But with salary cap concerns and a change in defensive coaching, DT isn't entirely immune to potential 2026 offseason drama. Quinnen Williams - The new centerpiece of the line, this perennial Pro Bowler will again be looked to as a catalyst for improved performance up front. After seeing what the Eagles defense got out of Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, the prospect for what Christian Parker might mine from Williams' presence is tantalizing.
Since coming off the board in the sixth round of the 2019 draft, safety Donovan Wilson has been a career-long Cowboy. A trip to free agency awaits Wilson in the next few weeks, but the seven-year veteran hopes to stay in Dallas, Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News reports. Wilson, who will turn 31 on Saturday, had a brief foray into free agency in March 2023. The Cowboys quickly brought Wilson back on a three-year, $24MM deal. It's unknown if the Cowboys will act in a similar fashion with Wilson this year. Watkins casts doubt on Wilson's future in Dallas, contending the team should get younger at safety. Although Wilson may end up elsewhere in 2026, the Cowboys continued to heavily rely on him last season.
"The first thing is we're going to be multiple," Parker said ( via team writer Tommy Yarrish). " So our core principles, we'll be a 3-4 by nature, but 4-3 spacing will be appropriate, 4-2-5 in nickel, different front structures, coverages behind it." The Cowboys last ran a 3-4 under Rob Ryan in 2012.
Before the season was all said-and-done, Clowney was the best pass rusher in the building, and not simply because others struggled mightily to consistently get to the opposing quarterback. Clowney had a very good season by any contextual measurement, and in multiple categories. The 32-year-old notched a team-high in sacks (8.5), also this second-highest tally in the past four seasons,
If you take a look at the cornerback class in the 2026 free agency group, you'll see a pretty rough one if we're thinking about it with this past season in mind. Guys like Jamel Dean, Tariq Woolen, and former Cowboy Trevon Diggs have a past filled with great play that put their names at the top of cornerback ranks around the league, but all three have struggled with health, performance, or both in recent times.
Klayton Adams: Offensive Coordinator, Run-Game Guru On The Rise Background: 43 Years Old, Colts Asst. O-Line & Tight Ends Coach (2019-2022), Cardinals O-Line Coach (2023-2024), Cowboys Offensive Coordinator (2025-Present). Klayton Adams, a Boise State alum and long-time offensive line, tight ends, and running game specialist, garnered a ton of attention after just one year in Dallas as the offensive coordinator, and he wasn't even calling plays.
I believe nothing undermines a defense faster than a secondary that cannot be trusted. Dallas struggled in all facets when it came to the secondary play. Issues in communication, missed assignments, tackling, and giving up explosive plays are just a few to be named. Seattle avoided that by prioritizing discipline on the back end. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker should be able to choose the secondary help he wants to bring in through free agency.
Who's your pick for next season's MVP? Bowen: Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys. Prescott had more than 4,500 passing yards and threw 30 touchdowns this past season. With the Cowboys expected to retain wide receiver George Pickens, whom they will likely give the franchise tag, look for Prescott to produce high-level numbers again for a team that could challenge for the NFC East title in 2026 with an improved defense.
