide receivers coach (Buccaneers): Interview requested
Tommy Rees, offensive coordinator (Browns): Hired
Drew Terrell, wide receivers coach (Cardinals): Interviewed 1/20

Baltimore Ravens (Out: Todd Monken)

Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Mentioned as candidate
Declan Doyle, offensive coordinator (Bears): Hired
Kliff Kingsbury, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): Interviewed 1/12
Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Mentioned as candidate
Scottie Montgomery, wide receivers coach (Lions): To interview
Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Interview requested

Buffalo Bills (Out: Joe Brady)

Pete Carmichael Jr., senior offensive assistant (Broncos): Hire expected

Chicago Bears (Out: Declan Doyle)

Connor Senger, pass-game coordinator (Cardinals): Interview requested
Press Taylor, pass-game coordinator (Bears): Promoted
Troy Walters, wide receivers coach (Bengals): Declined interview

Cleveland Browns (Out: Tommy Rees)

Travis Switzer, run-game coordinator (Ravens): Hire expected

Denver Broncos (Out: Joe Lombardi)

Ronald Curry, quarterbacks coach (Bills): Interviewed
Brian Johnson, pass-game coordinator (Commanders): Interviewed
Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Promoted

Detroit Lions (Out: John Morton)

David Blough, quarterbacks coach (Commanders): Mentioned as candidate; promoted to Washington OC
Mike Kafka, former interim head coach (Giants): Interviewed 1/14
Tee Martin, quarterbacks coach (Ravens): Interviewed
Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/13
Jake Peetz, pass-game coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed
Drew Petzing, former offensive coordinator (Cardinals): Hired
Zac Robinson, offensive coordinator (Falcons): Interviewed 1/15
Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Interview requested

Kansas City Chiefs (Out: Matt Nagy)

Eric Bieniemy, running backs coach (Bears): Rehired

Las Vegas Raiders (Out: Greg Olson)

Andrew Janocko, quarterbacks coach (Seahawks): Hired
Frisman Jackson, wide receivers coach (Seahawks): To interview

Los Angeles Chargers (Out: Greg Roman)

Marcus Brady, pass-game coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/15
Brian Callahan, former head coach (Titans): Interviewed 1/16
Brian Daboll, former head coach (Giants): To interview
Shane Day, quarterbacks coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/15
Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Hired
Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Interviewed 1/19
Drew Terrell, wide receivers coach (Cardinals): Interviewed 1/19
Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Rumored candidate

Los Angeles Rams (Out: Mike LaFleur)

Dave Ragone, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Title enhanced
Nate Scheelhaase, pass-game coordinator (Rams): Promoted

Miami Dolphins (Out: Frank Smith)

Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interview requested
Bobby Slowik, passing game coordinator (Dolphins): Promoted

New York Giants (Out: Mike Kafka)

Brian Callahan, former head coach (Titans): Interview expected
Jim Bob Cooter, offensive coordinator (Colts): Interviewed 2/1
Shane Day, quarterbacks coach (Chargers): To interview
Kliff Kingsbury, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): Interviewed 1/31
Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Hire expected
Matt Nagy, former offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Hired
Robert Prince, wide receivers coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/23
Willie Taggart, running backs coach (Ravens): Joining staff in different capacity
Alex Tanney, pass-game coordinator (Colts): Interviewed 1/30
Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Interview requested
Charlie Weis Jr., offensive coordinator (LSU): Mentioned as candidate

New York Jets (Out: Tanner Engstrand)

Darrell Bevell, passing game coordinator (Dolphins): Conducted second interview 2/1
Ronald Curry, quarterbacks coach (Bills): Interviewed 1/28
Jon Gruden, former head coach (Raiders): Declined Jets’ overtures
Frank Reich, former head coach (Panthers): Hired
Greg Roman, former offensive coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/28; considered finalist
Lunda Wells, tight ends coach (Cowboys): Interviewed 1/28

Philadelphia Eagles (Out: Kevin Patullo)

