Scattershooting in this week's Mick Shots includes the franchise tag and George Pickens, moving up and down in the draft and more!

The focal point of the Cowboys' offseason has been improving their defense. How does owner/GM Jerry Jones seen the unit improve thus far, and what could be ahead?

A big offseason is coming up for third year quarterback Joe Milton, who is set to compete for the Cowboys' backup quarterback job in his second year with the team. 

There has been a complete overhaul at defensive tackle by the Cowboys, and Jonathan Bullard just made it clear why they chose him, and why he chose them.

Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones said that the team has "long-term plans" for Pro Bowl WR George Pickens, but the two sides have not had new conversations on a deal. Jones added the situation "should play itself out." 

Speaking at the NFL Owner's Meetings in Phoenix, Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones said he doesn't anticipating re-visiting a potential trade with the Raiders from earlier in the offseason, but did not completely rule it out. 

When Donovan Ezeiruaku completes his recovery from hip surgery this offseason, he'll find that Christian Parker's new defensive scheme is a launchpad for his abilities. 

At the NFL Owners Meetings on Monday, Cowboys COO/co-owner Stephen Jones and head coach Brian Schottenheimer provided the latest on WR George Pickens' negotiations and his status for the team's offseason program. 

The Cowboys have made a good number of free agency additions this offseason, especially on defense, but head coach Brian Schottenheimer recognizes there are still holes to fill and Dallas is "not done" yet. 

With a potentially transformative position change on the menu for Marist Liufau, what might he be for the Cowboys and Christian Parker in 2026 and beyond?

The Cowboys have added more depth to their defensive line, agreeing to terms on a deal with veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard, a strong run defender. 

Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez has been one of the most productive linebackers in college football the last two seasons. Could he fit the mold of what the Cowboys need at the position?

With a pair of tragic injuries in the rear view mirror, Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown heads into the offseason healthy with a contract year on the horizon. Is this the season he makes a big jump? 

Derion Kendrick grew up in South Carolina and had no other choice but to root for the Cowboys, which was also the name of his Little League football team. Now, he's getting a full-circle moment. 

From pass rushers like David Bailey and Romello Height to one of the most productive linebackers in college football last season in Jacob Rodriguez, defensive talent was on full display at Texas Tech's pro day Thursday, which Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer attended. 

No position seems as incomplete right now than linebacker. While that position will be addressed, it's a good spot for Shemar James, who is looking to build off a promising rookie season.

With needs at both CB and LB, Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr. and CB Malik Muhammad could be potential picks for the Cowboys. Both Dallas area natives discussed how they'd feel about the possibility of playing close to home. 

The Cowboys have agreed to terms on a deal with former Seahawks cornerback Derion Kendrick, another veteran addition to the secondary. 

As a former first-round pick, there's a lot of pressure on Tyler Guyton to perform, but it's his availability that has to show up in 2026 — in order for his ability to take over.

At the University of Texas' Pro Day on Tuesday, LB Anthony Hill Jr. and CB Malik Muhammad were among the standouts working out in front of the Cowboys and other NFL teams. 

After all of the Cowboys' offseason moves thus far, head coach Brian Schottenheimer feels Dallas is in a position to "draft natural, draft pure" in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft as he continues his tour of collegiate Pro Days. 

Injury held back CB Shavon Revel Jr. for most of his rookie season with the Cowboys. With a full offseason now in front of him, what does a fully healthy Revel look like and mean for Dallas' secondary?

Check out all the latest stories from Day 5 of free agency as the Cowboys try to make improvements for the 2026 season. 

With the NFL free agency spending spree in the books, it's time to take a peek at the Cowboys' defensive starters ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Cowboys expected more consistency from Jaydon Blue in his rookie season, but given his growth in 2025, there's a chance he makes waves behind Javonte Williams.