The NFL Combine is a crucial event that shapes the NFL offseason, and with the 2026 edition coming to a close, there's still plenty of news to digest. The backroom conversations are heating up, and the rumors are flying.
One of the most intriguing stories involves the Dallas Cowboys and wide receiver George Pickens. I initially reported that the Cowboys would franchise tag Pickens if they couldn't agree on a contract extension before free agency. This was later confirmed by other outlets, and it seems the Cowboys are indeed considering this option. The Cowboys could tag Pickens, pay him $27.3 million for the 2026 season, and then potentially trade him. This strategy has been used in the past by teams like the Green Bay Packers with Davante Adams in 2022.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some believe that Pickens could be a top-12 selection, and the Cleveland Browns are doing extensive work on him. This has led to speculation that the Browns might be interested in drafting him earlier than expected. However, I was not informed of any teams targeting Pickens for a trade, so this remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, the New York Jets are also making moves. There have been rumors that the Jets could shop defensive end Will McDonald, but it seems they want to find ways for him to succeed. The bigger question is whether they will exercise the fifth-year option on their pass rusher. Sources also indicate that the Jets are targeting linebacker Demario Davis, a 14-year veteran who played for the Jets twice and the New Orleans Saints for the last eight years.
The Jets are also expected to lose offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson in free agency. This has led them to look for an offensive guard to bring in via free agency. Even before his impressive combine workout, quarterback Ty Simpson was projected to go higher than expected, with some believing he could be a top-12 selection.
The NFL Combine is also set to undergo some changes starting as soon as 2027. The league is considering pushing the combine back a week or two and allowing it to end two days before the start of free agency. This would allow agents and teams to officially ink deals during the combine. Additionally, players might run a day or two after they arrive in Indianapolis, and all player activities must be completed by 8 p.m. These changes aim to improve the schedule and benefit everyone involved.
The combine is slated to stay in Indianapolis through 2028, which is good news for the city. A two-year extension was struck to keep the event in the Circle City, which is a win for the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce. So, as the NFL offseason continues to heat up, stay tuned for more news and rumors as the draft and free agency approach.