Klayton Adams, offensive coordinator (Cowboys): Interview blocked
Jim Bob Cooter, offensive coordinator (Colts): Conducted second interview 1/28
Brian Daboll, former head coach (Giants): Interviewed 1/20
Declan Doyle, offensive coordinator (Bears): Interview requested; withdrew from search
Josh Grizzard, former offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Conducted second interview 1/28
Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Conducted second interview 1/29
Mike Kafka, former interim head coach (Giants): Interviewed 1/17
Sean Mannion, quarterbacks coach (Packers): Hired
Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): To interview
Matt Nagy, former offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/21
Zac Robinson, offensive coordinator (Falcons): Interviewed 1/16
Bobby Slowik, senior pass-game coordinator (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/23
Frank Smith, former offensive coordinator (Dolphins): Interviewed
Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Interview requested
Charlie Weis Jr., offensive coordinator (LSU): Withdrew from search

Pittsburgh Steelers (Out: Arthur Smith)

Brian Angelichio, tight ends coach (Vikings): Hired
Scott Tolzien, quarterbacks coach (Saints): Interviewed 2/2; withdrew from consideration
Lunda Wells, tight ends coach (Cowboys): Interview expected

Seattle Seahawks (Out: Klint Kubiak)

John Benton, offensive line coach (Seahawks): Rumored candidate
Mack Brown, tight ends coach (Seahawks): Interviewed 2/13
Brian Fleury, tight ends coach (49ers): Hired
Hank Fraley, offensive line coach (Lions): Rumored candidate
Andrew Janocko, quarterbacks coach (Seahawks): Interviewed 2/12
Mike Kafka, former interim head coach (Giants): Rumored candidate
Justin Outten, run-game specialist (Seahawks): Interviewed 2/13
Jake Peetz, pass-game coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed 2/12
Connor Senger, pass-game specialist (Cardinals): To interview

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Out: Josh Grizzard)

Brian Callahan, former head coach (Titans): To conduct second interview 1/22
Mike Kafka, former interim head coach (Giants): Interviewed
Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/16
Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed
Dan Pitcher, offensive coordinator (Bengals): Interviewed 1/21
Zac Robinson, offensive coordinator (Falcons): Hired
David Shaw, pass-game coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/10
Israel Woolfork, quarterbacks coach (Cardinals): Interviewed 1/10

Tennessee Titans (Out: Nick Holz)

Brian Daboll, former head coach (Giants): Hired
Kliff Kingsbury, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): Interviewed 1/26
Thad Lewis, former quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed 1/26
Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Mentioned as candidate
Bobby Slowik, senior pass-game coordinator (Dolphins): Mentioned as candidate
Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Interviewed
Adam Stenavich, offensive coordinator (Packers): Interviewed 1/26

Washington Commanders (Out: Kliff Kingsbury)

David Blough, quarterbacks coach (Commanders): Promoted
Brian Johnson, pass-game coordinator (Commanders): Interviewed
Tee Martin, quarterbacks coach (Ravens): Interview scheduled
David Raih, tight ends coach (Commanders): Interviewed
Drew Terrell, pass-game coordinator (Cardinals): Interviewed 1/9
Lunda Wells, tight ends coach (Cowboys): Interviewed 1/8

Defensive Coordinators

Arizona Cardinals

Gus Bradley, assistant head coach (49ers): Rumored candidate
Charlie Bullen, outside linebackers coach (Giants): Interview requested; withdrew from search
Don Martindale, defensive coordinator (Michigan): Mentioned as candidate
Aubrey Pleasant, defensive pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 2/9
Nick Rallis, defensive coordinator (Cardinals): Retained
Karl Scott, defensive backs coach (Seahawks): Interviewed
Dino Vasso, defensive backs coach (Texans): Interview requested; withdrew from search

Baltimore Ravens (Out: Zach Orr)

Joe Cullen, defensive line coach (Chiefs): Interview requested
Jim Leonhard, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/30
Anthony Weaver, former defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Hired

Buffalo Bills (Out: Bobby Babich)

Jim Leonhard, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Hired

Cleveland Browns (Out: Jim Schwartz)

