The Cowboys' offseason has been an interesting watch, with players coming in, yet fans are still dissatisfied.
The Dallas Cowboys' defense was always going to be a large focus this offseason, and through the first wave of free agency, that has proven correct.
Just two offensive moves for backups (Sam Howell, Matt Hennessy), along with a handful of defensive players coming to the organization, Christian Parker's defense has gotten some nice pieces.
But fans wanted the needle to be moved and in a significant way.
That hasn't been the case over the past week.
Yes, good, quality starters have come to The Star, but there is a feeling that the Cowboys are holding back.
There's been no "bust the budget'' in the traditional sense, as Jerry Jones said there would be. ... Although we don't actually know what Dallas' budget was.
Still, we know that PR-minded Jerry knew what he was doing when he said it.
Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine has used one word to describe every team's offseason to date, and when it comes to Dallas, the word he uses is rather fitting.
"Maintaining.''
"There's a world where a long-term contract for Pickens and a successful pursuit of Trey Hendrickson have this team looking like a contender," Ballentine wrote. "Instead, they have an extended standoff with a franchise-tagged Pickens while trading for Rashan Gary and making other defensive acquisitions. It's just enough to be where they were in 2025."
It does feel like the Cowboys are treading water a touch.
There is much debate over whether the Cowboys' defense is better now compared to last season.
Some think so, others are on the fence.
If you truly busted the budget, there would be no doubt that the defense is better.
But again, Dallas is in the headlines, but not necessarily for the reasons it should be.
Yes, the franchise deserves applause for its moves so far, which signal a different way of doing business. However, it doesn't feel like enough, does it?
Of course, the franchise could still add another couple of key pieces in the coming days or weeks, but is there confidence that the Cowboys will continue to add to their free agent haul?
I can't imagine too high.
This offseason was about overhauling the defense and making it significantly better.
But right now, we question whether it is good enough to help propel Dallas to the postseason in 2026.