The Dallas Cowboys are looking to get back into contention through the 2026 offseason. They dug themselves a hole by being $50 million over the cap, but made adjustments to become cap compliant, by restructuring the deals for Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Tyler Smith.
The Cowboys finished second in the NFL East in 2025, but had an overall record of 7-9-1. The season was defined by the blockbuster trade that saw Dallas move on from star pass-rusher Micah Parsons.
Dalla has several big contracts they will need to manipulate to create more cap space, but they do still have holes to fill to try and make up ground between the division-winning Philadelphia Eagles, who finished 11-6.
The Sporting News is tracking live updates, rumors and signings for the Cowboys in free agency.
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Cowboys free agency rumors, news, updates
All times ET.
March 9
9:37 a.m. -- The Cowboys had checked in on free agent defensive end Trey Hendrickson. With the acquisition of Gary, Dallas is expected to be out on Hendrickson, unless his price tag drops, per Ari Meirov.
March 7
12:39 p.m. -- Dallas wasn't done with its second-round tenders, placing one on offensive lineman T.J. Bass, per Machota.
12:30 p.m. -- The Cowboys have placed a second-round tender on kicker Brandon Aubrey, per The Athletic's Jon Machota. Dallas is still trying to work out a contract extension that is expected to make Aubrey the highest-paid kicker in NFL history. It protects the Cowboys' asset, and in the chance that Aubrey signs with another team, Dallas would receive a second-round pick in return.
March 6
9:21 p.m. -- The Cowboys were interested in a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders for DE Maxx Crosby. The Raiders wanted two first round picks for him, and that is what the Baltimore Ravens paid in a completed trade. The Athletic's Jon Machota reported that Dallas had a lot of interest in acquiring Crosby, but were never going to give up two firsts.
February 27
11:20 a.m. -- Dallas has taken a step toward keeping George Pickens in blue and white, using the franchise tag on the receiver. Franchise tagging Pickens will cost Dallas $27,298,000, but it now gives them time to work out a long-term deal or look for a trade partner.
The non-exclusive franchise tag was used on Pickens, per Todd Archer, meaning other teams will be allowed to talk to him in free agency. If he signs an offer sheet with another team, the Cowboys have five days to match it. If they decide not to, Dallas would be entitled to draft compensation equivalent to two first-round picks.
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Cowboys free agency signings
Here is a look at the free agency signings that the Cowboys have made in the 2026 offseason.
WR George Pickens (franchise tag, $27.29 million)
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Cowboys completed trades
March 9
Dallas acquires DL Rashan Gary from Packers
The Cowboys acquired DL Rashan Gary from the Packers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. Gary is the second Green Bay defender that Dallas has acquired in as many years. He figures to bolster the Cowboys' defensive line and is under contract for two more years.