Cowboys Headlines: Questions remain on defense, what if George Pickens goes off in 2025?
Cowboys Headlines: Questions remain on defense, what if George Pickens goes off in 2025?
Questions remain at every level of the Cowboys defense for 2025. In this rundown of the day's news, we'll explore several of them: nickel cornerback and defensive tackle among them. We'll also look at why one veteran on the back end may be looking over his shoulder, and we wonder if a rising star could enter a whole new stratosphere if he's allowed to do just one thing more often. But there's uncertainty on the other side of the ball, too; what if the mercurial George Pickens puts up monster numbers and is a good fit in the Dallas locker room? The Cowboys say they'll put him in situations for growth. So could that translate to a place in Cowboys stat history and even a new contract with the club?
Meanwhile, the NFL is considering several rule changes this week, including banning the favored short-yardage tactic of one division rival as well as a reshuffling that would affect postseason home-field advantage. We'll explain how a new contract for one NFC passer led to more Dak Prescott skepticism, we'll salute a Cowboy who's been named one of the league's top young talents, and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders get a date... on Netflix.
Three lingering Cowboys roster questions ahead of OTAs :: ESPN
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Nickel cornerback is up for grabs, with Kaiir Elam and Caelen Carson having experience there. Would the Cowboys move DaRon Bland there? Or ask Shavon Revel, Jr. to take it on as a rookie coming off injury? That's just one question that OTAs should start to answer; deciding on a swing tackle and sorting out the DT depth are stories to watch, too.
If Cowboys get George Pickens' best, what would that mean for 2026 and beyond? :: The Athletic
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Pickens is 24 and entering a contract year. He says he's not thinking beyond 2025, and the Cowboys are unlikely to give him an extension before they even see if he's a good fit in their locker room- especially with DaRon Bland, Brandon Aubrey, and Jake Ferguson also coming due for new deals. It could be a pretty expensive one-year rental for Pickens... or there could be a fascinating conversation to have about how to keep him if the Lamb-Pickens duo proves to be a smashing success.
Multiple receivers with 1,000 yards is a rare thing in Cowboys franchise history :: Blogging the Boys
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The Cowboys have finished a season with two players logging 1,000 receiving yards just seven times. But on four of those occasions, Jason Witten was the second man. So a wide-receiving duo has only completed the feat three times in the franchise's 65 years. One has to believe Lamb and Pickens have a legitimate chance to add to that history this season.
Will McClay: Cowboys will put George Pickens in 'situations to help him grow' :: Clarence Hill, Jr.
Dak Prescott disrespect predictably starts right after Brock Purdy extension :: The Landry Hat
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Just after Purdy secured a $265 million extension from San Francisco, one major outlet predicted just a 12th-place statistical finish among quarterbacks for Dak Prescott. Never mind that Purdy won't have Deebo Samuel, or that Brandon Aiyuk is coming off an ACL injury, or that Christian McCaffrey's body is wearing down. But Prescott doesn't trail just Purdy on this list; he's also somehow projected to finish behind Bo Nix, Baker Mayfield, and Kyler Murray, too.
PFF names Cowboys starter projected to earn $76 million one of NFL's 25 best under age 25 :: Cowboys Wire
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All-Pro offensive lineman Tyler Smith makes the list at No. 22, ranking in the top 10 at his position in PFF WAR in each of his three pro seasons. Still just 23, Smith has already become one of the most dependable young linemen in the league and looks to be on the same career trajectory as Tyron Smith and Zack Martin.
DeMarvion Overshown shares a realization that new Cowboys DC Matt Eberflus should be paying close attention to :: A to Z Sports
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The rehabbing linebacker recently revealed on social media that, while watching his Texas highlights, he "realized if I just would've blitzed more, easily would've tallied more sacks." Overshown was, in fact, used regularly as a blitzer by Mike Zimmer last year. Matt Eberflus historically has not deployed his defenses that way, but he may want to rethink that strategy given his players' obvious strengths with it.
Depth Chart: Who can rise in Cowboys' defensive tackle room? :: The Mothership
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Fellow draft picks Jay Toia and Tommy Akingbesote will likely push each other for a spot in the D-tackle rotation, while newcomer Solomon Thomas should bring versatility and veteran experience. Osa Odighizuwa looks to make good on a big-money contract signed in the offseason and could catapult into superstar status. For Mazi Smith, though, it could be make or break time unless he makes a major leap.
