If not for one of the worst defenses in the NFL in 2025, the Dallas Cowboys not only would have likely won the NFC East, but they also could have won a playoff game as well. The 2025 campaign was a brutal reminder of how hard it is to win in the NFL, even with a top-tier quarterback like Dak Prescott.
Dallas actually ended the season fielding the seventh-best scoring offense but the worst scoring defense in the NFL. Truly, all it might take for the Cowboys to return to the playoffs in 2026 is an average defense, as Prescott will have this offense in a good spot once again.
But it's not as easy as we make it seem, as there are 31 other teams that need roster help as well. Recently, the Cowboys' worst-case offseason scenario was revealed, and this scenario would be every fan's biggest Prescott fear.
Dallas Cowboys worst-case offseason scenario would waste another prime Dak Prescott season
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report identified the Cowboys worst-case offseason scenario as failing to address the defense's biggest weakness, in the secondary.
"The Dallas Cowboys had a potent offense in 2025, but rarely got enough defensive stops to beat quality opponents. Their run defense improved after adding Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline, but their pass defense finished as the worst in the league.
Entering the offseason, much of the Cowboys' buzz has surrounded impending free-agent receiver George Pickens. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Dallas is preparing to use the franchise tag on the talented wideout, which would put further strain on a bad cap situation.
Dallas is already projected to be $31.5 million over the salary cap.
If the Cowboys put too much effort into clearing cap space to retain Pickens and ignore their pass defense, it would keep the offense interesting, but it would be a worst-case scenario for the overall team. Dallas simply isn't going to go deep in the postseason with a lackluster pass rush and a sieve of a secondary.
The good news is that the Cowboys have two first-round picks thanks to the Micah Parsons trade. They should strongly consider using both on defenders, as predicted in the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's latest mock draft."
Dallas gave up the most passing yards and second-most passing touchdowns on defense in 2025, while also allowing the third-highest completion percentage. It was a brutal season for the backend of the defense, and all of a sudden, a unit that once had top-tier talent needs a total overhaul.
Trevon Diggs is out of the picture, and DaRon Bland's foot injury is a cause for concern. Safety Donovan Wilson had a forgettable 2025 season as well and is currently slated to hit free agency in March. Simply put, even with a new defensive coordinator at the helm in Christian Parker, the personnel needs a major shakeup.
With the team addressing the defensive line thanks to the major Quinnen Williams deal, the front seven in Dallas is in a solid spot and may only need a couple of small tweaks. Luckily, the Cowboys have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and could justify using both in the secondary.
With the amount of competent cornerbacks and safeties set to hit the free agency market, the opportunity for notable upgrades is there for Jerry Jones and the front office. Fortunately, the Cowboys should have multiple avenues to upgrade this offseason, perhaps targeting some Philadelphia Eagles free agents like Reed Blankenship or Marcus Epps due to the connection with Parker.
Unless the secondary sees major improvements, the Cowboys would then be primed to again waste another prime year of Prescott's career. He's already set to play in his age-33 season in 2026, so the urgency has to be high.
The secondary stands to be the biggest area of improvement for Dallas this offseason, but it could also end up still remaining a headache.