They say it is always good to take a pause and, from there, analyze and rebuild everything. That seems to be exactly what the Dallas Cowboys are experiencing at the start of this year. Jerry Jones, from the general manager’s office, wants to reshape a defense that was made of clay for almost the entire 2025 season.
The arrival of Christian Parker at The Star, who previously served as the Eagles’ defensive backs coach and now takes over as defensive coordinator, appears to open the door for Philadelphia elements to strengthen both the coaching staff and the battered Cowboys defense.
Under the mandate of Matt Eberflus, who left Dallas ranked 32nd in points allowed and 30th in yards surrendered, the Cowboys were a true rag doll on defense. Eberflus took full responsibility for his unit’s collapse, although several players also deserve a deep evaluation due to their poor performance throughout the season.
- Sacks: 22nd in the league
- Points allowed: 511, 30.1 per game. Last in the league
- Pass defense: worst in the NFL at 251.5 yards per game; 35 touchdowns allowed
- Run defense: 23rd overall, 125 yards allowed per game, 24 touchdowns
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A total Dallas restructure in the defensive backfield
Now that a thorough individual analysis is underway to determine which players can stay and which could be released, some names appear more secure.
Among those who could ensure their spot for another season in 2026 are:
- Malik Hooker, and
- Markquese Bell
Reed Blankenship could arrive in Dallas
With Christian Parker arriving in Dallas to take control of the defense, several specialists have suggested that he could bring Reed Blankenship with him to his new team.
Christian Parker will have more of an active say exactly which free agents he’d like them to sign, and it could start with former Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship.
They said on Blogging the Boys.
Dallas must look to free agency, and with Parker running the defense, Reed Blankenship is a name that should be high on their list.
They stated at Sports Illustrated. Meanwhile, The Athletic did not miss the moment of Parker’s arrival in Dallas, with Jon Machota sharing his opinion.
It would make sense to make a notable investment in the position from outside the building. Perhaps the new defensive coordinator will value the position more than it has been in the past. That’s where a new player could end up replacing Wilson, an unrestricted free agent.
If it happens, his arrival could give a new dimension to the Dallas defense. Blankenship played in 46 of 51 games since arriving in Philadelphia over the last three years. He has strong durability and tackles well.
For the Cowboys, he would be an affordable option in free agency. According to Spotrac, his cost would be $14.5 million over two years. The highest-paid player in that unit is Malik Hooker, who earns $21 million over three years.
Additionally, he would bring leadership, something the Dallas defense badly needs, and one of Blankenship’s greatest strengths.
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