Titans Add Aaron Whitecotton to Defensive Staff, Cowboys Begin Defensive Overhaul
The Tennessee Titans are turning the page on defense, and the latest addition to their coaching staff signals a clear direction. Aaron Whitecotton is joining the Titans as their new defensive run game coordinator and defensive line coach. It’s a reunion with head coach Brian Callahan and a familiar face in Robert Saleh, who’s reportedly joining the staff in a senior defensive role.
Whitecotton brings continuity and chemistry. He worked alongside Saleh for eight seasons, including a recent four-year stint with the New York Jets where he coached the defensive line under Saleh.
That Jets front was consistently disruptive - a unit that punched above its weight even when the rest of the defense was banged up or inconsistent. Now, he’ll look to bring that same edge to a Titans defense that’s been searching for an identity up front.
Meanwhile, over in Dallas, the Cowboys are undergoing a full-blown defensive reset. After parting ways with Dan Quinn, they’ve hired Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator - a move that signals a shift toward youth and secondary expertise.
Parker’s arrival is more than just a change in scheme. It could be a magnet for free agents, especially in the secondary. Parker has coached some of the league’s top young corners - All-Pro names like Patrick Surtain II, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean - and that track record could make Dallas a destination for defensive backs looking to take the next step.
Let’s be honest: the Cowboys' secondary needs help. Reddy Steward, Caelen Carson, and Josh Butler are solid depth pieces, but they’re not the kind of guys you want starting Week 1.
DaRon Bland is coming off his second foot surgery in two years, and while the team is optimistic about his return, there’s no guarantee he’ll regain his breakout form. Trevon Diggs, once the cornerstone of the secondary, was released - a sign that Dallas is ready to move on from the past.
If Parker can help lure talent, Dallas has options. Corners like Tariq Woolen, Jamel Dean, Eric Stokes, Greg Newsome, Roger McCreary, Alontae Taylor, and Cam Taylor-Britt are all potential free agent targets.
And don’t sleep on linebacker Nakobe Dean. He’s a free agent too, and with linebacker being one of the Cowboys’ weakest spots in 2025, he could step in and make an immediate impact.
McCarthy Eyes Familiar Faces in Pittsburgh
In Pittsburgh, former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is now leading the Steelers - making him the first ex-Dallas head coach to land another top job since Wade Phillips. And it wouldn’t be surprising if McCarthy looks to bring a few familiar faces with him.
Wide receiver Jalen Tolbert is one name to watch. The 2022 third-round pick led Dallas in touchdown receptions in 2024, McCarthy’s final season.
But in 2025, he was largely phased out of the offense under Brian Schottenheimer and Klayton Adams. He’s hitting free agency now, and with Pittsburgh thin at wide receiver, the fit makes too much sense to ignore.
Guard TJ Bass is another intriguing option. The former undrafted free agent is a restricted free agent, and Dallas will have to decide how much protection they want to place on him. McCarthy, who saw Bass develop firsthand, could test that resolve.
Then there’s running back Malik Davis. McCarthy was reportedly high on Davis’ potential, and with Kenneth Gainwell hitting the open market, there’s a real chance Davis could be added to the Steelers’ backfield via trade.
Senior Bowl Watch: Cowboys Scouting Top Talent
Looking ahead to the draft, the Cowboys are keeping a close eye on the Senior Bowl - and history tells us they’ll likely draft at least one player from this showcase.
Among the top prospects to watch:
- David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech): Arguably the top-ranked player in Mobile, Bailey is a pass-rush technician with the kind of bend and burst that translates to Sundays. He’s not just quick off the edge - he knows how to finish.
- T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson): A sturdy, three-down defensive end who sets the edge with power and discipline. He’s got the toolkit to contribute right away in a rotation.
- KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M): A dynamic playmaker who brings value as a receiver and returner. His run-after-catch ability is elite, and he could be a spark plug for any offense.
DeMarcus Lawrence’s Super Bowl Run Sends Message to Cowboys
DeMarcus Lawrence is headed to the Super Bowl - and it stings a little more when you remember how things ended in Dallas.
In his first season with the Seahawks, Lawrence has been a perfect fit in Mike Macdonald’s scheme. Seattle’s defense has been aggressive, disciplined, and opportunistic - everything Dallas hoped to be. And now, Lawrence is preparing for Super Bowl LX after helping the Seahawks knock off the Rams in a 31-27 thriller.
Lawrence made headlines in the offseason with pointed remarks about the Cowboys, and while those comments rubbed some fans the wrong way, it’s hard to argue with the results. The Seahawks didn’t just talk about change - they made it happen. They spent big in free agency, finishing with the fourth-highest total in 2025, and they hit on enough of those moves to build a contender.
That’s the lesson here for Dallas. If they want different results, they need a different approach.
The Cowboys have talent, but they’ve been hesitant to go all-in during free agency. Seattle didn’t hesitate - they gambled, and it paid off.
Now, with Christian Parker in the fold and a full offseason ahead, Dallas has a chance to reshape its identity. But it’s going to take bold moves, not just new hires.
The message from Lawrence and the Seahawks is loud and clear: if you want to win, you’ve got to commit to change - and back it up with action.