Cowboys Head to Training Camp to Test Christian Parker’s 3-4 Defensive Rebuild

Overview

• The Cowboys enter training camp with Christian Parker installed as defensive coach and a planned shift to a 3-4 front that could create as many as seven new starters on defense.
• Rookie safety Caleb Downs carries heavy expectations after being taken at No. 11 in April and is viewed as a potential immediate impact player in the new scheme.
• Dallas added veteran edge help by trading for Rashan Gary and is watching second-year edge Donovan Ezeiruaku after PFF named him to its 2026 all-breakout list.
• The team placed wide receiver George Pickens on the franchise tag for the 2026 season as they evaluate his second year before deciding on a long-term deal.
• Media previews and power rankings frame next week’s Oxnard practices as the decisive period to sort starter roles, settle injury questions, and test whether offseason moves reverse last year’s defensive slide.