Cowboys' veteran safety will be looking over his shoulder this offseason :: Inside the Star
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With increased competition from Juanyeh Thomas and Markquese Bell, Donovan Wilson may be feeling the pressure this offseason. PFF ranked him just 112th among safeties in 2024, and his $8.65 million cap hit in 2025 may put him under more of a microscope during camp this summer.
Cowboys' rival calling for help to save 'tush push' from NFL rule change :: Cowboys Wire
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A vote is expected in the next day or two on a rule change that would penalize the Eagles' favored short-yardage play. But Philly isn't giving up without making a late push of their own; they were reportedly making calls "around the league discussing why the play in its current form should not be banned."
NFL owners to vote on reseeding playoff teams in second round at league meetings :: The Athletic
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Also up for a vote is a proposal that would reseed playoff teams by record beginning in the second round of the postseason. Divisional champs would still host their first-round playoff games but would not be guaranteed another home date if a surviving team- even a wild card- has a better record.
Netflix docuseries on Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders sets premiere date for Season 2 :: Dallas Morning News
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America's Sweethearts was a hit for the streaming service last season. The second season will debut June 18, once again following the squad from auditions and training camp to the end of the NFL season, 'giving viewers unfiltered access into this iconic team and franchise."
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New York Times
41 minutes ago
- New York Times
Browns rookies Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders getting increased reps in OTAs
The coaches closely overseeing the Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition aren't saying much about their early impressions, at least not more than they have to. Wednesday's second opportunity for reporters to watch an organized team activity wasn't exactly revealing, either. Reps are being shared, and though every rep counts in some fashion, it feels too early to learn anything from what we've seen on the practice fields. Frankly, there wasn't much of an offensive highlight reel from the team's fifth OTA practice. Advertisement One fair takeaway is that Browns cornerback Denzel Ward, a four-time Pro Bowler, is still really good. He had two impressive pass breakups on a day when a bunch were knocked away, some that probably should have been intercepted. Another takeaway is that it's probably not going to be until at least late July for this four-man quarterback competition to produce any clues about which direction it might be headed. 'All the guys have done a nice job coming to work and understanding that each day is going to be a little bit different rotationally, and that it's an evaluation process for us still,' Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said. 'So we're just working through those reps and different situations. 'In terms of the competition, we're so early in the process. We're so early in evaluating it. But I think we have a good group of guys that will continue to push one another. I think it's going to be fluid. We're going to continue to work with all the guys we have. We're going to develop all four of 'em, and we're going to push the reps. We're going to find ways to be creative and make sure they all have opportunities to develop and put their best foot forward. And when the time comes, we will continue to push guys forward as they earn it.' For the second straight week, Kenny Pickett was first in line as the Browns' offensive players went through early warmup drills over the first 20 minutes of practice. A week after Joe Flacco took the first rep when practice shifted to 11-on-11 drills, Pickett went first this time. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has built extra competitive passing periods into his practice itineraries. The most noticeable change from the first open OTA to the second was that fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders got some 11-on-11 snaps. Third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, who officially signed his rookie contract on Wednesday, remains third in the primary quarterback line with Sanders fourth. Pickett and Flacco, the veterans of the group, always go first, although Flacco sat out one team drill Wednesday while the rookies worked on separate fields. Gabriel took some snaps with the No. 1 offense before being replaced by Pickett; Sanders still has worked only with backups. Advertisement Earlier this week, Stefanski said Sanders had previously been taking 11-on-11 reps in practices that weren't open, and the coach reiterated what he's been saying since the Browns drafted two quarterbacks: all four are getting chances, and all four are being evaluated in everything they do. 'I would say there's a lot of work that gets done when you guys aren't out there,' Stefanski said. 'Even in a meeting or in a walk-through, our guys are getting exposed to a lot. 