If you’re a Dallas Cowboys fan, you probably spent your Sunday watching other teams play football while wondering how everything fell apart so fast. The reality is blunt: a 7-9-1 record and a second straight year without playoffs. It’s a bitter pill. But if you’ve been following the Dallas Cowboys latest news, you know the "quiet" part of the offseason ended the second Matt Eberflus was shown the door.
Jerry Jones isn't just "disappointed" this time. He sounds like a man who knows his legacy is running out of clock. Honestly, the most jarring thing about the current state of the franchise isn't just the losing record—it's the roster turnover that’s already happening behind the scenes. We aren't just talking about depth pieces. We are talking about a total philosophical reset.
The Defensive Coordinator Search: More Than Just a Name
Right now, the Star is basically a revolving door for coaching candidates. Stephen Jones recently told reporters they are making "good progress," which is executive-speak for "we’ve interviewed nine people and haven't found the savior yet." The big news? The net is getting wider. While big names always generate clicks, the name gaining actual traction is Daronte Jones.
Why him? Look at what he did with the Vikings' secondary. He turned them into a top-three unit against the pass. Dallas, meanwhile, spent most of 2025 getting torched in the fourth quarter. It wasn't just a lack of talent; it was a lack of disguise. Predictability is a death sentence in the modern NFL.
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There's also a heavy push for Aaron Whitecotton, who is currently set to coach in the East-West Shrine Bowl. If Dallas wants a "fixer" for a defensive line that only managed 35 sacks—the lowest since 2020—Whitecotton is the guy people are whispering about. But regardless of who gets the whistle, they’re inheriting a mess. DaRon Bland just had another foot surgery. That’s two procedures on the same foot in two years. That kind of history makes you wonder if he’ll ever be the "shorthand for interceptions" guy he was in 2023.
Dak, the Cap, and the George Pickens Trade Rumors
Let’s talk about the money because, with Dallas, it always comes back to the checkbook. We are looking at a team that is roughly $30 million over the 2026 salary cap.
Now, don't panic. ESPN’s Todd Archer has pointed out that they could technically "create" $100 million in space if they restructured every big contract on the books. But here’s the catch: doing that to Dak Prescott’s deal would push his cap hit past $85 million in 2028. That’s not a plan; that’s a hostage situation.
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Speaking of Dak, he’s coming off a season where he threw for 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns. He’s still elite. But he needs weapons. George Pickens was the shining light of the 2025 season with over 1,400 yards, yet the Dallas Cowboys latest news is filled with trade speculation.
The New England Patriots are reportedly sniffing around. One proposal has Dallas shipping Pickens off for a 1st, 2nd, and 4th round pick in the 2026 draft. On one hand, you’d lose your best deep threat. On the other, Dallas currently holds the No. 12 pick and the Packers' No. 20 pick (thanks to that Micah Parsons trade). Adding a third first-rounder could let them rebuild the entire interior defense in a single night.
The Micah Parsons Void
It’s still weird seeing Micah Parsons in a Packers jersey. Trading him for Kenny Clark and picks was the ultimate "all-in on the future" move, but the immediate impact was a defense that lacked a pulse. Kenny Clark is solid, but he doesn't keep offensive coordinators awake at night like Micah did.
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What’s Actually Happening in the Backfield?
The run game was... surprisingly okay? Javonte Williams hit 1,200 yards, which is a miracle considering the offensive line shuffle. But Williams is a free agent. So is Malik Davis.
In the Week 18 loss to the Giants, we finally saw the rookies. Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. Honestly, they looked explosive. Mafah’s debut was long overdue, and Blue has that "home run" speed that Williams lacks. If Jerry decides to let Williams walk to save cap space, he’s betting the house on these two kids. It’s a massive gamble. Williams provided a toughness that this team usually lacks.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Offseason
If you're trying to track where this team goes next, ignore the "all-in" tweets and watch the following three specific areas. These are the real indicators of whether 2026 will be different or just another 7-9-1 rerun.
- Watch the Defensive Coordinator Hire: If they hire a "safe" veteran, expect more of the same. If they go with a guy like Daronte Jones who prioritizes post-snap rotation, they’re actually trying to evolve.
- The March 11 Deadline: This is when the league year begins. If Dak’s contract isn't extended or restructured by then, it’s a sign that the front office is finally considering a post-Dak era, however scary that may be.
- Draft Day Strategy: With picks 12 and 20, Dallas has the ammunition to trade up into the top five. If they stay put and take a tackle and a linebacker, they’re playing for 2027. If they move up, they’re chasing a blue-chip game-changer.
The Dallas Cowboys latest news isn't just about a team losing games; it's about an organization at a crossroads. They’ve spent the last decade trying to "tweak" their way to a Super Bowl. 2025 proved that the engine is broken. Whether Jerry Jones has the stomach to actually rebuild it—rather than just painting over the rust—is the only question that matters now.
For now, keep an eye on those DC interviews. The first domino is usually the one that tells you which way the rest are going to fall.