Yes, we are at the stage of the offseason where we are already looking ahead to next year.
The Dallas Cowboys' 2025 season ended in failure, with a 7-9-1 record and no playoff appearance, in Brian Schottenheimer's first year as head coach.
Micah Parsons was traded a week before the season to suck out all the positivity from the George Pickens trade, and the Cowboys' defense never recovered, despite getting Kenny Clark in return.
The offense was one of the best in football as Dak Prescott earned his fourth Pro Bowl nod, while Pickens grabbed his first. CeeDee Lamb and Javonte Williams also had themselves good seasons.
Defensively, under the now-deposed coordinator Matt Eberlfus, it was a train wreck.
The Cowboys had the worst unit in football, with consistent miscommunication, poor play, and players looking confused on the field.
Yes, the midseason trades of Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson gave Dallas a sugar hit for three games, before reality again set in.
So, entering the new season, we know what we will get from Dak, Schotty, and the offense. But defensively with new coordinator, Christian Parker? That's a big question mark, despite all of the glowing endorsements we've heard.
After all, Parker hasn't called plays in the NFL before.
But still, there's enough positivity to think the Cowboys could be something in 2026.
And for ESPN, in a way-too-early power rankings list for next season, the Cowboys are at No. 18.
So middle of the pack. That's about right.
The Cowboys in 2025 were a team that could beat anyone, but also lose to anyone, and their record reflects that.
Of course, what this team does in free agency, thanks to having just over $100 million in cap space and two first-round draft picks, could elevate Dallas' floor.
But again, the Cowboys and big offseason moves don't really go hand-in-hand, and yes, they traded for Pickens, but at the time, no one in the league wanted to touch him.
That worked out well.
There are several free agent options Dallas can and should look at in the coming weeks to help kickstart the Parker era at The Star.
And if the Cowboys approach the offseason as they should, and use all tools in the toolbox, they won't be at No. 18 for much longer.