The Dallas Cowboys head into the new NFL season with a renewed sense of purpose after falling short of expectations in 2025. While their offense delivered consistent production, defensive struggles ultimately prevented the team from securing a playoff spot.
Owner Jerry Jones has openly acknowledged those shortcomings and made it clear that fixing the defense is the organization’s top priority moving forward.
At the NFL Annual League Meeting, Jones provided a candid evaluation of the team’s performance. He admitted that the defense failed to hold up in key moments, placing too much pressure on the offense to carry the load.
However, he also expressed confidence that the team has already taken meaningful steps to address those issues, particularly through roster upgrades and a stronger emphasis on depth across all units.
“We have addressed our defense significantly. Going in, I thought that if we could pick that up and sustain the level that we played at on offense last year, always looking to improve, specifically with the depth of our roster and special teams,” said Jones.
Despite the disappointment, Dallas’ offense remains a major reason for optimism. Led by quarterback Dak Prescott, the unit ranked among the league’s best in both scoring and total yardage. Wide receiver George Pickens emerged as a standout performer, enjoying a breakout campaign that added a new dynamic to the passing game.
With much of the core expected to return, the Cowboys are hopeful that their offensive momentum will continue into the upcoming season.
Defensive rebuild becomes the Cowboys’ focus
Fixing the defense has become the defining objective for Dallas this offseason. The front office made a strong statement by adding nine new players in free agency, with the majority of those signings focused on the defensive side of the ball.
This aggressive approach highlights the team’s determination to correct its most glaring weakness and build a more balanced roster.
Among the notable additions are Jalen Thompson and Cobie Durant, both of whom are expected to bring stability and playmaking ability to a unit that lacked consistency last season. The Cowboys are also expected to further strengthen the defense through the 2026 NFL Draft, where their early-round selections could provide immediate contributions.
Special teams remain another area of confidence for the franchise. Kicker Brandon Aubrey was one of the league’s most reliable performers, converting a high percentage of his field goal attempts.
The team is currently working to secure his long-term future as he enters restricted free agency, signaling their desire to maintain stability in that phase of the game.
Jones has set a clear expectation: improvement is not enough, as the Cowboys are aiming to contend. By addressing defensive deficiencies while maintaining offensive strength, Dallas hopes to position itself as a legitimate playoff threat.
The upcoming season will serve as a crucial test of whether these offseason moves can translate into meaningful success on the field.
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