Packers not expecting to play Lions in Munich in 2026
Packers president says Lions want home game, not Munich in 2026
The Cowboys announced they won't negotiate a long-term deal with George Pickens, who must decide whether to sign the franchise tag. Bill Clinton's surprise visit at the team's press conference added to the circus atmosphere ahead of the draft.
Mentioned in this story
It's hard to upstage a former U.S. president popping in for a surprise visit, but the Cowboys managed to do just that with the announcement of their decision regarding George Pickens. The team announced Wednesday that they won't negotiate a long-term deal and are content to let the wide receiver play 2026 on the $27 million franchise tag. It's the smart play by Dallas, but now Pickens has a choice to make. Does he sign the tag, show up, and play in a bid to land an even richer contract next season as a free agent? He could sit out for 10 games and forfeit over half that money to make a point... but would that benefit him in the long run? The drama is only just beginning...
The front office didn't reveal any of their draft-weekend plans during their pre-draft press conference, but that doesn't mean it was an uneventful media session. Even at the headquarters of America's Team, it's not every day a POTUS walks through the door. Bill Clinton's pop-in took everyone by surprise (and nearly took Jerry Jones out in a nasty wipeout), but it didn't do much to quell criticism that the Cowboys have turned into a circus, even in a critically important week of draft decisions.
Things have gotten a little silly, though, for several of the other 31 teams, too, as the long wait for draft day comes to its merciful end. The Jets have had to explain why they may still be interested in a player whose personal visit they canceled, we're digging for Easter-egg details on the baseball caps that will be handed out to draftees, and Ravens fans have had their seats at the draft relocated after a personal intervention with the league from Steelers owner Art Rooney II.
Elsewhere in NFL news, Rams coach Sean McVay is sticking by wideout Puka Nacua amid a tough offseason, Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders is ready to jump into the fire again for another QB battle in Cleveland, and Mike Tomlin will reportedly be joining the studio team at NBC. All that, and Patriots coach Mike Vrabel finally answers questions for the first (but probably not the last) time about those photos with NFL insider Dianna Russini.
The Cowboys decided not to negotiate a long-term deal with George Pickens and will let him play on the $27 million franchise tag.
Pickens can either sign the franchise tag and play to boost his market value or sit out, risking over half of his franchise tag money.
Bill Clinton made a surprise visit that caught everyone off guard, nearly causing Jerry Jones to fall during the event.
The Cowboys did not reveal any specific draft plans during the press conference, maintaining secrecy ahead of the draft.
Packers president says Lions want home game, not Munich in 2026

See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Todd is on X at @ToddBrock24f7. Also, follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys News: Bill Clinton crashes presser; George Pickens decision