Cowboys Set for 2026 Showdown in Rio, Clowney's Value Rises, and Joe Milton Eyes the Future
The Dallas Cowboys are packing their bags for Brazil.
In a move that marks their first international game in over a decade, the Cowboys will head to Rio de Janeiro for a 2026 regular season matchup, the NFL announced Thursday. The opponent and date are still under wraps, but what we do know is this: it’s a big deal for a franchise that hasn’t played outside the U.S. since 2014, when they beat Jacksonville in London.
That 11-year international drought? Longest in the league.
And while Dallas has dabbled in global preseason action - with games in London, Tokyo, and Mexico City - this will be just their second regular season game abroad since the league began its international series in 2007. Their overall international record sits at 2-7-1, though most of those came in exhibitions.
Still, this Rio trip is more than just a passport stamp - it’s a chance for “America’s Team” to go global in a real way.
Clowney Climbing the Priority List
Back home, the Cowboys’ front office has a long to-do list this offseason, and near the top of it is figuring out what to do with their 22 pending free agents. One name that stands out: Jadeveon Clowney.
Clowney might not be the every-down force he once was, but make no mistake - he was Dallas’ most effective pass rusher by the end of last season. That says something about both his performance and the state of the Cowboys’ edge rotation. With Dante Fowler and Sam Williams also hitting free agency, Clowney’s veteran presence suddenly looks a lot more valuable.
He’s not a 60-snap guy anymore, but in a rotational role? He thrived.
Clowney showed he still has enough juice to disrupt plays and fit well within the defensive scheme. If Dallas can only bring back one of their edge rushers, Clowney might be the smartest bet.
Joe Milton’s Rookie Reset
Joe Milton’s first year in Dallas didn’t come with a spotlight, but it came with growth - and that’s exactly what he needed.
After being acquired from New England in a trade that sent a fifth-round pick to Foxborough in exchange for Milton and a seventh, the young quarterback embraced the chance to reset. With the Patriots’ quarterback room getting crowded, the move to Dallas gave Milton something he craved: space to develop.
“Hell yes,” Milton said when asked if the change was necessary. “I learned a lot. I cherished every moment I had with Dak.”
That mentorship from Dak Prescott wasn’t just a footnote - it was foundational. Milton credits both Prescott and fellow quarterback Will Grier for helping shape his understanding of the position.
In his words, they “poured into” his development. That kind of support system can be the difference between a quarterback who stalls out and one who finds his footing.
The biggest takeaway from Dak? A mindset shift.
“What is my end goal?” Milton recalled. “If I want to be a starter, then be a starter every day.”
That’s a powerful lesson from a 10-year vet to a young QB still finding his way. Milton’s not competing for the starting job right now, but he’s clearly laying the groundwork - mentally and mechanically - for whenever that opportunity might come.
Durde’s Departure Paying Off in Seattle
While the Cowboys are looking ahead, one former coach is already thriving in his new chapter.
Aden Durde, who spent three seasons as Dallas’ defensive line coach, is now the defensive coordinator in Seattle - and he’s making the most of it. The Seahawks are headed to the Super Bowl, and while head coach Mike Macdonald handles the play-calling, Durde’s fingerprints are all over one of the league’s most dominant defenses.
Seattle led the NFL in point differential, points allowed, and rush yards per attempt. Their defensive line - anchored by Byron Murphy, Leonard Williams, and DeMarcus Lawrence - accounted for 20 of the team’s 47 sacks.
And here’s the stat that really jumps off the page: Seattle hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in 28 straight games, postseason included. That’s the longest active streak in the league.
Durde, for his part, isn’t looking back with regret. He’s grateful for the opportunity Dallas gave him - especially for the chance to grow under the likes of Mike McCarthy and Dan Quinn. But now, he’s helping lead a defense that’s playing on football’s biggest stage.
Final Thoughts
From the beaches of Rio to the trenches of the offseason, the Cowboys are entering a pivotal stretch. An international spotlight awaits in 2026, but the more immediate concern is keeping key pieces like Clowney in the fold and continuing to develop young talent like Joe Milton. And while they watch a former coach thrive in Seattle, Dallas knows the real work begins now - building a roster and a culture that won’t just travel well, but win when it gets there.