Jones: Pickens in Cowboys' Long-Term Plans, No New Contract

0:00On April 1st, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says White receiver George Pickens is still in their long-term plans, but no fresh contract talks are happening right now. They slapped the franchise tag on him last month for $27.3 million after his breakout year with 93 catches, 1. 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns since trading for him from Pittsburgh. Jones defended using the tag as part of NFL rules during the owner's meetings, saying it's key to building the team. Coach Brian Shottenheimer hasn't gotten anywhere from Pickens on joining off-season workouts, similar to how CDLAM held out two years back, before inking his big deal. On the emotional side, trading defensive Lyman Osa Odegizua to the San Francisco 49ers hit hard. Shottenheimer admitted they both wept on. The phone after the deal that brought back a third-round pick. Meanwhile, Jones isn't eyeing a revisit on that Max Crosby trade with the Raiders after the edge-rusher flaunt his physical.

1:03For past rush, they grabbed outside linebacker Rashan Gary from Green Bay, plus resigned Sam Williams and added Tyrus Wheat, but Jones knows they. Need more pressure, especially eyeing the draft. Their franchise tag history runs deep 10 times since 2010, and Jones sees it sticking around as a cap strategy. Looking ahead, mock drafts have them snagging safety Caleb Downs at Pick 12, linebacker CJ Allen at 20, and cornerback Malik Muhammad later too. Plug holes fast. Cowboys fans, this off-season's shaping up strategic, blending tags, trades, and draft dreams to chase that ring.