The Dallas Cowboys head into the 2026 offseason staring down a familiar challenge: keep the core intact or start reshuffling the deck? It’s a high-stakes balancing act, and the decisions made over the next few months could shape the team’s identity-and its championship chances-for years to come.
This isn’t just about cap hits and contract years. It’s about knowing when to double down on proven talent and when to bet on younger, cheaper upside.
With several key contributors heading into free agency and a few veterans sitting on contracts that might outweigh their current value, the Cowboys’ front office has some tough calls to make. Let’s break down the most pressing roster decisions and what they mean for the team’s future.
George Pickens, WR
Pickens didn’t just fit into the Cowboys’ offense in 2025-he elevated it.
With 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, he gave Dallas the kind of vertical threat and physicality they’ve been missing opposite CeeDee Lamb. Whether it was third-and-long or a red zone fade, Pickens consistently came down with the ball in traffic.
His presence forced defenses to pick their poison, and more often than not, they still got burned.
This is exactly the kind of player you build around. He’s not just a complementary piece-he’s a true “X” receiver who changes how defenses game-plan. The chemistry between Pickens and Lamb gives Dallas one of the most dynamic receiver duos in the league.
**Verdict: Re-sign him. **
Pickens has earned his payday. He catches everything thrown his way-now it’s time to throw him the bag.
Javonte Williams, RB
Williams brought the ground game back to life in Dallas.
With a career-high 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, he was the kind of physical, downhill runner who wears down defenses and keeps the offense on schedule. His ability to break tackles and pick up yards after contact kept drives alive, and he was a reliable option in the passing game too.
With rookie Jaydon Blue still trying to find his footing, Williams’ value only grew. He’s not just a backfield option-he’s the engine that kept the offense balanced.
**Verdict: Re-sign him. **
If the price is right, this is a no-brainer. Williams is a tone-setter, and Dallas doesn’t have a clear Plan B if he walks.
Donovan Wilson, S
Wilson has long been a fan favorite for his hard-hitting style, but the league is changing-and fast.
Last season, his limitations in coverage were exposed as offenses stretched the field horizontally and vertically. He struggled to stay with quicker receivers and often found himself out of position in deep coverage.
As the Cowboys transition toward a more versatile, coverage-heavy defensive scheme under Christian Parker’s influence, Wilson’s skill set just doesn’t fit the mold anymore.
**Verdict: Let him walk. **
Wilson brought the boom, but in today’s NFL, you need more than just big hits. It’s time to move on.
Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE
Clowney may be a veteran, but he’s still bringing the juice.
He was a force against the run, setting the edge and funneling plays back inside with the kind of consistency that doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet. More than that, he was a steadying presence for the younger pass rushers in the room.
He’s not going to break the bank, and a short-term deal could give Dallas both production and leadership at a premium position.
**Verdict: Re-sign him. **
Clowney’s been around the league, but he’s still got plenty to offer. Keep him in the fold.
Kenny Clark, DT
Clark is one of those players who does the dirty work without much fanfare.
He eats up double teams, clogs running lanes, and makes life easier for everyone around him. The stats may not pop, but the film doesn’t lie-Clark is still a dominant force in the trenches.
At $21.5 million, he’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for. And what Dallas gets is a rock-solid interior presence who still commands respect.
**Verdict: Let him play under his current deal. **
It’s a hefty price tag, but Clark still earns every cent. No need to fix what isn’t broken.
Malik Hooker, S
Hooker might not make splash plays every week, but he brings stability to the back end of the defense.
He’s the most disciplined deep safety on the roster, and in a secondary that’s still evolving, that matters. While his range isn’t elite, his instincts and positioning help prevent the kind of breakdowns that lead to big plays.
There’s some cap relief to be had by cutting him, but with no clear replacement waiting in the wings, that move would create more problems than it solves.
**Verdict: Let him play out his contract. **
Hooker is like your home Wi-Fi-quietly essential until it’s gone. Keep him plugged in.
Terence Steele, RT
Steele’s name always comes up when discussing potential cap casualties, and 2026 is no different.
He’s a powerful run blocker, but his pass protection has been hit-or-miss. With younger tackles like Nate Thomas and Ajani Cornelius waiting in the wings, the Cowboys could save some money by moving on.
But here’s the thing: offensive line depth is never a luxury-it’s a necessity. Cutting Steele might open up cap space, but it could also open up a hole on the right side that the team isn’t ready to fill.
**Verdict: Wait and see. **
Steele may not be perfect, but the alternative could be worse. Keep your options open.
The Bottom Line
The Cowboys are walking a tightrope this offseason.
They need to preserve the core that made them contenders while creating enough flexibility to address key needs in the draft. It’s not about hitting the reset button-it’s about making smart, calculated moves that keep the championship window open.
The blueprint is there. Now it’s on the Jones family to follow it.