When the Dallas Cowboys made the stunning decision to trade All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, it sent shockwaves through the league - and a clear message to the rest of the roster. For quarterback Dak Prescott, the message was simple: it’s on the offense now.
Prescott responded with one of the strongest seasons of his career. He threw for 4,552 yards, racked up 32 total touchdowns, and limited his turnovers to just 10 interceptions.
That’s elite production, no question. But even with Prescott playing at that level, the Cowboys stumbled to a 7-9-1 finish and missed the playoffs.
Now, with the offseason officially underway, the pressure is on to reshape this roster - and fast.
Speaking ahead of the Pro Bowl Games, Prescott didn’t mince words when laying out the team’s priorities.
“We know we got to get that [defensive] side of the ball right,” he said. “But we got to make sure that we aren’t complacent with what we’ve done on our side of the ball. We’ve got to get one of our guys signed and make sure that we take a big step on offense as well.”
That “guy” is George Pickens - the explosive, second-team All-Pro wide receiver who became a game-changer in his first season with the Cowboys. Pickens is set to hit free agency after posting 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.
Those are WR1 numbers, and the chemistry he built with Prescott was undeniable. Time and again, the duo connected on highlight-reel plays that reminded fans what this offense could be when firing on all cylinders.
Of course, Pickens brings a bit of an edge - a fiery, unpredictable personality that’s drawn both praise and concern. But talent like his doesn’t grow on trees, and there’s a reason the Cowboys are reportedly eager to bring him back.
Pairing Pickens with CeeDee Lamb gives Dallas one of the most dynamic wide receiver duos in the league. If both stay healthy, Prescott could be in line for a career year in 2026.
But here’s the thing: even with that firepower, the Cowboys aren’t going anywhere unless the defense takes a massive leap forward.
Dallas finished dead last in points allowed, giving up 30.1 per game. Opposing quarterbacks had a field day against this secondary, which surrendered 251.5 passing yards per game - also worst in the NFL.
That’s not just a weakness; it’s a liability. And it nullified much of the good work being done on the other side of the ball.
The defensive issues are layered. Yes, the front seven needs reinforcements, especially after losing Parsons.
But the secondary is where things really fell apart. Missed assignments, blown coverages, and a lack of depth were recurring themes all season.
Fixing that won’t happen overnight, but it has to start now - through free agency, the draft, or both.
The Cowboys have a narrow window here. Prescott is still playing at a high level.
Lamb is in his prime. Pickens, if re-signed, gives them another elite weapon.
But wasting that offensive core on a defense that can’t get stops? That’s a recipe for another frustrating, playoff-less season.
Prescott knows it. The fans know it. And if the front office is paying attention, they’ll act like they know it too.
The to-do list is clear: lock up George Pickens, and rebuild a defense that simply wasn’t good enough. Anything less, and the Cowboys will be watching the postseason from home once again.