Many are looking at Caleb Downs and Parker himself as a big reason for the defense's proposed improvement in 2026, but there is another reason that an uptick in form could be coming.
This offseason has been all about the defense for the Dallas Cowboys, and in truth, it needed to be.
After being the worst defense in football, and by a long way last season, the changes both to the roster and the coaching staff were significant.
Free agency saw Rashan Gary (via trade), Jalen Thompson, and Cobie Durant as the "big" signings. Then came the NFL Draft with Caleb Downs as the centerpiece and Malachi Lawrence, both first-round selections, and Dee Winters via trade with the San Francisco 49ers.
Plus, the hiring of Christian Parker, along with his staff, points to a big resurgence in 2026.
But for all of the changes both player and coaching wise, I think there is one underrated aspect of the potential Cowboys turnaround that needs to be given more air time.
And it is to do with two players already on the roster -- Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark.
It can be easy to forget, but Williams was a mid-season trade, and Clark was part of the Micah Parsons trade a week before the 2025 season began.
So Clark, after doing the entire offseason with Green Bay in that system, had to come and learn Matt Eberflus' scheme, adjust to his new coaches and teammates, while being productive on the field.
The same can be said for Quinnen.
Coming to the Cowboys when the ship was already sinking, he had to learn Eberflus' scheme and his teammates, while being expected to be a big reason for the defensive turnaround many had hoped for.
In truth, the 2025 season for both Clark and Williams was a roller coaster, with both likely having their heads spinning. But they were still productive to an extent given what they had to deal with.
Now, as we look ahead to Oxnard and training camp, both Williams and Clark will get a full offseason of work in (barring injury) to learn Parker's scheme and build chemistry with the entire locker room.
Is an explosion coming? (As opposed to last year's implosion?)
We know what a force of nature Williams can be, and for Clark, he's a consistent presence, playing in all 17 regular season games in the last four years, plus he's a three-time Pro Bowler.
Having both of those getting a full offseason, anchoring the middle of the defensive line for Parker, to me, is perhaps an underrated aspect of the proposed rise of this defense in 2026.
Neither is generally a big stat-getter, but they will play a key role in the defense rising up the ranks. Yes, Downs and the other free-agent signings will play their roles, but don't forget the upside both Clark and Williams have after a full offseason of work in Dallas.
