The Dallas Cowboys, unsurprisingly, went heavy on the defensive side of the ball this offseason in an 'all-in' mindset here in 2026. However, there is still work to be done on that side of the ball, and even the offense could use a slight boost.
As long as the defense is average, this team could be in a position to win double-digit game and the NFC East. Given that Dallas sports the best quarterback and offense in the division, the defense really doesn't have to do much.
But on a broader scale, where do the Cowboys still have remaining roster holes now that the 2026 NFL Draft is over?
The Dallas Cowboys still have roster holes following the 2026 NFL Draft
Who will take the load off Javonte Williams?
The Cowboys are currently slated to field a running back room of Javonte Williams, Malik Davis, Phil Mafah, and Jaydon Blue. It's virtually the same unit as last year, which isn't a bad thing, but no clear-cut RB2 is a problem. Williams had a career year, running for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns, which earned him a three-year extension ahead of his age-26 season.
However, leaning too heavily on one running back can wear that player down unnecessarily, and Williams doesn't really profile as someone the Cowboys should run into the ground. Adding a legitimate RB2 would not only give Dallas another modest option in the backfield but also improve the chances of Williams sustaining his success over a full season.
Nick Chubb, while not his old self, would be a wise signing. He had a solidly productive season in 2025 for the Houston Texans and could absolutely help shave a few carries off Williams' workload. If Dallas isn't interested in Chubb, they could wait to sign a vet during roster cuts.
Linebacker is still a mystery
Do third-round pick Jaishawn Barham and trade pickup Dee Winters raise the floor of the room? Without question. But the Cowboys could still use a veteran stabilizer.
Winters started all 17 games for the 49ers in 2025, but San Francisco felt comfortable moving forward with the injury-prone Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner.
DeMarvion Overshown finished last season with a clean bill of health, but he's now been through two ACL tears, so, unfortunately, there isn't much to rely on there in terms of availability.
Like running back, waiting for roster cuts later in the offseason could yield some surprising players on the open market, but there isn't a guarantee there, either. One of the more obvious solutions that's been mentioned a ton is Bobby Okereke.
Bobby Wagner is also on the open market, but he's slowed down a ton and is flat-out horrendous in coverage at this point in his career. Dallas may again have to add someone new to this unit. Being weaker at inside linebacker is a death sentence for any NFL defense.
More help at EDGE would finish off the defense
Adding Rashan Gary and Malachi Lawrence to the EDGE room this offseason were two solid moves. However, there is room for another proven player. A potential breakout season for Donovan Ezeiruaku is on the table, as the 2025 rookie finished with two sacks, nine tackles for loss, and 12 quarterback hits while playing surprisingly excellent run defense.
Not yet 23 years old, Ezeiruaku could be a player the coaches are expecting to break out, but 'hope' doesn't produce results. As of now, the trio of Gary, Ezeiruaku, and Lawrence could be just fine, but it's nothing special.
Adding a veteran presence makes all the sense in the world. Despite Quinnen Williams having upside as an interior rusher, getting one more reliable body in this room is a must. Perhaps one of Joey Bosa or Cam Jordan could solve this issue?
At this point in the offseason, there isn't going to be some sort of top-tier rusher on the open market. That chance has passed. However, the ability to add a functional rotational player is 100 percent still on the table.
Bosa finished with five sacks, nine tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback hits in 15 games for the Buffalo Bills in 2025.
Bringing those raw totals onto the Cowboys would be a welcome addition. If they can find a way to address these three roster holes, they can contend.
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