The Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 season ended with one of the most disappointing defensive efforts in franchise history - and that’s not hyperbole. They finished 30th in total defense and dead last in scoring defense.
No matter what the offense was doing, it was nearly impossible to win games with that kind of performance on the other side of the ball. The result: no playoffs, and a swift change at the top of the defensive coaching staff.
Just two days after the season finale in New York, the Cowboys parted ways with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after just one year on the job. It was a move that felt inevitable.
“After reviewing and discussing the results of our defensive performance this season, it was clear that change is needed,” said team owner Jerry Jones in a statement. “This is the first step in that process.”
And that’s exactly what this is - step one. Because while a new defensive coordinator brings a fresh perspective, the bigger issue is the roster itself. The Cowboys have major holes to fill on all three levels of the defense, and they’ll need to be aggressive in both free agency and the draft to retool a unit that lacked identity and consistency.
“We’ve got to get an identity on the defensive side of the football,” said executive vice president Stephen Jones during a recent radio appearance on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. “We really weren’t a team that created turnovers.
We didn’t get the ball. We gave up a lot of explosive plays.
At times we stopped the run, but overall, we’ve got a lot of work to do. I think everybody knows that.
We’ll go all in.”
With that in mind, let’s take a deep dive into where the Cowboys stand defensively - and on special teams - heading into a pivotal 2026 offseason.
Cornerback
In: DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel, Caelen Carson, Trikweze Bridges
Out: Corey Ballentine
On the Fence: Josh Butler, Reddy Steward, Zion Childress (reserve/futures contract)
This group needs serious help. DaRon Bland is coming off foot surgery, and while his ball-hawking skills have been a bright spot, the rest of the cornerback room is filled with question marks. Butler and Steward are exclusive rights free agents, so bringing one or both back is an option - but the Cowboys can’t bank on internal development here.
They need a true Day 1 starter, someone who can step in and elevate the secondary immediately. That could come via free agency, a trade, or one of their two first-round picks.
Realistically, they might need two new contributors at corner, depending on Bland’s recovery and how the rest of the depth chart shakes out. This is arguably the most urgent need on the entire defense.
Safety
In: Malik Hooker, Alijah Clark, Markquese Bell, Juanyeh Thomas, Julius Wood (reserve/futures contract)
Out: None
On the Fence: Donovan Wilson
The safety room has talent, but it hasn’t been good enough. Malik Hooker is under contract for one more year, and Markquese Bell has shown flashes, but this group needs a jolt. Donovan Wilson is set to hit free agency, and it’s unclear whether the Cowboys will bring him back or look elsewhere.
Juanyeh Thomas is a restricted free agent, which gives Dallas some control, but don’t be surprised if the new coordinator pushes for a more significant investment at the position. Whether that’s a high draft pick or a proven veteran, the Cowboys need more playmaking and reliability on the back end.
Linebacker
In: DeMarvion Overshown, Marist Liufau, Shemar James, Isaiah Land (reserve/futures contract)
Out: Kenneth Murray, Jack Sanborn
On the Fence: Logan Wilson, Justin Barron
This group was a problem in 2025. Injuries didn’t help, but even when healthy, the linebackers struggled to make an impact. The Cowboys need a true tone-setter in the middle - someone who can diagnose plays, lead the defense, and hold up in coverage.
It’s hard to see Logan Wilson as the long-term answer, and while Overshown has upside, he’s coming off a major injury. Don’t be shocked if Dallas spends a first-round pick on a linebacker or targets a high-end veteran. The new coordinator will likely want a steady presence in the middle, and right now, that doesn’t exist on the roster.
Defensive End
In: Donovan Ezeiruaku, James Houston, Adedayo Odeleye (reserve/futures contract)
Out: None
On the Fence: Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams, Payton Turner
This position is in flux. Jadeveon Clowney had a strong 2025 season and the Cowboys want him back, but he’s an unrestricted free agent and likely boosted his market value. Dallas has made it known they’d like to retain the veteran, but that will come down to dollars and sense.
Fowler, Williams, and Turner are all on the bubble. None of them did enough to lock in a roster spot, but given the team’s lack of depth at edge rusher, any one of them could return on the right deal. Still, this feels like a spot where the Cowboys could use one of their two first-rounders to find a long-term solution.
Defensive Tackle
In: Quinnen Williams, Osa Odighizuwa, Kenny Clark, Solomon Thomas, Jay Toia
Out: None
On the Fence: Perrion Winfrey
This is easily the strongest position group on the defense - and maybe the most expensive. Between Williams, Clark, and Odighizuwa, the Cowboys have over $64 million in cap hits tied up in three defensive tackles for 2026. That’s a lot of money for one position group, even if the talent is undeniable.
Clark’s $21.5 million cap hit is a concern, and the front office may need to restructure or extend him to create some breathing room. Winfrey is still in the mix, but carrying six defensive tackles feels excessive.
Still, it’s a good problem to have. For once, the Cowboys are stacked up front.
Special Teams
In: K Brandon Aubrey, P Bryan Anger, LS Trent Sieg
Out: None
On the Fence: C.J. Goodwin
Brandon Aubrey has been a revelation. The former soccer player turned NFL kicker is now one of the best in the league, and the Cowboys want to lock him up long-term. He’s a restricted free agent, but expect negotiations to lead to a multi-year deal - likely north of $6.5 million per year, a big jump from his previous $1 million average.
Anger and Sieg are both under contract, giving the team some continuity. As for C.J.
Goodwin, the veteran special teams ace turns 36 next month and is an unrestricted free agent. While his role has diminished, his leadership and locker room presence still carry weight.
It’s possible Dallas moves on, but writing him off completely would be premature.
Final Word
The Cowboys’ defense didn’t just underperform in 2025 - it collapsed. Now, with a new coordinator on the way and a front office that knows it can’t waste another year of its offensive core, Dallas is facing a critical offseason.
The talent is thin in key spots. The identity is missing.
But there’s opportunity here.
With two first-round picks, cap flexibility, and a clear mandate for change, the Cowboys have the tools to reshape their defense. The question is: can they finally get it right?