Ephraim Banda, safeties coach (Browns): Interviewed 2/7
Charlie Bullen, defensive pass-game coordinator (Giants): Interview requested; withdrew from search
Jonathan Cooley, defensive pass-game coordinator (Panthers): Interview requested
Aubrey Pleasant, defensive pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 2/9
Mike Rutenberg, defensive pass-game coordinator (Falcons): Hired
Jason Tarver, linebackers coach (Browns): Interviewed 2/7; finalist
Cory Undlin, defensive pass-game coordinator (Texans): Held in-person interview 2/14; finalist
Dino Vasso, defensive backs coach (Texans): Mentioned as candidate; withdrew from search

Dallas Cowboys (Out: Matt Eberflus)

Ephraim Banda, safeties coach (Browns): Interviewed 1/9
Charlie Bullen, interim defensive coordinator (Giants): Interviewed 1/15
DeMarcus Covington, defensive line coach (Packers): Interviewed 1/16
Jonathan Gannon, former head coach (Cardinals): To conduct second interview 1/20
Daronte Jones, defensive backs coach (Vikings): Conducted second interview 1/17
Jim Leonhard, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/10
Zach Orr, defensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed
Christian Parker, defensive backs coach (Eagles): Hired
Matt Patricia, defensive coordinator (Ohio State): Mentioned as candidate
Jeff Ulbrich, defensive coordinator (Falcons): Interview blocked
Aaron Whitecotton, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interviewed

Green Bay Packers (Out: Jeff Hafley)

Jonathan Gannon, former head coach (Cardinals): Hired
Al Harris, defensive backs coach (Bears): Interviewed 1/21
Daronte Jones, defensive backs coach (Vikings): Interviewed 1/22
Christian Parker, defensive backs coach (Eagles): To interview

Las Vegas Raiders (Out: Patrick Graham)

DeMarcus Covington, defensive run game coordinator (Packers): To interview
Joe Cullen, defensive line coach (Chiefs): Rumored candidate
Jeff Howard, safeties coach (Seahawks): To interview 2/14
Rob Leonard, run-game coordinator (Raiders): Promoted
Zach Orr, former defensive coordinator (Ravens): Interview requested
Aubrey Pleasant, defensive pass-game coordinator (Rams): To interview 2/13
Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Browns): Rumored candidate
Karl Scott, defensive backs coach (Seahawks): Rumored candidate, to stay in Seattle
Jason Tarver, linebackers coach (Browns): Rumored candidate
Dino Vasso, defensive backs coach (Texans): Mentioned as candidate, withdrew from search
Joe Woods, defensive backs coach (Raiders): Rumored candidate

Los Angeles Chargers (Out: Jesse Minter)

Steve Clinkscale, defensive backs coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/26
Adam Fuller, safeties coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/26
Jim Leonhard, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/28
Chris O’Leary, defensive coordinator (Western Michigan): Hired
Zach Orr, defensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed 1/23
Aubrey Pleasant, pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/24
Dylan Roney, outside linebackers coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/26
Dennard Wilson, former defensive coordinator (Titans): Interviewed 1/23

Miami Dolphins (Out: Anthony Weaver)

Sean Duggan, former linebackers coach (Packers): Hired
Clint Hurtt, defensive line coach (Eagles): Interviewed

New England Patriots (Out: Terrell Williams)

Ephraim Banda, safeties coach (Browns): Interviewed
Shane Bowen, defensive coordinator (Giants): Mentioned as candidate
Zak Kuhr, linebackers coach (Patriots): Clear frontrunner
Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Browns): Mentioned as candidate

New York Giants (Out: Shane Bowen)

Daronte Jones, defensive backs coach (Vikings): Interviewed 1/22
Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Mentioned as candidate
Dennard Wilson, former defensive coordinator (Titans): Hired

New York Jets (Out: Steve Wilks)

Mathieu Araujo, cornerbacks coach (Dolphins): Interviewed
Ephraim Banda, safeties coach (Browns): Interviewed
DeMarcus Covington, defensive line coach (Packers): Interviewed
Brian Duker, pass-game coordinator (Dolphins): Hired
Chris Harris, interim defensive coordinator (Jets): Interviewed 1/18
Daronte Jones, defensive backs coach (Vikings): Interviewed
Jim Leonhard, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed
Don Martindale, defensive coordinator (Michigan): Conducted second interview 1/24
Jim O’Neil, defensive assistant/safeties (Lions): Interviewed

