The Dallas Cowboys have gone from rising optimism to hard questions in just a few short weeks. Two straight losses have slammed the brakes on what once felt like a promising post-bye stretch.
Now, with three games left on the schedule - the Chargers, Commanders, and Giants - the focus is shifting. Not just to evaluating young talent, but to the big-picture decisions that will define what this team looks like in 2026.
Let’s dig into the key questions facing Dallas as this season winds down - and the offseason looms large.
Is the Coaching Staff on the Hot Seat?
Some seats are definitely warming up - and none more than on the defensive side of the ball. The unit has been a mess, and while the Micah Parsons trade left a huge hole, that’s far from the only issue.
The irony? Linebacker play has been one of the team’s biggest weaknesses - and that’s the position Matt Eberflus made his name coaching.
It hasn’t helped that injuries have thinned an already shaky depth chart, but even with Quinnen Williams added to the mix, the defense has looked overmatched. Detroit and Minnesota exposed just how far away this group is from being playoff-caliber. The front seven lacks punch, and the back end hasn’t held up in coverage - a sign that scheme and personnel just aren’t meshing.
Then there’s special teams. Since Nick Sorensen took over, the Cowboys have looked noticeably worse in both kick coverage and returns.
Sorensen was brought in largely due to his ties with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer - they worked together in Seattle and Jacksonville - but that connection isn’t paying off on the field. If changes are coming, this could be one of the first places Dallas looks.
As for Schottenheimer himself? He’s likely safe.
The offense hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been the most consistent part of the team this year. His relationship with Dak Prescott is strong, and the front office seems inclined to give him more time to grow into the role.
The bigger priority will be fixing the defense and special teams - and giving Schottenheimer a better foundation to build around.
What’s the Deal with Trevon Diggs?
That’s a question without a clear answer right now. There’s an obvious disconnect between Diggs and the organization, but the specifics have been kept under wraps. The team has leaned on medical reasoning, but it feels like there’s more going on behind the scenes.
What we do know is this: Diggs is set to count over $18 million against the cap in 2026, with only about $6 million in dead money. That means Dallas could cut ties and save roughly $12.5 million - a significant chunk of cap space, especially if they’re planning to make aggressive moves this offseason.
With DaRon Bland already locked in and rookie Shavon Revel showing signs he’s ready for a bigger role, the writing may be on the wall. Even before the season, there were whispers that Diggs might not be part of the long-term plan.
The events of this year have only added fuel to that fire. At this point, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Cowboys are simply protecting themselves - keeping Diggs off the field to avoid injury before they make a clean break.
Who Else Could Be on the Way Out?
A lot depends on what happens with the coaching staff - especially on defense. If Eberflus is replaced, the new coordinator’s scheme will dictate which players stay and which don’t. But even if the structure stays the same, there are some clear candidates for turnover.
Linebacker Kenneth Murray is one of them. He’s on an expiring deal and hasn’t done enough to warrant another one.
At safety, veterans Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson are approaching the wrong side of 30. Dallas may look to get younger - and cheaper - at both spots.
The defense needs an infusion of talent, no matter who’s coaching it. That means hitting on draft picks, making smart free-agent moves, and finding a coaching staff that can maximize what they’ve got. Because right now, the defense isn’t just underperforming - it’s holding the team back.
On offense, the biggest question mark is at right tackle. Terence Steele has struggled mightily in pass protection. He’s still a solid run blocker, and his contract isn’t a major burden, but in today’s NFL, you can’t afford a turnstile at tackle when every team has at least one elite edge rusher.
If the Cowboys decide to move on from Steele, they’ve got options. Rookie Tyler Guyton played right tackle in college, and shifting him to the right side could open the door for a new left tackle to step in. Guyton has shown flashes this year, but whether he’s ready to be the long-term blindside protector remains to be seen.
If the team wants to keep Guyton on the left, the good news is that it’s generally easier to find a right tackle - and someone like current prospect Nathan Thomas could be a fit.
What’s Next?
The final three games still matter - not for playoff positioning, but for evaluation. This is a chance to see what younger players can do with meaningful snaps, and to start shaping the roster decisions that will define the offseason.
But make no mistake: the big questions are already here. Coaching, personnel, contracts - it’s all on the table. And after the last two weeks, the Cowboys are officially in reflection mode.
How they respond this offseason will determine whether this year was just a bump in the road - or a sign of deeper problems.