Jerry Jones is making bold moves this offseason, putting his chips on the table for a defensive comeback. After a 2025 season where the Dallas Cowboys' defense faltered at crucial moments, Jones made it clear that he expects a significant turnaround as the 2026 season looms.
"I'm feeling very optimistic," Jones told reporters about the defense following the first wave of free agency. "We've got nowhere to go but up. It's not about blame; it's about improvement, and we're set to be much better."
If you need a glimpse into last season's struggles, just look at their season-opening 24-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys' defense had a hard time containing Jalen Hurts, who scrambled for 62 rushing yards and two touchdowns, showing just how much they missed Micah Parsons. Parsons, now with the Green Bay Packers, led the league in pressures last year, highlighting the gap left in Dallas.
Philadelphia controlled the game clock for nearly 35 minutes, making it tough for the Cowboys' offense to get into a rhythm. This highlighted the need for a major overhaul in talent and discipline on the defensive side.
Yet, Jones is sticking to his guns on the current path. While they haven't secured a big name like Maxx Crosby, Jones hinted that roster changes aren't over.
There's talk of moving defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to free up resources for further upgrades. Jones is also confident that the offense will improve, and with both units stepping up, December could bring a much better outlook.
The mission is clear: avoid the late-season pitfalls that have plagued Dallas. By shoring up the defense, the Cowboys aim to give Dak Prescott the support he needs for a deep playoff push.