Pittsburgh Steelers (Out: Teryl Austin)

Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator (Raiders): Hired
Jason Simmons, pass-game coordinator (Commanders): To interview; hired for different role

San Francisco 49ers (Out: Robert Saleh)

Gus Bradley, assistant head coach (49ers): Interviewed
Raheem Morris, former head coach (Falcons): Hired
Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Browns): Rumored candidate
Joe Woods, defensive backs coach (Raiders): Interviewed

Tennessee Titans (Out: Dennard Wilson)

Gus Bradley, assistant head coach (49ers): Hired
Aaron Whitecotton, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interview requested; hired as DL coach
Al Harris, defensive backs coach (Bears): Interviewed 1/24
Mike Rutenberg, defensive pass-game coordinator (Falcons): Interview requested
Dino Vasso, defensive backs coach (Texans): Interviewed 1/24

Washington Commanders (Out: Joe Whitt)

Teryl Austin, defensive coordinator (Steelers): Interviewed
Joe Cullen, defensive line coach (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/9
Brian Flores, former defensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed 1/14
Jonathan Gannon, former head coach (Cardinals): Interviewed 1/15
Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator (Raiders): Interview requested
Al Harris, defensive backs coach (Bears): Interviewed 1/22
Daronte Jones, defensive pass-game coordinator (Vikings): Hired
Raheem Morris, former head coach (Falcons): Mentioned as candidate
Karl Scott, defensive backs coach (Seahawks): Interviewed
Jeff Ulbrich, defensive coordinator (Falcons): Mentioned as candidate; staying with Falcons
Dennard Wilson, former defensive coordinator (Titans): Interviewed 1/10

4 comments Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons Baltimore Ravens Buffalo Bills Chicago Bears Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Dallas Cowboys Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Indianapolis Colts Kansas City Chiefs Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers Los Angeles Rams Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings New York Giants New York Jets PFR Originals Philadelphia Eagles Pittsburgh Steelers Seattle Seahawks Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Washington Commanders Aaron Whitecotton Adam Fuller Adam Stenavich Al Harris Andrew Janocko Anthony Weaver Arthur Smith Aubrey Pleasant Bobby Slowik Brian Callahan Brian Daboll Brian Flores Brian Johnson (coach)Bryan McClendon Charlie Bullen Charlie Weis Jr.Chris Harris (Coach)Chris O'Leary Christian Parker Clint Hurtt Connor Senger Cory Undlin Dan Pitcher Daronte Jones Darrell Bevell Dave Ragone David Blough David Raih David Shaw Davis Webb DeMarcus Covington Declan Doyle Dennard Wilson Dino Vasso Don Martindale Drew Petzing Drew Terrell Dylan Roney Ephraim Banda Eric Bieniemy Frank Reich Greg Roman Gus Bradley Hank Fraley Israel Woolfork Jake Peetz Jason Tarver Jeff Howard Jeff Ulbrich Jerrod Johnson Jim Bob Cooter Jim Leonhard Jim O'Neil Jim Schwartz Joe Brady Joe Cullen John Benton Jon Gruden Jonathan Cooley Jonathan Gannon Josh Grizzard Justin Outten Karl Scott Klayton Adams Kliff Kingsbury Lunda Wells Marcus Brady Mathieu Araujo Matt Nagy Matt Patricia Mike Kafka Mike McDaniel Mike Rutenberg Nathaniel Hackett Patrick Graham Press Taylor Raheem Morris Robert Prince Ronald Curry Scott Tolzien Scottie Montgomery Sean Duggan Sean Mannion Shane Day Steve Clinkscale Tee Martin Terrell Williams (coach)Thad Lewis Todd Monken Travis Switzer Troy Walters Willie Taggart Zac Robinson Zach Orr Zak Kuhr

Final 2026 NFL Draft Order

By Adam La Rose | at February 9, 2026 8:59 am

With Super Bowl LX in the books, the full 2026 NFL draft order has been set. Free agency is not far away, but attention will increasingly turn to April’s event as the offseason progresses.

