The Cowboys' defense was poor in 2025, but there's enough pieces to build around moving forward.
The Dallas Cowboys, by any metric you want to use, were a poor defensive team in 2025.
Under Matt Eberflus, Dallas gave up 30+ points in nine games; there was constant miscommunication, not to mention the big explosive plays through the air and on the ground.
As such, Eberflus was fired, and the Cowboys are on the lookout for their next defensive coordinator. One they hope will be able to get far more out of the group than Eberflus did.
In fact, we aren't asking for miracles. Most of Cowboys Nation would settle for the defense being average in 2026.
And what might help is that the cupboard isn't bare for the incoming coordinator.
Quinnen Williams, Solomon Thomas, Jadeveon Clowney, Kenny Clark, and Osa Odighizuwa are seen as key pieces heading into 2026.
And Cowboys Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay thinks highly of that group.
"Yeah, there's a great nucleus and then establishing the way, especially up front with [Aaron] Whitecotton, the way that we want to play," McClay said on The Huddle. "That's not going to change. You're going to have to get after the quarterback. You're going to want to affect the quarterback, and it starts up front.
"So those guys and having that familiarity there hopefully, and those guys coming back. We build the defense starting at the front. We feel good about that."
So the defensive line, at least the interior, anyway, appears set with Williams, Osa, and Clark.
We saw what that group can do in Dallas' best stretch of the season, beating the Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Sacks, quarterback pressure, great run defense, and sound play all around saw the Cowboys go from also-rans in the playoff race to a team that no one wanted to play if it got into the postseason.
Of course, that three-game sample proved to be a sugar hit, but still, there's something to hold onto there.
And it is clear McClay wants the defensive line to be what the Cowboys build their defense around in 2026.
Another pass rusher is needed, maybe two. Maxx Crosby is the big free agent fish, but he could cost more than Dallas is willing to pay.
Plus, the Cowboys can be players in free agency and the draft.
Dallas isn't starting from scratch defensively; it's got a good nucleus it wants to build around.
And we bet the Cowboys will do just that.