Time is ticking for 3 Cowboys to earn a new contract in 2026

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BREAKING: Sam Williams arrested on controlled substance and weapon charges

The Dallas Cowboys have four games left in the 2025 season, and it has been a roller-coaster of a season, but with a slim chance to win the NFC East, these last few games are huge for a few players that this team may need heading into 2026.

I have three current Cowboys players that I think need to finish this season strong to earn a new deal next season, and yes, I know it sucks. We are already looking ahead to next season.

You can agree to disagree. That is why these are my thoughts and not yours. If you have others in mind, drop them in the comments. I could add plenty more than just three.

Also, let me say that Brandon Aubrey will not be on the list because at this point he should not even make it until the end of the season without a new contract. If he makes it that far, Dallas can match any offer he is given in free agency.

George Pickens

The first one is a no-brainier. He is the second-best wide receiver in terms of yards this season, George Pickens.

When Dallas traded for him, everyone had an issue with it because of the way he acted with the Steelers. He did not have an issue until 13 weeks into the season.

We see this from players in the league every single week. If he goes that far into a season without an issue, sign me up. He has changed this offense, and if the defense could stop someone, this team would be close to a birth in the playoffs already.

Let’s see how he ends the year, and if he has no issues going forward, this front office has to bring him back.

My guess is that they will use the franchise tag on him and whether they can work out a deal will remain to be seen, but these last four games for GP are huge.

Sam Williams

With Quentin Williams and Kenny Clark, depending on how these last four games go, I think Sam Williams can earn a “prove it” type deal for 2026.

He hasn’t been great nor has he been bad, and I really do think they could get him to return on a team-friendly deal for 2026. If that happens, it would be nice for the pass rushing depth.

Sam Williams has been pretty darn good these last two weeks.

The last three weeks of the season, Williams has been a really good player. Watch the tape.

These last four weeks are big for him. He won’t get a ton of money on the open market, and could be a great guy to bring back on a prove-it deal in 2026.

Javonte Williams

Like George Pickens, I think this should be an easy decision. Williams is having the best year of his career.

The front office will have a lot of work to do this offseason, but they can make all of this work, and maybe find a way to bring him back on, like a 2-year deal worth a little bit over $10 million dollars?

With four games to play, he has 215 carries, 1022 yards and nine touchdowns.

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams

If Dallas does not bring him back, I am not sure what plan they will have at running back in 2026. They clearly missed the draft pick of Jaydon Blue, and do we really think Malik Davis is a starting running back?

They cannot let a solid back leave again like the last couple of years with Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle.

These last four games could help all three of these guys, or it could hurt them, but the time is ticking for not only these players, but the front office.

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Shane Taylor is a sports journalist with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and seven years of professional media experience. He has written 766 articles for InsideTheStar.com, reaching over 928,000 readers. Prior to Inside The Star, Shane worked as a Sports Reporter for Journal Star and a Regional News Reporter for Shaw Media. He currently works in the TRIO Upward Bound department at a junior college.

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  1. Edward Carmichael
    a Dallas Cowboys fan, since the 70's since Jerry Jones is the G.M. I want to how much hes going to pay George Pickens or if Jerry Jones will play games and avoid to pay George Pickens
  2. KevinBulldogs63
    Good analysis. I always believed that Sam had enormous potential. Hopefully, this is a glimpse of it. If they resign him I hope it is because he now has more maturity, will commit far fewer penalties and is in good stead not to have injuries plague him again. Add Quincy Jones, DE, my favorite player for one of the Cowboys #1s, and consider others along with Styles, Allen for the LBs; Delane and Hood for CBs (don't take McCoy, CB, who has missed all this season to my recollection. Injuries have plagued this team this year and especially last year and we don't need to draft CBs that might have a higher ceiling, but come with injuries history. We still must trade down one pick and acquire a second day draft pick. Maybe, use that one for OT, as we know, a desperate need that will not likely be able to be filled through free agency. Lol, I don't know if I would draft Caleb Downs
  3. Bardolf
    Tolbert's contract is expiring at the end of the season. Any chance he'll return in 2026? The rumors are the Cowboys will let him drift off into free agency. I would like to see Jones bring up Traeshon Holden from the practice squad and plug him in Tolbert's slot.
    1. James Vargas
      There is a good article yesterday I believe fot the reasons of not bringing Tolbert back next year.