2026 Free Agency Outlook: Cowboys May Need to Look to the Draft to Address Cornerback Concerns
As the Dallas Cowboys head into a pivotal offseason, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: if they’re hoping to shore up their secondary, free agency isn’t likely to be the answer. The 2026 cornerback class is shaping up to be thin - not just in elite talent, but in reliability - and that could push Dallas toward addressing the position early in the draft.
Let’s break it down.
Free Agent Cornerback Market: Thin and Risky
At first glance, there are some recognizable names in this year’s cornerback pool - Jamel Dean, Tariq Woolen, and former Cowboy Trevon Diggs among them. But dig a little deeper, and the shine starts to wear off.
All three have been battling either injuries, inconsistent performance, or both. That’s not the kind of risk you want to take when trying to fix a defense that struggled in key moments last season.
Then there’s the veteran group: Tre’Davious White, Rasul Douglas, Jonathan Jones - all north of 30 and, while still capable, clearly closer to the end of their careers than their prime. Signing one of them might help in the short term, but it’s not a long-term solution for a team trying to build a sustainable contender.
The younger options - guys like Alontae Taylor (Saints), Jaylen Watson (Chiefs), and Nashon Wright (Bears) - come with upside, but also uncertainty. Wright, a former Cowboy turned Pro Bowler in Chicago, is an intriguing name, but he won’t come cheap. And Dallas already let him walk once.
Bottom line: it’s a strange, shallow market. For a team like the Cowboys, who need a reliable starter and not just depth, the best bet might be to look toward the draft - and look early.
Brandon Aubrey: Locked In?
While the cornerback situation is murky, the Cowboys don’t have to worry much when it comes to their kicker. Brandon Aubrey isn’t going anywhere - at least, not unless Dallas lets him.
Aubrey is set to become a restricted free agent in 2025, and that gives the Cowboys a lot of leverage. They can slap a first- or second-round tender on him, which would all but guarantee he stays in Dallas unless another team is willing to pay up - both financially and in draft capital.
And why would they let him go? Aubrey has been a revelation.
After years of cycling through kickers, Dallas finally found their guy - a steady, confident leg who delivered all season. He’s the most stable the kicking game has looked since Dan Bailey was in his prime, and the Cowboys know it.
Could money be a factor? Sure.
It always is in free agency. But even if another team comes knocking with a big offer, Dallas can match it.
And if they don’t, they’d be compensated handsomely. More importantly, Aubrey has found a home in Dallas - a team that believed in him when others didn’t and gave him his shot.
It’s hard to walk away from that kind of loyalty, especially when the team is still in the playoff mix and just a few roster tweaks away from serious contention.
Jerry Jones Credits Michael Irvin for His Hall of Fame Nod
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently reflected on his Hall of Fame career, and he didn’t hesitate to give credit where it’s due. According to Jones, his gold jacket wouldn’t exist without the presence of one player: Michael Irvin.
“I wouldn’t have the gold jacket had Michael Irvin not played for the Cowboys,” Jones said.
It wasn’t just Irvin’s production on the field - though that certainly helped - it was his mindset. His relentless drive to win.
His physicality. His leadership.
When Jimmy Johnson took over as head coach, Irvin helped him figure out who belonged and who didn’t. That kind of influence is rare, and Jones knows it.
Even now, Jones says he listens when Irvin talks - because that winning mentality still resonates. It’s a reminder of what helped build the Cowboys dynasty of the ’90s, and why Irvin remains such a respected voice around the organization.
Raiders Promote Rob Leonard, Maxx Crosby’s Trusted Coach
In Las Vegas, the Raiders made a notable move that could have implications beyond the coaching staff. New head coach Klint Kubiak is expected to promote Rob Leonard - the team’s defensive line coach and run game coordinator - to defensive coordinator.
Leonard has been Maxx Crosby’s position coach since 2023, and the two have built a strong connection. With Crosby’s future in Vegas still a topic of conversation, the timing of this promotion is worth noting.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport pointed out the move on social media, suggesting it could be part of the Raiders’ effort to keep Crosby happy and committed to the franchise. It wouldn’t be the first time Crosby’s voice carried weight in the building - he was vocal in support of Antonio Pierce being named head coach back in 2024, and the team listened.
Now, with Leonard stepping into a larger role, it’s fair to wonder if this is another sign that the Raiders are doing everything they can to keep their star edge rusher in silver and black. And if that’s the case, it’s a smart play - because Crosby is the kind of player you build a defense around.
Final Thoughts
For the Cowboys, the offseason puzzle is starting to take shape. Cornerback remains a glaring need, but the free agent market isn’t offering many clean solutions. That likely pushes Dallas toward the draft, where they’ll need to find a young, reliable piece to plug into Dan Quinn’s (or his successor’s) scheme.
Meanwhile, Brandon Aubrey looks like a lock to stay, and Jerry Jones continues to reflect on the players who helped build his legacy - like Michael Irvin, whose impact still echoes through the halls of The Star.
And out in Vegas, the Raiders are making quiet moves with big implications, keeping Maxx Crosby’s circle close as they look to solidify their foundation under a new regime.
The offseason is just getting started, but the storylines are already heating up.