George Pickens and NFL Stars Face Pivotal Contract Decisions

Projected deals for Pickens, Walker, and other top players highlight the financial arms race in 2026 free agency

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The upcoming NFL offseason is set to be defined by high-stakes contract negotiations, with George Pickens, Trey Hendrickson, Daniel Jones, and other stars facing critical decisions that could reshape team rosters and the league's competitive landscape. From the Dallas Cowboys' efforts to retain Pickens to the market value of pass rushers and quarterbacks, these contract predictions underscore the urgency and uncertainty surrounding player compensation.

Why it matters

The contract negotiations of top NFL players like George Pickens, Trey Hendrickson, and Daniel Jones will have significant implications for team-building strategies, salary cap management, and the overall competitive balance in the league. These decisions could determine which franchises have the resources to retain their star players and which teams must adapt to major roster changes.

The details

George Pickens, the Dallas Cowboys' star wide receiver, is expected to be franchise tagged by the team as they aim to keep him in their ranks. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson, coming off a strong season with the Cincinnati Bengals, is projected to sign a three-year, $93 million contract with the Chicago Bears. Quarterback Daniel Jones, despite an Achilles injury, is likely to re-sign with the Indianapolis Colts on a two-year, $85 million deal, leveraging his familiarity with the team's offensive coordinator. Linebacker Devin Lloyd is poised to become the third-highest-paid player at his position, inking a four-year, $76 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

  • The Dallas Cowboys must decide whether to franchise tag George Pickens by the March 7, 2026 deadline.
  • Trey Hendrickson is expected to sign with the Chicago Bears when the NFL free agency period opens on March 13, 2026.
  • Daniel Jones is projected to re-sign with the Indianapolis Colts before the start of the 2026 NFL season.

The players

George Pickens

A star wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who has emerged as one of the most talked-about players heading into the 2026 NFL free agency period.

Trey Hendrickson

A 31-year-old defensive end who is poised to leave the Cincinnati Bengals and command significant attention in free agency, with the Chicago Bears projected as his likely landing spot.

Daniel Jones

The Indianapolis Colts' quarterback, whose market value took a hit following an Achilles injury, but is still expected to re-sign with the team on a two-year, $85 million contract.

Devin Lloyd

A linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars who is projected to become the third-highest-paid player at his position, signing a four-year, $76 million contract.

Tyler Linderbaum

A center who is expected to become the second-highest-paid player at his position, with the New York Giants projected to sign him to a four-year, $70 million contract.

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What they’re saying

“We must retain George Pickens at all costs. He's a cornerstone of our offense and a key part of our long-term plans.”

— Jerry Jones, Owner, Dallas Cowboys (Dallas Morning News)

“Trey Hendrickson is the perfect fit for our defense. His pass-rushing ability will be a game-changer for us.”

— Ryan Poles, General Manager, Chicago Bears (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The Dallas Cowboys have until March 7, 2026 to decide whether to franchise tag George Pickens, while the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts are expected to finalize their deals with Trey Hendrickson and Daniel Jones, respectively, before the start of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The upcoming NFL free agency period will be defined by high-stakes contract negotiations that could reshape the league's competitive landscape. Teams are willing to invest heavily to retain their star players, while others are poised to make aggressive offers to land top free agents and fill critical roster needs. These contract decisions will have far-reaching implications, underscoring the financial arms race and the urgency for teams to secure their long-term foundations.