The Cowboys have significant resources tied to the defensive line, and Parker is ready to get rolling with it.
The Dallas Cowboys' defense, for most of 2025, was a train wreck under Matt Eberflus.
But that doesn't mean the unit didn't have some talent, right?
There were still players who we know are better than what was dished up last season.
However, it is up to new defensive coordinator Christian Parker to find that out for himself.
With Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, and Osa Odighizuwa, the three main pillars of the defense, the cupboard isn't exactly bare for Parker to begin his coordinator career with.
Plus, with DeMarvion Overshown, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Jadeveon Clowney, DaRon Bland, and Shavon Revel Jr., there is a foundation that Parker has to work with.
And while many are fixated on what caliber of player the Cowboys bring in during free agency or the draft, Parker knows he's got some quality weapons already in the building.
"The game is definitely won and lost up front," Parker said. "We have significant players in the front seven, and when you start with that defensive line room and what you're able to do and controlling the pocket, stopping the run, you control what an offense is able to do, and you're able to dictate to them on their terms.
"So you're not playing the whole playbook when you win first and second down, it starts there. That's where the excitement starts. There's several other pieces that have been proven playmakers, we look forward to bringing it all together in the next couple months."
So Parker isn't starting from scratch.
Yes, it was a brief period, but during Dallas' three-game winning streak, which saw the Cowboys slay the Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, and Kansas City Chiefs, we saw the defensive potential.
The Cowboys had their best two-run-stopping performances of the year, allowing just 27 and 63 yards, while the 119 given up to the Chiefs was a little misleading, as Kansas City struggled to get anything substantial going.
It is no coincidence that two of Dallas' best defensive showings against the Eagles and Chiefs resulted in wins. It was the first time all season that the offense got complementary play from the defense.
That is what Parker is chasing in 2026.
And it appears that Christian will be relying on Dallas' three star defensive linemen to help bring his vision to life.