Cowboys Legend Lays Out Perfect Plan For NFL Offseason, George Pickens Saga

Emmitt Smith advises Dallas to act quickly on star WR's future to solidify offense

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith has laid out a perfect plan for the team's offseason, emphasizing the need to quickly decide on the future of star wide receiver George Pickens. Smith believes the key to the Cowboys' bounce-back in 2026 is to solidify their offensive core, including Pickens, CeeDee Lamb, and Jake Ferguson, while also focusing on rebuilding the defense.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' offense was one of the most productive in the NFL in 2025, but the team missed the playoffs for a second straight year due to defensive struggles. Smith's advice highlights the importance of retaining key offensive pieces and building around them, while also addressing defensive needs through free agency and the draft.

The details

Pickens is coming off a career-high season and could hit the open market if the Cowboys don't act quickly. Smith believes the team should make a decision on Pickens' future either right now or right before the draft, in order to solidify the offensive scheme and focus on defensive improvements. The Cowboys' offense already features several Pro Bowlers and top-five players at their positions, so Smith's plan is to keep that core intact while shoring up the defense.

  • The Cowboys missed the NFL playoffs for a second straight year in 2025.

The players

Emmitt Smith

A legendary Dallas Cowboys running back who played for the team from 1990 to 2002, winning three Super Bowls.

George Pickens

A star wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who is coming off a career-high season and could hit the open market if the team doesn't act quickly to retain him.

CeeDee Lamb

A Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who is part of the team's productive offensive core.

Jake Ferguson

A tight end for the Dallas Cowboys who is also part of the team's offensive core.

Javonte Williams

A running back for the Dallas Cowboys who contributed to the team's productive offense in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I would make that decision right now, or right before the draft, so I know how to proceed in the draft. Not only that, I would solidify my offensive scheme with [CeeDee] Lamb, Pickens, and [Jake Ferguson], the way we ran the ball with Javonte [Williams]. That solidifies the foundation.”

— Emmitt Smith, Dallas Cowboys Legend (Kay Adams)

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to make a decision on George Pickens' future with the team in the coming weeks, either before or during the 2026 NFL Draft, in order to solidify their offensive plans for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Emmitt Smith's advice highlights the importance of retaining key offensive pieces and building around them, while also addressing defensive needs, in order for the Dallas Cowboys to bounce back and return to the playoffs in 2026 after missing out the past two seasons.