With the 2026 NFL offseason kicking off this week, the Dallas Cowboys are just a few key moves away from reaching the next level heading into next season.
After missing the playoffs for the second season in a row in 2025, the most important issue for the Cowboys to address is signing star wideout George Pickens to a long-term deal, solidifying the lethality of Dallas’ offensive unit.
After being traded to the Cowboys in the 2024 offseason, Pickens led Dallas’ roster in receiving yards, racking up 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns.
If the Cowboys want to win in the Dak Prescott era, signing George Pickens to a long-term deal should be a no-brainer. With Pickens’ help in 2025, the Cowboys bolstered the second-best offense in football, averaging 30 points a game.
With the dominant offensive tandem of Ceedee Lamb and George Pickens, alongside quarterback Dak Prescott, Dallas’ front office can shift focus to building a formidable defense around new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker.
Using Draft Picks To Bolster An Improved Defense Under Parker
With two top-20 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cowboys will need to focus on adding immediate-impact defensive players to improve a much-maligned defensive unit. Alongside additions like Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, Dallas’ defense has a chance to take a step in the right direction.
Other than draft picks, free agency will play a key role in putting the D back in Dallas. Reports and speculation have emerged surrounding Eagles linebacker Reid Blankenship, who is set to become a free agent and has ties to new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
If Dallas were able to add 3-4 immediate impact players on defense this offseason while maintaining their high-powered offense, they would be a force to be reckoned with in 2027.