The top of the first-round order is not subject to much in the way of speculation. The Raiders own the No. 1 selection and are widely seen as the landing spot for Fernando Mendoza, the lone quarterback regarded as a first-round lock at this point. How other QB-needy teams positioned throughout the order operate over the coming weeks – knowing there is a lack of high-end prospects this year – will make for an interesting storyline around the league.

This year’s NFL Combine will begin on February 23. Events such as the Senior Bowl have already taken place, leaving the Combine as the next major checkpoint in the evaluation of top prospects. Teams will begin arranging ‘Top 30’ visits with several players of interest relatively soon during the build-up to the draft. This year’s event will take place in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.

Pending the inevitable trades which will shake up the order, here is a final look at how things stand leading up to Day 1:

Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
New York Jets (3-14)
Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
Tennessee Titans (3-14)
New York Giants (4-13)
Cleveland Browns (5-12)
Washington Commanders (5-12)
New Orleans Saints (6-11)
Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
Miami Dolphins (7-10)
Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
New York Jets (via Colts)
Detroit Lions (9-8)
Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
Carolina Panthers (8-9)
Dallas Cowboys (from Packers)
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars)
Chicago Bears (11-6)
Buffalo Bills (12-5)
San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
Houston Texans (12-5)
Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
Denver Broncos (14-3)
New England Patriots (14-3)
Seattle Seahawks (14-3)

25 comments 2026 NFL Draft Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons Baltimore Ravens Buffalo Bills Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Dallas Cowboys Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Houston Texans Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars Kansas City Chiefs Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers Los Angeles Rams Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings New England Patriots New Orleans Saints New York Giants New York Jets PFR Originals Philadelphia Eagles Pittsburgh Steelers San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Washington Commanders

NFL Coaching Updates: Steelers, Slowik, Falcons, Ravens, Cowboys

By Ely Allen | at February 8, 2026 9:10 pm

Mike McCarthy‘s new coaching staff in Pittsburgh continues to fill out as a couple more expected hires were reported this week. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that Texas Tech outside linebackers coach C.J. Ah You is expected to head to the NFL for the same job with the Steelers, while Jonathan Jones of NFL on CBS relayed the expectations that Derius Swinton II would be hired as senior special teams assistant.

A former NFL defensive end who appeared in 33 games with the Rams, Ah You turned to coaching following the end of his playing career. Apart from a brief stint in the XFL, Ah You has only coached at the collegiate level. He started as a special teams quality control coach at his alma mater, Oklahoma, before heading to a defensive line coaching job at Vanderbilt. Following his XFL gig, Ah You spent a year as a QC analyst at USC before landing in Lubbock in 2022. The Red Raiders finished the 2025 season with the sixth-most sacks in the country, and top pass rushers David Bailey and Romello Height made strong cases to be Day 1 picks.

Swinton heads to Pittsburgh after a three-year stint in Las Vegas, where he weathered the turnover of three different head coaches. Swinton has twice served single-season tenures as a special teams coordinator and was named to the interim role in Vegas last year after Tom McMahon‘s exit. He won’t be asked to fill the role of coordinator in Pittsburgh, but his experience after having worked in nine different NFL systems could be valuable to the Steelers in 2026.

Here are a few other coaching updates from around the NFL:

Per Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, the Jets are expected to hire Ryan Slowik to the position of safeties coach. Having coached on and off in the NFL since 2005, Slowik has only held position coaching roles in five seasons. He served as outside linebackers coach of the Cardinals in 2012, held the same position in Cleveland in 2016, and was named to the same role with the Dolphins in 2023 before moving the defensive backs coach/pass game specialist for the past two seasons in Miami. As second year head coach Aaron Glenn continues to rework his coaching staff, he’ll trust his secondary to Slowik and defensive backs coach Chris Harris.
Zenitz of CBS Sports also reported yesterday that the Ravens are hiring Patrick Kramer to a role on their offensive staff. The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec clarified that Kramer’s role will be as a quality control coach. Zrebiec also reported that Rick Minter, the father of the team’s new head coach, will also join Baltimore’s staff after serving as a defensive consultant for the Chargers. Joining both Minters in the move, per Zrebiec, will be Christina DeRuyter. She worked in Los Angeles last year as the team’s director of football logistics.
The Falcons announced that they have hired Matt Jones to the position of assistant offensive line coach. Jones comes over from Tennessee, where he started as an assistant offensive line coach in 2023 before moving to offensive assistant for the past two years. Jones will work under new offensive line coach Bill Callahan who retained Jones on the Titans’ staff when he became the team’s head coach.
Lastly, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, the Cowboys have hired Robert Muschamp as a defensive quality control coach. The nephew of Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, the younger Muschamp worked most recently as a defensive quality control coach with the Chargers, specifically working with outside linebackers.

