The star on the helmet usually means high expectations, but right now, it feels more like a target.
If you’ve been following the Dallas Cowboys recent news and rumors over the last few days, you know the vibe in Frisco is... tense. Maybe "desperate" is the better word. After a 7-9-1 season that saw the team miss the playoffs for a second straight year, the front office is staring down a 30-year Super Bowl drought that’s starting to feel like a permanent curse.
Jerry Jones isn't getting any younger. He’s 83. He recently told reporters he wants to retire as the owner with the most Super Bowls.
That’s a tall order. He needs three more just to tie the Steelers and Patriots.
Honestly, the most shocking thing to come out of The Star lately isn't just the losing—it's the language Jerry is using. He’s talking about "busting the budget" and doing "dramatic things" this offseason. We’ve heard the "all-in" talk before, but with the team currently estimated at $34 million over the salary cap and 22 players hitting free agency, the drama is basically baked into the schedule.
The Defensive Coordinator Hunt: Is Jim Leonhard the One?
The first domino fell when the Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. It had to happen. You can't field a defense that allows nearly 30 points per game and expect to keep your job in Dallas.
Now, the search for a replacement is getting weird. Usually, the Cowboys go for the "retread" head coach—think Mike Zimmer or Dan Quinn. This time? They’re looking at youth.
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Jim Leonhard, currently the pass game coordinator for the Denver Broncos, has emerged as the "dream scenario" for the front office. He’s got that Rex Ryan coaching tree pedigree and a reputation for being a schematic genius. But there’s a massive roadblock: the New York Giants.
Rumor has it the Giants are closing in on hiring John Harbaugh as their head coach. Harbaugh has a history with Leonhard from their Baltimore days. If the Giants swoop in and steal the Cowboys' top DC target, the meltdown on social media will be legendary.
Other Names in the Mix
Dallas isn't putting all their eggs in one basket. They’ve already interviewed or scheduled:
- Zach Orr: The Ravens DC who is only 33. If hired, he’d be the youngest DC in franchise history since Dave Wannstedt in '89.
- Jonathan Gannon: The former Cardinals head coach.
- Christian Parker: The Eagles’ DBs coach/pass-game coordinator.
It’s a wide net. Jerry says head coaching experience isn't a requirement this time. That’s a huge shift in philosophy.
The $100 Million Cap Magic Trick
You’re probably wondering how a team $34 million over the cap can "bust the budget."
It’s all about the "Mickey Loomis" school of accounting. According to cap experts like Todd Archer and the folks at Over The Cap, Dallas can actually create upwards of $100 million in room.
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How? Restructures. Lots of them.
Dak Prescott is the biggest lever. He’s coming off a season where he threw for 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns. Despite the team's record, Dak played at a Pro Bowl level. He’s entering Year 10, and Jerry has already doubled down, saying he’s "very pleased" with Dak going forward. By converting Dak's massive $50 million+ cap hit into a signing bonus, they clear space instantly.
They’ll likely do the same with CeeDee Lamb, Tyler Smith, and DaRon Bland. It’s kicking the can down the road, sure. But for an 83-year-old owner, "the road" is now.
Roster Rumors: Who Stays and Who Goes?
The list of pending free agents is long. Twenty-two players, to be exact.
The two "must-haves" are George Pickens and Javonte Williams. Pickens just had a career year with 1,429 yards and nine scores. Javonte gave them 1,201 yards on the ground. Without them, this offense falls off a cliff. Stephen Jones has already signaled that Pickens is a "top priority" and they want Javonte on a multi-year deal.
Then there’s the defense. Jadeveon Clowney led the team with 8.5 sacks, but he’s a free agent. With the defense being the weak link, expect a massive overhaul here.
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The Draft Capital Factor
One bit of news that’s flying under the radar is the Micah Parsons trade fallout. Dallas actually has two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. One is their own (No. 12 overall) and the other is from Green Bay (No. 20 overall).
Jerry is already hinting at using those picks as trade bait. "Don't think we couldn't do some trading with those two number ones," he said. If a disgruntled star defensive tackle or a shutdown corner becomes available, don't be surprised if Dallas moves those picks for a "win-now" veteran.
What Most Fans Are Getting Wrong
There’s a narrative that the Cowboys are "stuck" with Dak.
The reality? Dak is the only thing keeping them afloat. The defense was the historical failure last year. Bringing in a guy like Jim Leonhard—who runs a 5-man front with simulated pressures—is designed to fix the "soft" middle of the defense that teams exploited all of 2025.
The team also needs help at linebacker. Badly. DeMarvion Overshown is a "core piece," but he can't do it alone. Expect the Cowboys to target a heavy-hitter in the first round or spend big on a veteran like Jack Sanborn or Kenneth Murray, both of whom are unrestricted free agents.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Offseason
If you’re looking to track how this actually plays out, keep an eye on these specific triggers:
- The March 9 "Legal Tampering" Window: This is when we find out if the "bust the budget" talk is real. If Dallas doesn't land a big-name defender in the first 48 hours, the budget wasn't actually busted.
- The Jim Leonhard Decision: If he goes to the Giants, the Cowboys will likely pivot to a younger, "unproven" candidate like Zach Orr.
- The Franchise Tag: Look for Dallas to use the tag on George Pickens if a long-term deal isn't reached by the deadline. It’ll cost about $28 million, but they can’t let him walk.
- Draft Day Strategy: Watch pick No. 12. If they stay there, they’re likely looking at a blue-chip linebacker or a cornerback like the rookie Shavon Revel, who they hope will take a leap in year two.
The 2026 offseason is essentially a referendum on the Jerry Jones era. He’s pushed all the chips in. Now we just wait to see if the cards fall his way or if this is just another year of "all-in" being "all-talk."