Following the franchise’s trade with the Green Bay Packers, the Dallas Cowboys will need their defensive talent to step up and fill the void left by Micah Parsons’ departure this month. 

After much time of negotiations and conflict between Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and one of the most highly-touted Edge players in the National Football League, the finale of the saga was felt across the country.

While it is hard to validate such a trade, the acquisition of three-time Pro Bowl selection Kenny Clark will help defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus find ways to draw up pressure and allow the former Packer to wreak havoc up front. 

Dallas' secondary should be the point of emphasis this season, after the Cowboys finished second-to-last in the Pro Football Focus secondary rankings for 2025, with injuries and disappointing performances riddling the unit last season.

It is not all doom and gloom for Brian Schottenheimer’s squad this season, however.

While differing opinions on his true worth constantly arise every season, quarterback Dak Prescott returns for his 10th season with Dallas.

Having a seasoned veteran like Prescott taking snaps could be one of the strengths of the franchise moving forward, especially with a crew of talented wide receivers that features CeeDee Lamb and former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout George Pickens.

Many unknowns reside in the Cowboys’ running back room, but the variety of skill sets and experience will help the room grow in 2025.

Leaders like Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders will be important mentors for rookie Jaydon Blue, who displayed much promise during the preseason.

The franchise’s focus seemed to be on everything but football during the offseason, but the time for talking is officially over.

After all the discrepancies, controversy and conflicts, Dallas will officially open the 2025-2026 NFL season Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Before they open the season in Philadelphia, here are five Cowboys who could produce the most in Week 1:

Wide Receiver CeeDee Lamb

While the addition of Pickens could alter the number of receptions per game for Lamb, he remains the most talented player on the roster in 2025.

His agility, release and elite hands will be the most integral factor in the team's success this season.

Quarterback Dak Prescott

Say what you’d like about Prescott, he has the experience and the throwing ability to still carve up defenses.

The biggest issue has been Prescott’s consistency, which he will need to improve if Dallas wants him to connect with Lamb and Pickens, who will lead the wide receiving corps.

Defensive Tackle Kenny Clark

While some may dislike him just because of the way he was acquired by the franchise, Clark remains one of the most dangerous defensive linemen in the league.

Expect Clark to cause nightmares for offenses on the Cowboys' schedule.

Defensive Back Trevon Diggs

Major improvements for the Dallas secondary are a necessity for this squad heading into the 2025 season, after strings of poor performances and injuries plagued the unit last year.

As an experienced leader of the unit, Diggs needs to stay healthy and make an impact for the defense to succeed.

Wide Receiver George Pickens

After being acquired by the Cowboys in May 2025, Pickens landing in Dallas gives Prescott another talented target this season.

His pairing with Lamb should allow the Cowboys to open up the playbook for some explosive performances.