'Honestly, every day is different. Every day we're mixing and matching, giving guys different looks. I've told you before, it's not going to be a 25 percent (shared reps) down the middle type of thing. But we're trying to expose the guys to different things.' Stefanski has emphasized that the Browns want 'an all-encompassing evaluation' of the four quarterbacks that goes beyond a few throws by each player in May and June. Gabriel and Sanders joined the team's offseason program in mid-May, and in OTA practices, the Browns at times have established the same drill on two different practice fields to ensure all four quarterbacks are at least getting some work in different areas. 'The football term is probably the 'two-spot,' and it's a great way to maximize your work,' Rees said. 'Look, it's not just one position group that's able to get maximized. You look at young wideouts, young linemen, young skill players across the board that we can get so many reps for now. Instead of them just getting the reps from the sideline or mental reps, now they're actually out there learning on the fly and things come up. You might run the same play on two different fields, get two different defenses, and now you have two opportunities to coach off of. So I really do think it benefits the entirety of the team.' Though Gabriel showed off his quick release on a touchdown pass through traffic in the late practice 7-on-7 session Wednesday, there were only two notable completions in the 11-on-11 portions: Flacco had an underthrown but successful deep ball to wide-open rookie wide receiver Cade McDonald, and Sanders threw a dart on a slant to Kaden Davis in the back of the end zone. Davis may or may not have gotten his second foot inbounds, but both the throw and catch were impressive. Shedeur ➡️ Kaden Davis ➡️ TD — Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 4, 2025 The intentional mixing of personnel groups is meant to test the quarterbacks' readiness, but the Browns also have been short on wide receivers in these voluntary sessions. Stefanski and Rees have even mixed groups and kept linemen on the field for 7-on-7 drills so the rookie quarterbacks can get used to communicating with offensive linemen and navigating traffic. 'They come from the college world where very few things are called into the huddle, where you have to command a huddle (and) operate an offense the way you're asked to at this level,' Rees said. 'I think just from an operational standpoint, you continue to see these guys grow and become more comfortable. There's gonna be a moment where they get to their comfort level, and that's when they'll be able to maximize and feel comfortable out there.' Advertisement Next week's mandatory minicamp will bring more players into the fold, notably Browns No. 1 tight end David Njoku and No. 1 pass rusher Myles Garrett, both of whom have skipped voluntary OTAs. There won't be live contact or a pass rush, but Gabriel and Sanders should be more comfortable with the playbook and the team's on-field operation than they were last month, and that should show up on the field as the Browns work toward a summer where reps — with the starters and backups — will be both more carefully planned and closely evaluated. 'Dillon and Shedeur, they're both wired to get in early, stay late, put in whatever work is required,' Stefanski said. 'They're sponges in the meeting room, which I think is really fun for me. In my vantage point, I get to sit there and watch the two young guys, look over and there's Joe, 40 years old, won a Super Bowl. There's Kenny Pickett, just going into Year 4, but a first-round draft pick who's been on a couple teams, won a Super Bowl last year. There's Deshaun (Watson), who's had a ton of success in his career. 'The (rookies) can kind of feed off of all those guys, so it's fun for me to watch them get better sometimes just by listening.' To this point, there hasn't been a lot to see. But with no one expecting the Browns to keep four quarterbacks and the franchise's future at the game's most important position appearing wide open, the real competition is coming. Right now, the positioning has just begun.
New York Times
41 minutes ago
- New York Times
Commanders' Daron Payne is leading by example with his inspiring offseason work
ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was in trouble with head coach Dan Quinn at practice this week. Blame Daron Payne. In Tuesday's closed and padless session, Whitt challenged the revamped defensive line to attack. The amped tackle 'went after it' to the point that Whitt apologized to Quinn for the overzealous display, explaining that Payne 'did exactly what I told him to do.' Advertisement It's not that Payne's efforts were out of bounds for game action, nor was the intensity a one-off this offseason. It's why Whitt cited the eight-year veteran when asked during his Wednesday news conference which player stood out early in workouts and organized team activities. '(Payne) looks really good. He looks in tempo,' Whitt said. 'Like, every day this dude is — I'm having to tell him, 'Hey, man, let's calm down.'' Washington fans previously witnessed Payne playing the role of interior monster. The 2022 version collapsed pockets and engulfed ball carriers en route to earning his lone Pro Bowl selection with 11 1/2 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. The 2018 first-round pick signed a four-year, $90 million contract the following offseason. Whitt and Quinn will become unabashed cheerleaders if Payne's performances sniff that level. While solid in the subsequent two seasons, Payne's combined sack (8) and tackles for loss (18) numbers didn't pop. There were a few individual standout moments during Washington's all-smiles 12-win regular season. Maintaining this intensity when the games count would help regain that form. 'I walked past (Payne) today and said, 'Man, you've had a remarkable offseason,'' Quinn said following Wednesday's session. 