The star on the helmet feels a little heavy right now. Honestly, if you’re a fan, you’re probably used to the January blues, but this year hits different. After a 7-9-1 season that saw the defense basically dissolve into thin air, the ESPN Dallas Cowboys breaking news cycle is moving faster than CeeDee Lamb on a post route.
Jerry Jones is frustrated. Like, "bust the budget" frustrated.
He recently told reporters that he’s willing to do "dramatic things" to get this team back into contention for 2026. That’s owner-speak for "I’m tired of losing to the Giants in Week 18 while our defensive coordinator search looks like a frantic game of musical chairs."
The Search for the Next Defensive Architect
The biggest domino has already fallen: Matt Eberflus is out. He was fired after just one season where the defense surrendered the most points in the NFL. It was brutal to watch. Opposing quarterbacks were putting up career numbers every week, and even in a win against the Commanders, Josh Johnson looked like a Pro Bowler.
Now, the Cowboys are deep into "Round 2" of interviews. According to recent reports, they’ve narrowed a list of nine candidates down to a few finalists for in-person meetings.
- Christian Parker: The Eagles' defensive backs coach is a name that's gaining a ton of steam. He’s been coaching since he was 22 and helped turn Quinyon Mitchell into an All-Pro.
- Jonathan Gannon: The former Cardinals head coach is in the mix.
- Jim Leonhard: A name that always seems to pop up when a high-profile DC job opens.
Stephen Jones says they’re making "good progress," but fans are skeptical. We’ve seen three defensive coordinators in three years. The next hire isn't just a coaching move; it's a lifeline for a franchise that’s missed the playoffs two years in a row.
Dak Prescott and the Offensive Silver Lining
While the defense was a dumpster fire, the offense actually found some rhythm under Brian Schottenheimer. Dak Prescott played all 17 games, which was huge after that hamstring injury ruined his 2024. He looked sharp.
In fact, Dak had one of his most efficient years, supported by George Pickens—who somehow landed on the AP All-Pro second team—and a surprisingly solid ground game from Javonte Williams.
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The front office has a big decision with Williams, though. He was a steal at $3 million last year, but he’s heading into free agency. If he walks, the Cowboys might look at "Plan B" options like affordable vets or leaning harder into the draft. Speaking of the draft...
Two First-Round Picks: A Rare Opportunity
Because of some savvy (or lucky) trades, including the one involving the Packers, the Cowboys are sitting on a goldmine. They have the No. 12 and No. 20 overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
You don't get two picks in the top 20 very often.
The consensus among insiders like ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. is that Dallas must go defense. There’s no room for a "luxury" wide receiver or a project quarterback here. Names like Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State) and Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee) are already being circled in red ink on Jerry’s draft board.
If they can land two Day-1 starters, this turnaround could happen faster than we think.
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Roster Shakes and Surgery Updates
It's not all about who's coming in; it's about who's staying healthy. DaRon Bland just underwent surgery on his left foot—his second procedure on that same foot in two years. It’s a massive concern for a secondary that Jerry Jones himself called "disastrous" earlier this month.
Then there’s Brandon Aubrey. The man is a weapon. Todd Archer over at ESPN is reporting that Aubrey, a restricted free agent, could see a tender worth around $6 million. For a kicker? Yeah, but when you have a guy who can nail 60-yarders like they’re extra points, you pay the man.
What This Means for the 2026 Season
The schedule for 2026 is already looking terrifying. Because Dallas finished second in the NFC East, they’re lined up against other second-place finishers, along with the AFC South and NFC West. We’re talking about games against the Texans, Colts, and Rams.
The "soft" spots on the schedule are basically non-existent.
Actionable Next Steps for the Offseason:
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- Finalize the DC Hire: Expect an announcement within the next 72 hours. If it’s Christian Parker, look for a shift toward a more aggressive, DB-heavy scheme.
- The Brandon Aubrey Tender: Watch for the official paperwork on Aubrey’s $6M tender. It’s a lot of cap space for a kicker, but it’s a non-negotiable for special teams stability.
- Draft Focus: Keep an eye on the Senior Bowl and Combine specifically for edge rushers and corners. With picks 12 and 20, the Cowboys are in the "sweet spot" for elite defensive talent.
- Free Agency Priority: Decide on Javonte Williams. If they let him walk to save cap, a rookie RB in the third round becomes a near-certainty.
The era of "hanging in there" is over. Jerry Jones is 83 years old and he’s made it clear: he wants more Super Bowls before he retires. Whether the current roster can actually deliver on that "dramatic" promise is the only question that matters in Big D.