Fans of the Dallas Cowboys get excited at the start of every season. Every kickoff brings the same feeling: “This is our year,” yet, just like in the past thirty seasons, the result ends up being the same: total disappointment.
It was January 29, 1996, when the fifth and last championship arrived for Jerry Jones’ franchise. Since then, there have been only promises and possibilities that seem close, but not even a single appearance in a conference championship game.
Now the Cowboys face an offseason filled with expectations regarding what will happen to the roster, as major changes are coming on both offense and defense.
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The free agency period could be vital for the Dallas Cowboys
For the Dallas Cowboys’ front office, the work is already demanding. Without a postseason appearance in 2025, the year 2026 has begun with a full roster restructure and numerous contracts reaching their end.
In total, twenty-two players saw their deals expire after participating in the previous season. Among them are key names for the team, such as:
- George Pickens
- Javonte Williams
- Jadeveon Clowney
These would be crucial pieces for the roster; however, there are another fifteen players who will become unrestricted free agents.
Of those players, seven are on offense, while the remaining ones belong to the defensive side of the ball.
- Miles Sanders, RB
- Jalen Tolbert, WR
- Hakeem Adeniji, OL
- Rob Jones, OL
- Dante Fowler, DE
- Payton Turner, DE
- Sam Williams, DE
- Kenneth Murray, LB
- Jack Sanborn, LB
- Donovan Wilson, S
- Corey Ballentine, CB
- C.J. Goodwin, CB
Key decisions Jerry Jones must make that will directly affect Dak Prescott
The work Jerry Jones has in front of him will directly impact quarterback Dak Prescott.
According to expert projections, the Cowboys are expected to be thirty-one million dollars over the salary cap for the 2026 season, making it vital for Jones to re-sign several unrestricted free agents if they want to remain competitive.
The task is complicated, as they must keep the roster strong without exceeding the cap, while also retaining players who were essential during the 2025 season.
Without those contributors, the team risks becoming a caricature once again, far from the contender fans hope to see.
At the coaching level, there are also delicate situations, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Everything has come together for Jones at the start of this year, and he will have to make decisive moves to keep the Cowboys competitive heading into the opening of the 2026 season.
Expectations remain high, pressure continues to mount, and the margin for error is minimal as the franchise searches for answers after decades defined by frustration and unfulfilled potential during the long offseason ahead.
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