The Cowboys aren't seen as contenders right now, but a lot can change in the coming months.
How the Dallas Cowboys are viewed entering Brian Schottenheimer's second offseason is tough to get a read on.
Some think that with this week's key defensive signings, coupled with the offense replicating its 2025 efforts, Dallas is easily a playoff team in 2026, maybe more.
But others think the task at the feet of the front office to fix the defense is proving to be too much ...
And that the contractual sideshows of George Pickens and Brandon Aubrey might have a less-than-ideal impact.
Free agency is where the Cowboys could've drastically improved the roster, and then with two first-round picks, Dallas has ammunition to improve there as well.
Do the additions of Rashan Gary and Jalen Thompson mean "drastic'' improvement?
And what are the expectations for Schottenheimer's Cowboys in 2026?
A few days ago, the oddsmakers revealed each team's projected win totals for the upcoming season.
Last year, the Cowboys' total was 7.5 through various oddsmakers.
This year? DraftKings has Dallas up to 8.5, the second-best behind the Philadelphia Eagles (10.5) in the NFC East.
CBS Sports' Will Brinson gives his thoughts on why the win total is what it is for Dallas.
"Schedule-wise, the Cowboys draw the AFC South and NFC West this year, along with second-place matchups against the Ravens, Buccaneers and Packers," Brinson wrote.
"That's a pretty tough draw and if coaching changes for the Giants, Eagles and Commanders result in upgrades, the Cowboys might have a bit of a gauntlet on their hands. Still, if Jerry is willing to go for broke and trade for a big-time defensive player, this number would tick up pretty quickly in my opinion."
There are a host of tough games, and looking at it right now, without any additions in free agency or the draft, it does look like tough sledding.
But the offense proved it can hang with any team in football, but defensively? They can get dismantled by any team.
However, the fact that with the only change being Christian Parker's hire Dallas had an extra win added to its projected total is something.
The oddsmakers clearly believe he can help turn this ship around with the current group of players.
Right then, 8.5 seemed fair. And right now? In the eyes of Cowboys Nation?
Frankly, even after three days of free agency, it still seems fair.