'I felt that way through the drill work, through the skill (work). You just see something that jumps out differently. … I felt that from him coming into this offseason, and I've certainly been impressed by what I've seen so far.' The Commanders require a big-man group effort to bolster a defense that lagged significantly behind the Jayden Daniels-led offense in Washington's surprising run to the NFC Championship Game. Washington released two-time Pro Bowl tackle Jonathan Allen, yet met the internal goal of getting 'bigger and longer' up front by signing free agent linemen Javon Kinlaw and Deatrich Wise Jr. Advertisement Johnny Newton enters his sophomore season a year removed from surgeries on both feet. Frankie Luvu, Washington's top returning sacker, and Dorance Armstrong remain. 'The vision of how we want to play, how we want to be and how we want to look, you're seeing more of it right now from a size, length and speed standpoint,' Whitt said. The coaches and players understand that the eye test in these unphysical OTAs doesn't automatically translate to in-season success. There are still outside concerns about Washington's edge defender talent and pass rush effectiveness. Many of the personnel transactions, including free-agent defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, were with last season's 30th-ranked run defense in mind. Payne is the one lineman with game-changing potential. Once part of a starting lineup with four consecutive first-round picks, Payne is now the lone rotational lineman who has been with Washington for more than one season. Accordingly, Washington's second-longest tenured player behind punter Tress Way embraced defensive line coach Darryl Tapp's challenge following the season to become the group's leader. 'I've been trying to work hard … trying to show the young boys how to do it,' Payne said. 'Just going out training hard every day, and then reloading in the morning and coming back the next day, trying to do it again.' Whitt correctly notes that Payne 'doesn't talk much at all. But he is leading by example. This year, you can really see him taking that leadership role to the next step.' Usage is another area where Payne stands out. He will play on all three downs. Others might; Quinn and Whitt will spend the summer sorting out line combinations. Along with preseason games, Quinn confirmed the Commanders will hold joint practices with the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens. Advertisement 'We'll get a couple of practices against other teams, and those practices help, too, because as coaches we can emphasize (matchups and scenarios),' Quinn said. 'So those are helpful, too, which you don't get during the (preseason) game.' With Kinlaw, a hulking 6-foot-5, 319-pounder, Washington has 'the ability to move him up and down the line of scrimmage,' Whitt said. Wise, a Super Bowl champion with New England, likely starts at end opposite Armstrong, but he can play inside. Goldman is a run-game specialist. 'Man, we got some big ol' guys, bro,' said the 6-foot-3, 320-pound Payne. Measurables aside, there's no potentially bigger impact player on the line — and arguably the entire defense — than Payne. Though not entering a contract year, motivation may come from seeing Allen released. The Commanders would gain significant salary-cap savings by releasing Payne next offseason. After enduring numerous down seasons, Payne isn't looking to leave now that opponents see Washington as a considerable foe. 'Man, it's super fun being on a big stage,' Payne said. 'I know (opponents) used to single us out because they think they get an easy win. Now they want to beat us.' • Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, left tackle Laremy Tunsil and cornerback Marshon Lattimore skipped voluntary OTAs for a second consecutive week. While McLaurin and Tunsil were in town for other portions of the offseason program, Lattimore has stayed away. The four-time Pro Bowler battled hamstring injuries before and after last year's trade deadline deal with the New Orleans Saints. During the playoffs, Lattimore also labored in coverage against star receivers Mike Evans and A.J. Brown. Whitt said the team has 'been in communication' with Lattimore. 'When he gets here, we'll see exactly where he is from a conditioning standpoint. From a mental standpoint, the coaches have been talking with him. He's a smart young man, but we'll see exactly where he is when he gets here.' Advertisement Kinlaw and wide receiver Michael Gallup did not participate in Wednesday's on-field work but are with the team. • The passing game was crisper this week after an uneven OTA opener. Daniels continues his upward trajectory, displaying accuracy and his signature calm professionalism. Washington found different ways to put the ball in receiver Deebo Samuel's hands as a pass catcher and runner. While tight end Ben Sinnott worked out with a black jersey, indicating an injury, reserve Colson Yankoff had multiple receptions in 11-on-11 drills. for your viewing pleasure — Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 4, 2025 • Whitt demoted safety Quan Martin to the second-team defense last offseason because 'he was making mistakes that we can't afford to make.' The turnaround was immediate and sustainable. Martin shone in the following three practices before delivering an impressive second NFL season despite dealing with enough shoulder pain to warrant eventual surgeries. This year, Whitt sees a 'laser-focused' player capable of breaking out. 'This kid has the potential to be one of the better safeties in this league, and that's what I'm holding him to,' Whitt said.