0 comments Atlanta Falcons Baltimore Ravens Dallas Cowboys New York Jets Pittsburgh Steelers C.J. Ah You Christina DeRuyter Derius Swinton Matt Jones (Coach)Patrick Kramer Rick Minter Robert Muschamp Ryan Slowik

Cowboys Expected To Tag WR George Pickens; Sides Have Mutual Extension Interest, But Tag-And-Trade Possible

By Adam La Rose | at February 8, 2026 12:36 pm

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.

25 comments Dallas Cowboys George Pickens

NFC Staff Updates: Cardinals, 49ers, Cowboys, Lions, Buccaneers

By Nikhil Mehta | at February 6, 2026 2:28 pm

New Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur quickly hired Nathaniel Hackett as his offensive coordinator, and he is now looking for coaches to run his defense and special teams.

Arizona is interviewing a number of candidates for defensive coordinator, while Giants special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial has emerged as a leading candidate to take over as special teams coordinator, per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.

Ghobrial, 37, has spent the last two years with the Giants. Before that, he served as the Jets’ assistant special teams coordinator on Robert Saleh‘s staff, overlapping for two years with LaFleur. Ghobrial previously worked for a number of college programs as well as the Lions in 2017.

The Giants had a solid year on special teams in 2025. They ranked fifth in yards per kickoff return (27.7) and 10th in average starting field position (31.3). Cornerback Deonte Banks also recorded one of the NFL’s five kick return touchdowns last year.

Here is the latest from the coaching ranks across the NFC:

Elsewhere in the NFC West, the 49ers are hiring former Dolphins offensive assistant Roman Sapolu to their staff, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. He previously served as Hawaii’s offensive coordinator and Fresno State’s run game coordinator. He is also the son of former NFL offensive lineman Jesse Sapolu, who won four Super Bowls with the 49ers between 1983 and 1997.
The 49ers also promoted team president Al Guido to Chief Executive Officer, per a press release. Guido first arrived in San Francisco in 2014 as the Chief Operating Officer before his promotion to president.
The Cowboys are retaining Jamel Mutunga, who spent the 2025 season in Dallas via the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. He will be the team’s assistant running backs coach moving forward, per ESPN’s Todd Archer.
The Lions are promoting assistant offensive line coach Steve Oliver to tight ends coach, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. He will replace Tyler Roehl, who left Detroit to become Iowa State’s offensive coordinator.
The Buccaneers are making internal promotions to replace cornerbacks coach Kevin Ross (fired) and safeties coach Nick Rapone (retired), according to Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds. Rashad Johnson will take over Ross’ role while Tim Atkins will succeed Rapone. Both served as assistant secondary coaches in 2025.

1 comment Arizona Cardinals Dallas Cowboys Detroit Lions Miami Dolphins New York Giants San Francisco 49ers Tampa Bay Buccaneers Al Guido Jamel Mutunga Michael Ghobrial Rashad Johnson Roman Sapulo Steve Oliver Tim Atkins

2026 NFL Offseason Outlook Series

By Sam Robinson | at February 6, 2026 11:00 am

Pro Football Rumors is breaking down how all 32 teams’ offseason blueprints are shaping up. Going forward, the Offseason Outlook series is exclusive to Trade Rumors Front Office subscribers, and that link provides details on how to sign up for an annual membership.

