The Cowboys have missed the past two postseasons, but could Brian Schottenheimer lead his team to the playoffs in 2026?
The Dallas Cowboys' 2025 season was the definition of a roller coaster in Brian Schottenheimer's first year.
A so-so start, then saw a three-game sugar hit that had some thinking a playoff run, and a deep one at that, was forthcoming. Then the Cowboys would lose four of their last five games, finishing 7-9-1.
Yes, there were key factors that contributed to that up-and-down season, and despite the Micah Parsons trade and the tragic passing of Marshawn Kneeland, Schottenheimer galvanized his team.
To the point where the hope for 2026 isn't just misplaced, it's real.
Providing the Cowboys address the glaring defensive needs and sign George Pickens (Javonte Williams has signed a three-year, $24 million deal).
So, is there a way back to the playoffs for the Cowboys in 2026?
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport thinks so.
The Cowboys are annually in salary cap purgatory," Davenport wrote. "The Dallas defense was 30th in the league in total defense and dead last in points allowed.
"If Dallas adds some pieces defensively and new defensive coordinator Christian Parker can engineer improvement on that side of the ball, the Cowboys will make some noise in an NFC East that wasn't especially imposing in 2025."
It's head-scratching to think there are still those who think the Cowboys' salary cap is a problem (oh, no, "Cap Hell!'') but enough about that. Let's talk about those playoff chances.
With free agency fast approaching, the Cowboys need, let's say three or four, maybe more quality starters. Not bargain buys, but key additions.
Say, like Alex Singleton, Devin Bush, or even someone like Trey Hendrickson. Not just players Dallas hopes will be key players like Kenneth Murray or Jack Sanborn last offseason.
With Christian Parker taking over the defense from Matt Eberflus, he has a big task on his hands to turn that ship around.
But listening to him speak at his introductory press conference, he was impressive.
There's a clear plan of attack for Christian and how he wants his defense to play, and how he is going to get his ideas across to his players.
That has filled Cowboys Nation with hope, because let's face it, the defense can't be as bad as last year, can it?
Even with slight improvement, coupled with what we expect the offense to be, there's no reason to think Dallas won't be a playoff team in 2026. Of course, that is predicated on the franchise being aggressive in free agency.
Are playoffs on the menu for Schotty's Cowboys? That should be.