The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for a pivotal offseason, with a clear mission to revamp their defense. The hiring of Christian Parker as the new defensive coordinator signals a fresh start, supported by a team of young, dynamic assistants making waves in the league.
However, the real challenge lies in evaluating the current roster and determining who fits Parker’s vision. With free agency kicking off on March 11 and the draft following soon after, these periods are crucial for Dallas. The moves they make could significantly alter their playoff prospects.
Dan Orlovsky has been outspoken about the Cowboys' potential if they make the right defensive acquisitions. On ESPN’s Get Up, he highlighted the team’s proximity to becoming serious contenders.
“The Cowboys are just two defensive pieces away from being legit contenders. Last year’s defense was historically bad for several reasons. They've got solid defensive tackles but need a standout edge player and a game-changer in the secondary,” Orlovsky pointed out.
He added, “With Pickens leading the offense, Dallas is poised to be a top-five or top-six offensive team next year. I’m optimistic about the Cowboys. With Parker at the helm and two impactful defensive additions, they can be true contenders.”
Last season’s issues were evident. Trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers severely weakened their pass rush.
While Kenny Clark and rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku showed flashes of brilliance, the consistency needed to pressure opposing offenses was lacking. Teams quickly adapted to the diminished threat on the edge.
Parker’s potential shift to a more aggressive 3-4 scheme could be a game-changer, focusing on interior disruption and providing much-needed support to a young secondary still finding its footing. Adding seasoned veterans with playoff experience could offer Parker a solid foundation to build upon, especially in the defensive backfield.
The Cowboys are at a crossroads, and their offseason decisions will play a crucial role in shaping their future success.