Jerry Jones seeks defensive upgrades, fueling roster changes. See how key players, draft picks, and free agency targets shape Dallas' future.
FRISCO - Want a four-word glimpse inside the thinking of the Dallas Cowboys’ approach to roster-building for 2026?
Look no further than team owner Jerry Jones’ review of what he thinks almost was in 2025.
“Had we played a lick of defense last year,” Jones said, “we would’ve had ourselves, I think, a real playoff run.”
Dallas, despite its explosive offense, was 7-9-1 last year … and we’ll never know how many “licks” away they were from postseason berth.
But based on Jones’ four words - “a lick of defense” - it’s easy to predict the next moves planned to upgrade.
“When you have the challenges we had last year, there’s no place to go but up on the defensive side of the ball,“ Jones said.
Let’s take a look at Dallas’ position-by-position roster … and analyze some of those “challenges.” …
QUARTERBACK
Dak Prescott, Joe Milton, Sam Howell
The Cowboys believe in the strong-armed Milton’s potential … but not so much to keep them from signing the more experienced Howell to set up a summer competition.
RUNNING BACK
Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, Hunter Luepke, Malik Davis, Phil Mafah
Williams is the bell cow and Luepke is a do-it-ll lock. Blue is the wild card; Dallas wants him to win the No. 2 job. Is he good enough?
RECEIVER
CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, Jonathan Mingo, Traeshon Holden
Dallas employs two WR1’s, stars who set this roster apart from much of the rest of the NFL. Flournoy as the No. 3 with Turpin as more than a “gimmick guy” makes this a special group.
TIGHT END
Jake Ferguson, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Luke Schoonmaker, Princeton Fant
The starter is Ferguson but the guy worthy of room to jump up is Spann-Ford. Former second-rounder Schoonmaker is proving to be a JAG.
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT Tyler Guyton, LG Tyler Smith, C Cooper Beebe. RG Tyler Booker, RT Terence Steele, OT Nate Thomas, OG T.J. Bass, OL Matt Hennessy, OT Ajani Cornelius, OG Trevor Keegan
If Guyton and Steele would step up just a bit, this can be a foundational group. Short of that? Smith might have to kick out to left tackle.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Otito Ogbonnia, Jay Toia
Weird, isn’t it, to have this small collection make up the “defensive line” group? Welcome to the “Hybrid 3-4” scheme under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER/EDGE
Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Sam Williams, James Houston, Marist Liufau, Tyrus Wheat
The Cowboys own picks at 12 and 20 in the NFL Draft and they might have to fill an edge-rusher need there. There’s no reason to quit looking for veteran help as well.
INSIDE LINEBACKER
DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James, Justin Barron
An even more gaping hole exists here. The Cowboys acknowledged this weakness in their failed free agency tries. Again, a premium pick is in play here … and we’ve urged the addition of a veteran who can help run the show.
CORNERBACK
DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel, Cobie Durant, Caelen Carson, Reddy Steward, Trikweze Bridges, Josh Butler
Dallas mitigated its “need” here with the signing of Durant, and he and Bland and Revel make for a potential decent trio. But here’s a spot where “don’t draft for need” applies. Dallas has rightfully been linked to drafting a possible starting corner in Round 1.
SAFETY
Malik Hooker, Jalen Thompson, P.J. Locke, Markquese Bell, Alijah Clark
The addition of Thompson should be make a difference for this much-maligned group. But more help would be useful.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K Brandon Aubrey, P Bryan Anger, LS Trent Sieg
Aubrey is still a restricted free agent who needs to get signed up. Otherwise, Dallas’ specialists are among the best in the business.
Jerry Jones says he believes the Cowboys now have “a lot of promise” on defense. If he’s right? If Dallas can “play a lick” on that side of the ball?
Maybe playoff talk will sound “a lick” more realistic.