Finishing the regular season with a top offense usually means that the team overall should have had success. Finishing with a 7-9-1 record could hardly be called that, although the expectations for the Dallas Cowboys were lower than usual.
Two key offensive players were due for new contracts and have been retained by the team. Running back Javonte Williams signed a three-year deal, which could be cut down to two if needed, and wideout George Pickens has been tendered the controversial franchise tag. With their return, the offense should at the very least return to a similar level for the 2026 season.
Despite the encouraging head start in the offseason, the Cowboys still have a glaring need at every defensive position except for the interior defensive line, which was overhauled during this past season.
The Dallas Cowboys must push the envelope to improve their defense
Looking for help in free agency will depend on how much maneuvering the front office can do with the team's most expensive contracts. That may or may not include restructuring the deals of quarterback Dak Prescott and wideout CeeDee Lamb, or the extensions of Pickens and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams.
With some limited availability in free agency due to cap space, the draft will need to be a spectacular success, along with positive luck in avoiding injuries on the defensive side. The desperate need at almost every position makes the situation fragile for the Cowboys to compete.
With two first-round picks and none in the second and third, Dallas may opt to trade down to get another draft pick to add more players. That will give the Cowboys more opportunities to hit the impact player(s) they need, and hopefully acquire multiple.
Talent coming off of injuries, or with a notable injury history tend to slide down the draft board. That offers higher-end talent at the risk of unavailability due to injuries. Unfortunately, Dallas' position makes them unable to risk spending a draft selection on players who are at a higher risk of missing games.
The floor of the Cowboys is around a .500 team, with the ability to put up points at will against any opponent. The offensive unit is one of the best in the league, but that defense is missing too much proven talent to be reliable.
On a positive note, it would be difficult to put up a worse performance in 2026 than what they did in 2025. Although we said that after 2024, and were proven otherwise, something has to give. With a continued focus on adding talent, the team is capable of qualifying for and competing in the playoffs.