George Pickens and Nick Bosa face contract and health hurdles entering 2026

Multiple NFL players face pivotal contract or injury circumstances heading into the 2026 season. Wide receiver George Pickens enters the year under a franchise tag with the Dallas Cowboys after recording career highs of 93 receptions, 1,429 yards, and nine touchdowns last season. While Pickens seeks a long-term contract extension, the organization has signaled hesitation regarding its salary cap flexibility. Meanwhile, San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa is managing recovery from a torn ACL that limited his 2025 campaign to three games. Bosa previously signed a major contract extension in 2023 following a league defensive player of the year honor. These players are among a group of veterans navigating physical rehabilitation or uncertain future compensation as the league calendar progresses.

• 6:37 PMCBS NFL — Agent's Take: George Pickens, Puka Nacua headline non-quarterbacks who are at a crossroads entering 2026