New York Times
41 minutes ago
- New York Times
Frank Gore Jr.'s ‘elementary school' FGJ autograph a joke among Bills teammates that he vows to fix
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Frank Gore Jr. swears up and down he didn't sign that football card. Buffalo Bills teammates have a hard time believing him. 'I don't know what to think,' nickel back Taron Johnson said upon being shown a picture. 'But it's hilarious.' 'Is that AI?' receiver Keon Coleman asked. 'Either way, that s—'s funny.' Advertisement Gore is getting dragged about an autograph Topps inserted into packs and certified as authentic, a scrawling of only his initials: FGJ. A collector apparently pulled the card last week from a pack of 2024 Topps Chrome football cards and posted a photo on social media, asking 'Worst autograph ever?' The tweet made it into a Bills players group chat. They've been skewering Gore ever since. Ty Johnson and the rest of Gore's fellow running backs have been particularly merciless. 'They troll all day,' Gore said after practice Tuesday afternoon. 'They think it's funny, 'FGJ.' They say I have a poor, elementary-school autograph. 'But, in reality, I think it was fake. I'm 99.9 percent positive. I'm sure I didn't do that.' So there aren't any more 'FGJ' cards out there? 'Shouldn't be,' Gore said with a sheepish smile. 'I reached out to my team. It's social media. I'm not going to respond to it. But it was funny for sure.' The problem with Gore's claim is that an eBay search shows for sale dozens of 'FGJ' signatures that also carry a 'Topps Certified Autograph Issue' label. The backs of the cards read, 'The signing of all Topps autograph cards is witnessed by Topps representatives to guarantee authenticity.' But some of the same versions of Gore's 2024 Topps Chrome cards bear a gorgeous, flowing 'F. Gore Jr.' signature. Those cards feature the same Topps authenticity avowals. A third distinct signature can be found on his 2024 Panini Contenders insert cards with the back of the card stating, 'The autograph is guaranteed by Panini America, Inc.' 'FGJ' is worthy of ridicule, but not nearly the worst autograph out there. Card manufacturers have been frustrated for years over poor quality and the minimum effort players, who are getting paid for the endeavor, put into the assembly-line autograph industry. Google 'worst autographs' for a seemingly endless gallery of chicken scratch, spaghetti scribbles and kindergarten scrawls, including superstars such as Tom Brady, first overall pick Cam Ward, NBA great Luka Doncic and three-time NHL MVP Connor McDavid. Some in the collectibles industry consider such autographs vandalism when applied to valuable memorabilia. They're also easily forged. Advertisement Bills quarterback Josh Allen was shamed into improving his signature while playing for the University of Wyoming, where his offensive coordinator's wife saw Allen's slop and told him he needed to be more dutiful to his fans. For a feature on the trend of ugly sports autographs, 2013 National League batting champion Michael Cuddyer told The Athletic how Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew castigated him for a sloppy autograph while at a Minnesota Twins fan event. Cuddyer revised his signature and now is known for delivering one of the most beautiful around. 'Your signature is who you are,' Cuddyer said. 'It's your name. I respect my name, respect the people that gave it to me, respect the hard work they put into helping to make my name autograph-worthy. 'When people truly want your autograph because they're proud to have met you, you don't want them to remember you as a squiggly mark. I feel like I'm defacing my name if you can't read it when I write it.' Topps did not respond to questions from The Athletic about the 'FGJ' authenticity or whether it would assist in a proposal Gore made to remedy the situation. Gore offered to autograph the 'FGJ' card in question, which would create a humorous collectible — and maybe get him off the hook in the locker room. 'If they reach out to me, I'll sign the right one,' Gore said. 'I promise. However I can make it better, I want to make it better.'
