Cowboys get advice about what they should prioritize amid George Pickens saga

The Dallas Cowboys entered the offseason with obvious issues to address on a defense that allowed the most passing yards per game (251.5) and points per game (30.1 PPG).

While upgrades have already been made on that side of the ball, they have two first-round draft picks (No. 12, No. 20) and do not pick again until the third round (pick No. 92), leaving plenty of options on the table as they look to shore up some major defensive issues from last season.

Aside from the defensive concerns, the Cowboys must also figure out wide receiver George Pickens' contract situation after placing a $27.3M franchise tag on him Feb. 27. His importance to the offense cannot be ignored, but former NFL quarterback and current analyst Jordan Rodgers believes the bigger priority should be on improving the defense.

Cowboys' success hinges on key defensive improvements

"You know what you have in (George) Pickens, you know there's some volatility personality-wise, you want him bought in," Rodgers said on Thursday's edition of ESPN's "Get Up." "But I think the reality is, and maybe this is why Jerry (Jones) is doing it, he is more of a luxury than a necessity. And I don't mean that to disparage how good of a player he is, but defensively, this Dallas Cowboys team was terrible.

"That's what's holding them back from taking the next step, so the signings of Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary, that's gonna be the difference-maker, that is the priority, that side of the ball. Pickens is great, you want him bought in, you want him there, but the defense is what's going to be a make-or-break for them."