The 2026 offseason was always going to be about the defense for the Dallas Cowboys. That is expected when you allow the most points in franchise history (511) and finish as the league’s worst defense by a large margin.
The Cowboys had the benefit of two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the consensus throughout the offseason was that both selections would be used on defense, and that was certainly the case.
But did they actually do enough to fix this defense and compete for a spot in the postseason? That remains to be seen; however, the Cowboys are starting to get some national attention for just how much they improved their secondary.
In a recent article by Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports, he wrote about the most improved positional groups in the NFL this offseason. The Cowboys were mentioned by Tice, and he cited both their secondary and linebacker groups as units that drastically improved over the last three months.
“The Cowboys’ back seven could get only better, and it did this offseason through the draft and the middle-class moves they made in free agency. All the players added are clean fits for new coordinator Christian Parker’s defense to boot. Caleb Downs is going to be the cog in the middle and Jalen Thompson will help shore things up as well. Cobie Durant isn’t a great fit for everyone, but he fits well in zone-heavy schemes that let him use his awareness and ability to play the ball.”
Dallas Cowboys’ secondary among the most improved units in the NFL
When the Cowboys kick off the 2026 NFL season against the Giants, there is a good chance that they will have at least three new starters in the secondary: Downs (slot), Thompson, and Durant. They also added depth at cornerback and safety, selecting Devin Moore in Round 4 and signing P.J. Locke in free agency. Both players could see the field relatively early during the upcoming season.
The hope is that those five players can dramatically improve the floor and the ceiling for the secondary this season for the Cowboys.
But they are also hopeful that the addition of Christian Parker can help develop players like Shavon Revel and Caelan Carson, who struggled during the 2025 season. If either player can take a huge step forward in 2026, then the secondary would suddenly be loaded with young, emerging talent.
The Cowboys still have work to do on their defense, specifically in the front seven. They could really use another starting caliber linebacker and need to sign a veteran pass rusher, such as Joey Bosa or Jadeveon Clowney. There is still time to address those needs, but Dallas's strong work improving the secondary should dramatically raise the floor for this defense.
Expect some bumpy play from the unit early in the season, as there are many new pieces and players adjusting to a brand-new scheme.
But there is no doubt that the talent level here is significantly better than it was a year ago, and that should help keep the Cowboys out of the bottom of the league in defensive rankings this season. And if that’s not the case, it will be hard to say that the 2026 offseason was anything but an abject failure.
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