After what Dallas Cowboys fans deemed as a dismal start to the 2025 offseason, things have turned around and there's some tangible optimism for the 2025 season.
The George Pickens trade seems to be getting less 'controversial' by the day. Sure, there's still concern about his on-field antics, but don't get it twisted: the Cowboys badly needed someone like him to contribute with CeeDee Lamb. Lamb has already praised his new teammate by calling Pickens another No. 1 option.
This could also be a make-or-break year for Daron Bland, who was an All-Pro in 2023 and has consistently had Trevon Diggs' back whenever Diggs has been injured. For Pickens and Bland, Ryan Smith of Pro Football Focus believes both players are under pressure.
Cowboys stars DaRon Bland and George Pickens are under serious pressure in 2025
With the Pittsburgh Steelers not having a real offensive plan since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement, Pickens hasn't gotten a fair chance to sign in his young years. Whether or not this has been a reason to Pickens' past tirades is no excuse for him to act up on the field, but with Dak Prescott and Lamb set to make strong comebacks in 2025, Smith says that this is a big opportunity for Pickens to not just be a short-term project with Dallas.
"(Pickens) will have the opportunity to shine in Dallas prior to hitting free agency in 2026. Operating as a second option behind Lamb will give Pickens more one-on-one opportunities, and he will no longer be hindered by a run-first scheme. "Ryan Smith of PFF
For Bland, he was a pick-six machine back in 2023, as he broke what seemed to be an impossible record by snagging five interception returns for touchdowns. With a hovering cloud over the future of Diggs, Jones might be caught in a pickle by choosing between the future of Diggs and Bland.
And with significant knee injuries hindering Diggs' career, this could be a huge year for Bland. As Smith says, Bland's spot isn't all that safe either with the addition of Shavon Revel.
"The addition of Revel, the 44th-ranked player on PFF's big board, could be a sign that the team doesn’t have the cap space to extend Bland, making it likely he will hit free agency in 2026. Without a new deal, Bland will be the clear top cornerback on the market, but his next deal is contingent on whether he can return to 2023 form."Ryan Smith of PFF
Obviously, all eyes will be on Schottenheimer, but for Bland and Pickens they will have a lot at stake for the upcoming season as well.