The Dallas Cowboys haven’t been to an NFC Championship Game since their Super Bowl triumph in January 1996. That’s a drought spanning three decades-long enough to test even the most loyal fan base.
And after a 7-9-1 season that fell well short of expectations, it’d be easy to assume the team is stuck in neutral. But if you ask franchise legend Michael Irvin, there’s reason to believe the Cowboys are closer to contending than their record suggests.
Michael Irvin Believes in the 2026 Cowboys
Irvin isn’t just optimistic-he’s calling his shot. During a recent interview, the Hall of Fame receiver didn’t mince words when talking about the Cowboys’ future under head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
“The Cowboys can be in this game next year,” Irvin said, referencing the Super Bowl. “We could be sitting here talking about the Cowboys in this game next year.
And I want you to find me and make sure you say to me, ‘You said this. You said, Michael, you said, they could be here.’
They will be here. I want you to find me.”
That’s not just hope-that’s conviction. And it’s rooted in what Irvin sees as a foundation being built under Schottenheimer, who took the reins last offseason amid a wave of change.
A New Era Under Schottenheimer
Schottenheimer’s first year as head coach came with plenty of turbulence. Before the season even started, Dallas made a blockbuster move, trading All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for two first-round picks and veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark. The move raised eyebrows-and created a massive void on defense.
But Dallas didn’t sit back. Before the trade deadline, the Cowboys added defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson in an effort to stabilize a defense that was giving up yards and points at an alarming rate.
There were flashes throughout the season that suggested Schottenheimer’s system could work. The offense found a rhythm at times, especially with wide receiver George Pickens emerging as a go-to target for Dak Prescott. But consistency remained elusive, and the defense never quite found its footing.
Pickens’ Future Up in the Air
One of the biggest questions heading into the offseason revolves around Pickens. The young wideout, who quickly became Prescott’s favorite target in 2025, is in the final stretch of his contract. Talks on an extension reportedly haven’t gained much traction, which opens the door for Dallas to use the franchise tag to keep him around for 2026.
Losing Pickens would be a major blow to an offense that finally seemed to find its identity. But retaining him, whether through a new deal or the tag, would give Schottenheimer and Prescott a key piece to build around.
Defense Remains the Biggest Hurdle
Let’s be clear: if the Cowboys are going to make the leap Irvin envisions, it starts with fixing the defense. The numbers don’t lie. According to ESPN, Dallas ranked 30th in total yards allowed per game (377.0) and dead last in points allowed per game (30.1) during the 2025 regular season.
That’s not just bad-it’s unsustainable for a team with playoff aspirations. But Irvin sees the potential for a turnaround, especially with Williams and Clark anchoring the interior defensive line.
“Now, with Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark up the middle, dude, we got a force coming up the middle of the field,” Irvin said. “We gotta solidify that defense.”
He’s not wrong. A disruptive presence in the trenches can change everything-freeing up linebackers, collapsing pockets, and forcing quarterbacks into mistakes. If Dallas can shore up the edges and improve their coverage on the back end, this defense could look very different next fall.
One Offseason Away?
So, are the Cowboys just one good offseason away from being a legitimate contender? It’s not out of the question.
The offense showed enough flashes to believe it can be explosive with a few tweaks. Prescott, when protected and in rhythm, still has the arm talent to win big games.
And if Pickens returns, the receiving corps has a true playmaker to lean on.
But the defense needs more than just minor adjustments-it needs a culture shift. If Schottenheimer and the front office can use their draft capital wisely and bring in a few key veterans, the turnaround could come quicker than expected.
Michael Irvin’s confidence might sound bold, but it’s not blind. The Cowboys have talent.
They’ve got a coach with a vision. And if they can finally put the pieces together-especially on defense-they just might find themselves back in the NFC title conversation for the first time in 30 years.
It’s a big “if,” but in Dallas, belief has never been in short supply.