As free agency continues to roll on, it is hard to tell definitively if the Cowboys have gotten better on defense.
Most knew, as free agency began, that the Dallas Cowboys were going to be heavily defensive-focused.
And they have been.
Jalen Thompson, P.J. Locke, Cobie Durant and Rashan Gary have been the key adds for Christian Parker's defense.
Backup QB Sam Howell has been the only offensive signing.
Plus, the Cowboys have also dealt two players.
Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas were traded to the San Francisco 49ers and the Tennessee Titans, in moves that, for some, were a little head-scratching.
Some even thought they were made with an even bigger move (a Maxx Crosby trade!?) in mind.
We now know that it's likely not true.
Given what's transpired defensively, you will be hard-pressed to find someone who thinks, at this moment, the defense is better than what it was in 2025.
But we found that one someone.
Hello, eternal optimist/relentless salesman Jerry Jones!
”We certainly have moved in really both scheme, as well as players … by the time we’re through with the draft and these guys that we’re signing, these guys that we’re going to draft, they’re going to be on that field, and we think we’ve got the coaches that can get the young ones out and ready to play," Jones said via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
"So I feel very, very good about it. We have nowhere but up to go on defense. It’s not anyone’s fault at all. But we’ll almost assuredly be much better. And I’m betting on us improving on offense. That ought to get us with better feeling when we get to December.”
Well, one thing is right, Mr. Jones.
The only way is up after last season's horror show.
Jerry remains steadfast in his thought that the defense will be better than it was a season ago.
But based on the free agency dealings, how can he say that with such confidence?
Is it pure belief and hope? Confidence in rookie coordinator Christian Parker? Or is there something else in the pipeline that makes him think this way?
Our own Mike Fisher said on Thursday that another move could be forthcoming, with only two "Tier 1" free agents (pass-rusher Gary and safety Thompson) being signed.
And then near midnight, they added Rams cornerback Durant. He's a starter, but he might be "Tier 2.''
Right now, Jerry appears content with how the defense is shaping up under Parker, and that's without going back in for Maxx Crosby.
But to us, it is tough to imagine the Cowboys' defense, on paper, being better than last year's unit. ... at least right now.
But Mr. Jones clearly thinks otherwise. Or he is at least trying to sell you on his "otherwise.''