Next Man Up | 2026

The tight end position has plenty of depth and experience. So where does Luke Schoonmaker fit in? He'll enter his fourth year still looking to carve out his role in what will be a contract season. 

His rookie season was derailed by injury after an impressive training camp and preseason, and Phil Mafah is starved to show what he can be in Year 2 for the Cowboys.

Cowboys tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford has been a valuable blocker and special teams piece for Dallas in his two seasons with the team. Now, can he take his receiving game to the next level?

The Cowboys still have some question marks on the offensive side of the ball and it starts with offensive tackle, where Nate Thomas is eyeing a chance to compete for a spot on either side of the line. 

The question of who could be the definitive WR3 for the Cowboys was finally answered, as Ryan Flournoy had a coming out party to set the stage for Year 3.

The Cowboys have made big changes to the safety position with the addition of two free agents, but in a scheme that plans on being multiple, there should still be a spot for the versatile Markquese Bell.

A big offseason is coming up for third year quarterback Joe Milton, who is set to compete for the Cowboys' backup quarterback job in his second year with the team. 

When Donovan Ezeiruaku completes his recovery from hip surgery this offseason, he'll find that Christian Parker's new defensive scheme is a launchpad for his abilities. 

With a potentially transformative position change on the menu for Marist Liufau, what might he be for the Cowboys and Christian Parker in 2026 and beyond?

With a pair of tragic injuries in the rear view mirror, Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown heads into the offseason healthy with a contract year on the horizon. Is this the season he makes a big jump? 

No position seems as incomplete right now than linebacker. While that position will be addressed, it's a good spot for Shemar James, who is looking to build off a promising rookie season.

As a former first-round pick, there's a lot of pressure on Tyler Guyton to perform, but it's his availability that has to show up in 2026 — in order for his ability to take over.

Injury held back CB Shavon Revel Jr. for most of his rookie season with the Cowboys. With a full offseason now in front of him, what does a fully healthy Revel look like and mean for Dallas' secondary?

The Cowboys expected more consistency from Jaydon Blue in his rookie season, but given his growth in 2025, there's a chance he makes waves behind Javonte Williams.