This post will be updated as more Outlooks are published.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills
Miami Dolphins
New England Patriots
New York Jets

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns
Pittsburgh Steelers

AFC South

AFC West

NFC East

NFC North

Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings

NFC South

NFC West

0 comments Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons Baltimore Ravens Buffalo Bills Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Dallas Cowboys Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Houston Texans Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars Kansas City Chiefs Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers Los Angeles Rams Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings New England Patriots New Orleans Saints New York Giants New York Jets Offseason Outlook PFR Originals Philadelphia Eagles Pittsburgh Steelers San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Washington Commanders

NFC Staff Notes: Cowboys, Pack, Rams

By Connor Byrne | at February 4, 2026 10:59 am

After interviewing Chidera Uzo-Diribe on Tuesday, the Cowboys are expected to hire the former Georgia assistant as their outside linebackers coach, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. As PFR’s Nikhil Mehta noted earlier this week, Uzo-Diribe helped develop OLBs Nolan Smith, Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker into first-round picks during his time on Kirby Smart‘s coaching staff. He’ll now play a key role under new Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

Marcus Dixon will join Uzo-Diribe and Parker in Dallas as the team’s defensive line coach, Todd Archer of ESPN reports. A Cowboys D-lineman from 2008-10, Dixon began his coaching career as a Rams assistant in 2021. He spent 2022-23 leading the D-line in Denver alongside Parker, then the Broncos’ defensive backs coach. Dixon held the same position with the Vikings over the past two seasons. The Vikings allowed Dixon’s contract to expire after the season, and they’ve since found a replacement in Ryan Nielsen.

Stephen Bravo-Brown, previously the Browns’ assistant receivers coach, is also on his way to Dallas, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. It’s unclear which role Bravo-Brown will take with the Cowboys after he wore multiple hats over six years in Cleveland. Before working with receivers last season, Bravo-Brown spent time as a defensive quality control coach and a special teams assistant.

Here are more staff updates from the NFC:

Longtime 49ers assistant defensive backs/safeties coach Daniel Bullocks is joining the Packers’ staff in an unspecified role, Zenitz relays. Bullocks, a defensive back with the Lions from 2006-09, spent nine seasons in San Francisco and coached the team’s safeties over the past seven years. Jimmie Ward, Jaquiski Tartt, Talanoa Hufanga, Tashaun Gipson, Ji’Ayir Brown and Malik Mustapha are among 49ers safeties who enjoyed success under Bullocks.
After hiring Bubba Ventrone as their special teams coordinator, the Rams have brought in Kyle Hoke as an assistant, per Wilson. A college coach for 13 years, Hoke jumped to the NFL for the first time last season and worked in Cleveland under Ventrone. Now in Los Angeles, the two will attempt to turn around a special teams unit that helped lead to the Rams’ downfall in 2025. ST gaffes were an all-too-frequent occurrence for the Rams during the regular season, and they reared their head in the playoffs with Xavier Smith fumbling a punt in an NFC title game loss to the Seahawks.

2 comments Cleveland Browns Dallas Cowboys Green Bay Packers Los Angeles Rams San Francisco 49ers Chidera Uzo-Diribe Daniel Bullocks Kyle Hoke Marcus Dixon Stephen Bravo-Brown

NFL Reserve/Futures Deals: 2/2/26

By Nikhil Mehta | at February 2, 2026 10:32 pm

Three teams signed players to reserve/futures deals on Monday. Here are the latest updates:

Dallas Cowboys

QB Will Grier

Kansas City Chiefs

QB Jake Haener

New York Jets

DT Jack Heflin

Haener, 26, was offered a futures deal by the Saints, per Jeff Duncan of The Times Picayune, but sought a better opportunity instead. Kansas City may present one. The Chiefs only have one quarterback – Chris Oladokun – under contract for the 2026 season other than Patrick Mahomes, who will spend the next several months working his back from a torn ACL. Mahomes is unlikely to be ready for Week 1, so the Chiefs will be evaluating alternative quarterback options this offseason. It seems like Haener will be one of them.

0 comments Dallas Cowboys Kansas City Chiefs New Orleans Saints New York Jets Transactions Jack Heflin Jake Haener Will Grier

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