COWBOYS SQUAD SHOW: It's ALMOST Draft time for the Cowboys, and NO DEAL for George Pickens.

The Locked On Cowboys podcast's 'Cowboy Squad Show' dives into the final days before the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on the Dallas Cowboys' looming decisions. The episode opens with congratulations to kicker Brandon Aubrey on his record-breaking $28 million, four-year deal with $20 million guaranteed, a move that secures the Cowboys' franchise tag option for George Pickens in 2027. The hosts debate whether Pickens will report for the upcoming workout, with strong skepticism due to the lack of a contract. A major trade between the Bengals and Giants—Cincinnati sending the No. 10 pick to New York for Dexter Lawrence—is analyzed as a win for Dallas, removing a key defensive threat from the NFC East and weakening the Giants' interior line. The discussion then turns to the Cowboys’ draft strategy: despite public confidence in their 12th and 20th picks, the panel expresses doubt about finding a true first-round talent at 20, suggesting a trade-down for additional draft capital. They debate potential trades for edge rushers like Myles Garrett or linebackers like Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs, with mixed optimism. The hosts emphasize the urgent need to upgrade the defense’s athleticism and impact, especially given Dak Prescott’s limited window. The episode closes with speculation on the Eagles trading AJ Brown to the Patriots and the potential for the Eagles to stockpile 2027 picks to pursue a defensive superstar like Garrett. The overarching theme is that the Cowboys must act decisively to bolster their defense, as hoping for perfect board alignment is not a viable strategy.