Dallas made a handful of moves in free agency, but what was the best one?
The Dallas Cowboys' offseason work has left most fans looking forward to the 2026 season with excitement rather than fear and trepidation, as in previous seasons.
The hiring of Christian Parker, along with the handful of free agent signings in Rashan Gary, Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, PJ Locke, and the drafting of Caleb Downs, has fans thinking something could be building at The Star.
Of course, there is an element of the unknown, given how much change has taken place over the last few months, but for most, that won't dampen their hopes that the Cowboys will be playoff-bound in 2026.
But when looking at Dallas' work overall this offseason, who would be the "best signing?
Yes, that is subjective as there are bound to be vastly different answers, but ESPN's Bill Barnwell has given it a go, and while I might have gone with Jalen Thompson, he's gone with Durant.
"Durant isn't a superstar, and he has played behind some very good pass rushes in Los Angeles, but he has allowed a 74.3 passer rating in coverage over the past four seasons," Barnwell wrote. "At 28, Durant should still be in the prime of his career.
"The Rams experimented with him in the slot at times, but he's best as an outside cornerback, where he'll start across from DaRon Bland in 2026. Despite his modest deal, Durant should be a massive upgrade on what the Cowboys rolled out at CB last season."
Given how shambolic the secondary was under Matt Eberflus last season, nearly any signing would be an upgrade.
But in the case of Durant, a sturdy veteran who brings leadership qualities, not to mention his physicality, high football IQ, versatility, and ability to take the ball away, could be a great addition.
But ... it's a "strange'' pick for one big reason: With DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel on the team, Durant can't even be penciled in as a starter right now.
The secondary was routinely gashed last season, and the hope is that Durant will play a key part in helping lock things down, along with Downs and Thompson.
How it all meshes together over the coming months is going to be interesting to see as Parker gets his vision up and running.
And if, in March of next year, we look back and see Durant as the best signing Dallas made this offseason, that could mean the defense has played up to the level many fans hoped for. ... or it could mean Bland or Revel ended up being a flop.
