Cowboys Enter Offseason with Eyes on Defensive Rebuild-and a Message from CeeDee Lamb
The Micah Parsons trade back in August hit Cowboys fans like a gut punch. It took time to process, to recalibrate.
For CeeDee Lamb, it wasn’t just about losing a teammate-it was about losing someone he calls “my brother.” But now that the season’s in the rearview mirror, Lamb says he’s starting to see things a little differently.
He still misses Parsons, sure, but he’s urging fans to stay locked in as Dallas enters a new phase-one focused on retooling, not rebuilding.
That retooling starts on defense.
With a change at defensive coordinator, the Cowboys are hoping to breathe new life into a unit that at times looked disjointed under former coordinator Matt Eberflus. The new hire brings fresh eyes and a clean slate, and that could mean a resurgence for players who never quite found their groove in last year’s scheme.
And if the early mock drafts are any indication, Dallas is going all-in on defense. Analysts are projecting the Cowboys to load up on talent at key positions-cornerback, linebacker, defensive end.
One scenario has them trading down from No. 20 overall, picking up an extra third-rounder in the process. Another top draft analyst is pointing to an Ohio State safety he calls “the smartest defender I’ve ever covered”-a player he believes has All-Pro potential written all over him.
It’s clear the front office is eyeing a defensive overhaul. The question now: will Jerry Jones approach this offseason any differently?
That’s always the million-dollar question in Dallas. For years, Jones has been unpredictable in the offseason-sometimes aggressive, sometimes surprisingly conservative. But with the team in transition and the NFC wide open, this could be the moment for a more calculated, forward-thinking approach.
Meanwhile, Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith isn’t mincing words when it comes to Darren Woodson’s Hall of Fame snub. Smith, never one to bite his tongue, called out the voters in colorful fashion, labeling them-well-“buttwipes.”
It’s vintage Emmitt: passionate, loyal, and unfiltered. And it’s a sentiment that resonates with plenty of Cowboys fans who believe Woodson’s résumé speaks for itself.
Elsewhere, former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is back in the spotlight-this time in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are leaning into nostalgia, bringing in the hometown guy.
But once the honeymoon phase wears off, the real question becomes: can McCarthy deliver? Cowboys fans have seen both the highs and the frustrations of his tenure.
If anyone knows what Pittsburgh’s getting, it’s the Dallas faithful.
Around the League
The NFL offseason is already buzzing with headlines.
In San Francisco, defensive lineman Keion White underwent surgery following a shooting incident that occurred after the Super Bowl. Details remain limited, but the 49ers are expected to provide updates as recovery progresses.
In New England, Patriots offensive lineman Will Campbell-who struggled mightily in the Super Bowl, surrendering 14 pressures-has revealed he was playing through an injury that lingered throughout the season. It adds context to his performance, but also raises questions about the team’s handling of player health.
And in Las Vegas, the Raiders officially welcomed new head coach Klint Kubiak. Franchise legends like Marcus Allen and Howie Long were on hand, and current players, including Ashton Jeanty, showed up to support the new era.
But there was one glaring absence: Maxx Crosby. The star edge rusher’s decision to skip the event hasn’t gone unnoticed-and it’s fueling speculation about his future with the franchise.
Whether it’s the Cowboys charting a new course or long-time stars making noise off the field, the NFL offseason is already delivering plenty of drama-and we’re just getting started.