Jerry Jones cites defensive reinforcements and uncharacteristic offseason restraint as reasons why Dallas can emerge from the shadows to challenge for the NFL title in 2026.
This offseason has seen the Dallas Cowboys mentioned as Super Bowl contenders, thanks to a host of moves both on and off the field.
With Christian Parker as the new defensive coordinator, along with new players in Rashan Gary, Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, draftees Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, Jaishawn Barham, and a full offseason for Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, the arrow is trending upward.
Plus, the offensive continuity is also a big plus, and for most, when we mesh all of that together, the Cowboys, on paper, have the look of a contender.
Of course, we've been here before, but this year does feel a little different.
Personally, Super Bowl contender is a little too far for now, but I'll settle for Dallas being a playoff team in 2026.
But for owner Jerry Jones, in an exclusive chat with our own Mike Fisher, thinks it's reasonable for the team to be in the conversation, highlighting Seattle and New England as examples of teams last year coming out of nowhere to become challengers.
"I think that's fair, and let me tell you the logic," Jerry said. "If we can sit here this time last year and see that Seattle and New England were going to be playing for the champion of the NFL in the Super Bowl, then we've got a shot because those guys came from nowhere.
"So that should be, and that's always there, but I think we've got more than just the normal enthusiasm and positiveness. I think we've got some players that we can count on and are crazy about how they're being coached."
Fish asked Jerry if this might be an invitation to "drink the Kool-Aid'' of belief in Dallas.
“I’ll drink what you drink,'' Jerry told Fisher with a laugh.
So, the Super Bowl talk is no different than in previous seasons, but what has been different is that Jerry hasn't been his usual headline-making self (aside from the Maxx Crosby comments).
That has been a breath of fresh air for Cowboys Nation as Jerry always wants his team "above the fold" 365 days a year.
But will he stir things up after being relatively quiet this offseason?
"Well, let's just put it like this, as you know, if it really got slow around here, I do know how to stir that stuff up, it ain't slow," Jerry said with a smile.
"We're excited. So, let's watch some football. "
It has been a rather smooth offseason for the Cowboys. Ample change on the defensive side of the ball, and Jerry is more reserved than usual.
Will that translate to a Super Bowl tilt in 2026? Right now, they've got as good a shot as anyone.
