FRISCO, Texas – It was no secret that going into the 2026 offseason, addressing one of the worst defenses in franchise history would be the biggest emphasis for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys.
One of the key catchphrases Jones uttered going into the offseason was that Dallas would be willing to "bust the budget" in order to improve on the defensive side of the football. Nearly a month into the new league year, does he believe they've done that?
"We've been aggressive. We have, relatively speaking, stepped up the financial requirements for what we have done," Jones said at NFL Owners Meetings. "We may have exceeded, busted, whatever you want to call it, but we're not done. We got some more to do."
While there is more work to do ahead, Jones is optimistic about the outlook for the 2026 season because of the defensive additions they've made up to this point, which have come heavily in the secondary and along the defensive line.
"We've addressed our defense significantly," Jones said. "Going in I thought that if we can pick that up, sustain the level that we played at on offense last year, always looking to improve, specifically with the depth of our roster, special teams. The fact that we have no reason to think we can't be as good as we were last year on special teams. With all of that in mind, then when you are almost dead last you can anticipate some improvement and got pretty good odds you'll get some."
The most glaring gap on the roster at present is at linebacker, the only position on defense the Cowboys have not added an external player at. Jones and Dallas are aware of that, and Jones said the team is looking at options to improve there leading up to and in the NFL Draft later this month.
"We're looking to improve there, personnel-wise. And are continuing to do so right now before the draft as well as the potential in the draft," Jones said. "We want to get better there with personnel. We've been trying very much to make some trades. They haven't worked out for us there. But that won't deter us from getting better there."
So, the Cowboys won't be detoured from a potential trade at the position, but it's also very possible they can use one of their three top 100 picks on a linebacker in the draft if they like a certain player enough at the position.
Should Dallas draft a linebacker, and a middle linebacker to be more specific, Jones answered the question of whether the team would be comfortable giving a rookie green dot responsibilities with "a big yes."
Then, there's the question of Dallas' pass rush. The Cowboys finished tied for 22nd in the NFL in sacks last season with 35, and have added Rashan Gary and Tyrus Wheat this offseason, re-signed Sam Williams, have last-year's second-round pick in Donovan Ezeiruaku going into year two and are moving Marist Liufau to outside linebacker. While the Cowboys still may add to that room, they need their own players to take the next step.
"We've got to get it from some that we didn't last year, from some of the players we didn't have, plus some of the plays that we acquired this offseason," Jones said. "The idea that that's not a premium place to be, especially for the draft, then it would be one of our top areas of interest: the pressure."
Of all the additions the Cowboys made on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, their biggest may be an individual that won't play a snap all year. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who Brian Schottenheimer called a "superstar," is considered to be a major difference maker for Dallas next season.
"Well, he certainly is right there as a contender," Jones said when asked if Parker was the biggest defensive acquisition the Cowboys have made. "He is. He's impressive. He was impressive in interviews and he's been impressive to work with. It's a great win-win. We appreciate all he's bringing to the table, from where he is -- by the way, I can say that about several of the other position coaches as well -- but he has a great chance to look good, because he's not coming in with a Super Bowl defense. And should he end up with one, then he'll look like one of the greatest defensive minded coaches there is."
With Parker being a first-time defensive coordinator, is this not a lot of pressure to be placing on his shoulders?
"He lives with pressure," Jones said. "And we, as people, that's a given, but it's some of the best pressure you'll ever feel is to have it on your back, and got to go, and all of that competition that we have in the NFL. All of it makes when you have those wins really one of the most exciting times."
Under Parker's new scheme, the Cowboys will be moving from a 4-3 defense to a base 3-4, while there still will be plenty of multiple elements and looks that make it far from what many consider to be traditional 3-4 defenses. Jones outlined what that could look like, and another position that could be important in it outside of a nickel cornerback and 4i defensive tackle that have been discussed previously.
"We've made a conscious decision to a blend of the equivalent of a 3-4," Jones said. "We won't be a current 3-4. You can say that's with the times too. You got to have flexibility. It's not new to me from Bill Parcells throughout my time with the sport, even going back to college, of the 3-4 concept can give you a better run. It can give you better run support."
"The question is if that outside guy can do a little pass coverage, cover a little space, plus give you that pressure on the outside. It's always been the big thing. They call one of them the 9-technique. When you see one that can play the nine there getting pressure on the outside and sliding out in the flat to cover that flat, that's a rare dude. He's important, and that's hard to do."
Whether it be for a 9-tech, a linebacker or any other position, one of the avenues the Cowboys can add a player fitting that mold is in the draft. With two first-round picks, Jones has viewed the capital Dallas has as ammunition to improve the roster. That includes the possibility of packing those two first round picks to either move up, trade back, or acquire another player, which has been discussed.
"I've looked at that mirror a lot, about how to go up and down and trade and do those kinds of things. And absolutely, we'll entertain improving or an in-draft read on what gives us a better chance to get another player, and still have our pick and the red meat of top players. Now that has an on the board aspect to it, but it's very doable." Jones said.
"And yes you should, when you've got the kind of assets or the kind of ammunition we've got in this draft, you should look at all machinations. It's one thing to sit here right now, it's another thing to sit and look at it three hours into the draft and see what you got there. So all of that is a possibility… Nothing, no amount of skill, no amount of knowledge, can beat having a lot of draft capital, having a lot of picks. That'll win most of the time."
After the way last season ended with a 7-9-1 finish, Jones and the Cowboys knew they needed to do things differently if they want to improve in 2026 and feel like they're doing so.
"I think our blinders are off a little bit from this time last year, consequently we're doing more about it," Jones said. "So being aware of your shortcomings as opposed to last year or maybe years in the past, we're more aware of our shortcomings and we're addressing them. I've got to think we'll address them in large part successfully so we ought to be better."
