The Dallas Cowboys are heading into a pivotal offseason, and with Christian Parker now officially installed as the new defensive coordinator, the focus shifts to how this team plans to rebuild a defense that simply didn’t hold up down the stretch. While the interior defensive line looks like a rare area of stability, the rest of the unit-especially the secondary-is in need of serious attention.
Let’s start with what’s working. The Cowboys' defensive tackle group is one of the few bright spots.
Osa Odighizuwa, Quinnen Williams, and Kenny Clark form a trio that could anchor the interior for any team in the league. That group gives Dallas a sturdy foundation in the trenches, and it’s safe to say that part of the defense doesn’t need a remodel.
But outside of that core, things get murky quickly. At linebacker, the Cowboys swung and missed on several opportunities last offseason.
Logan Wilson was brought in, but the jury’s still out on whether he can be a long-term answer. The team is also hoping for a healthy return from DeMarvion Overshown, whose rookie season was cut short.
If Overshown can stay on the field, he has the athleticism and instincts to become a key piece in Parker’s system.
Now, the real question: what happens in the secondary?
DaRon Bland is the one name you can write in pen. He’s locked in and looks like a cornerstone for years to come.
But beyond him, the picture is far from clear. Trevon Diggs is no longer under contract and is actively seeking a new home.
And while there’s some young talent on the roster, none of it has stepped up enough to inspire confidence heading into 2026.
At safety, the Cowboys are facing more questions than answers. Malik Hooker is entering the final year of his deal, and Donovan Wilson is set to hit free agency when the league year opens on March 11. Both players are on the wrong side of 30 and may not be ideal fits for Parker’s vision of the defense.
So how does Dallas address these holes?
There’s already buzz that Jerry Jones could look to make a splash-either in the trade market or the NFL Draft. That’s hardly a surprise.
One name that’s been floated as a potential trade target: Jalen Ramsey. The veteran defensive back, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was moved to safety this past season.
But some believe he may still have something to offer at corner, especially for a team like Dallas that needs help at both spots.
Ramsey’s versatility could be a major asset, even if he’s lost a step. But there’s more to this story than just Xs and Os.
Ramsey’s history with the Cowboys is complicated, to say the least. Back in 2016, Dallas reportedly told Ramsey he’d be their pick in the first round-only to pivot and take Ezekiel Elliott instead.
Ramsey didn’t take that lightly. He’s gone on record saying he’d never play for the Cowboys unless “the Joneses leave.”
That doesn’t exactly sound like someone eager to wear the star.
So while Ramsey might fit a need on paper, the odds of that reunion seem slim at best.
A more realistic path could come through the draft, where Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is drawing serious attention. Some scouts consider Downs the best overall player in this year’s class, and Dallas has the draft capital to make a move if they fall in love with him. With two first-round picks, including the No. 12 overall selection, the Cowboys are in a strong position to land a blue-chip talent.
But here’s the thing: Dallas has historically been more conservative in this spot. They tend to stick to their board and let the draft come to them, especially when it comes to positions like safety, which they haven’t prioritized in the early rounds. So while Downs would be an exciting addition-and a potential game-changer for the secondary-it would require a shift in philosophy for the Cowboys to trade up and get him.
More likely? Dallas will stay put and look to grab the best player available at a position of need after the combine and pro days wrap up. And there are plenty of needs to choose from.
One way or another, the secondary is going to get some attention this offseason. Whether it’s through a splashy trade, a bold draft move, or a more measured approach, the Cowboys can’t afford to ignore the back end of their defense. Parker’s arrival signals a fresh start-and with it, an opportunity to reshape a unit that simply didn’t get the job done last year.
The pieces are there in the trenches. Now it’s time to see how Dallas builds out the rest.