Jerry Jones has always been a master of the microphone, keeping Cowboys fans on edge with talk of a potential rebuild. But this week in Phoenix, at the 2026 NFL Annual League Meetings, he showed he's ready to back up those words with action.
Jones made it crystal clear: the Cowboys are no longer just talking about change; they're making it happen. With one of the most aggressive overhauls in franchise history, especially on defense, Jones emphasized that the work is far from over.
"We've been aggressive," Jones stated. "We've stepped up financially, maybe even busted the budget, but we're not done yet. There's more to do."
The Cowboys have been busy reshaping their defense. They've traded for the Packers' edge rusher Rashan Gary, signed safety Jalen Thompson to a lucrative three-year deal, and bolstered their secondary and defensive line with cornerback Cobie Durant, safety P.J. Locke, and defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia.
First-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who took the reins in January, has the daunting task of revamping a defense that was historically bad for the Cowboys. In a bold move, the team traded Osa Odighizuwa to San Francisco and Solomon Thomas to Tennessee for draft picks, effectively resetting their defensive interior.
Last season, the Cowboys' defense allowed a staggering 30.1 points per game, the worst in the league. Jones, clearly dissatisfied, vowed to spare no expense in fixing the issue during the offseason.
Linebacker remains a focal point for the Cowboys. Jones is optimistic that the NFL Draft will help fill these gaps, but he’s also exploring other avenues.
“We’re looking to improve our personnel there,” Jones explained. “We’re working on it before the draft and see potential in the draft too. We’ve been trying to make some trades, and while they haven’t panned out yet, we’re determined to get better.”
The Cowboys are clearly on a mission, and with Jones at the helm, they're not just talking the talk-they're walking the walk.