FRISCO, Texas — Another round of major changes within the Dallas Cowboys organization is in play for 2026. The second season of the Brian Schottenheimer era began with the first decision made was to part ways with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus — hiring Eagles pass game coordinator Christian Parker as his successor.
It was not the only change on that side of the ball, as the coaching staff was finalized behind Parker, and the Cowboys knew that wasn't the only task list they are up against this offseason. They got to work in free agency early by signing Javonte Williams to a three-year extension and applying the non-exclusive franchise tag on George Pickens, as well as tendering both Josh Butler and Reddy Steward, the two exclusive rights free agents.
The biggest waves made in outside free agency included trading for Rashan Gary and then signing Jalen Thompson, P.J. Locke, Cobie Durant and more, and both sides have agreed that George Pickens will play under the franchise tag, of which the Pro Bowl receiver has now signed.
Brandon Aubrey and the Cowboys have indeed come to terms on a new multi-year deal, however, securing the All-Pro kicker ahead of an NFL Draft headlined by selecting Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence as the 11th- and 23rd-overall pick, respectively. And with rookie minicamp now in the rearview mirror, the young talent begins preparing to join veterans in OTAS, mandatory minicamp and training camp.
Here are the remaining key dates for the Cowboys' offseason as the 2026 regular season speeds toward them:
May
- May 1-4/May 8-11: Rookie minicamps (clubs must pick one of the two weekends)
- May 13-17: NFLPA Rookie Premiere (Los Angeles)
- Mid-May (TBD): 2026 NFL Schedule Release
- May 20-21: Spring League Meeting (Orlando)
June
- June 1-2, June 8-9, June 11: Mandatory OTAs
- June 16-18: Mandatory minicamp
July
- July 15: Deadline for franchise tagged players to sign multi-year extension
- Late-July (TBD): Training Camp Begins
August
- Early August (TBD): Hall of Fame Game, Preseason begins
