Overview
- After a historically poor 2025 defense, the Cowboys reshaped the roster this offseason with veteran signings, draft picks and contract moves to address coverage and pass-rush failures.
- Analysts singled out the one-year, $4 million signing of cornerback Cobie Durant as high-value coverage help that should upgrade Dallas’ secondary.
- Dallas used first-round picks on safety Caleb Downs and EDGE Malachi Lawrence and added veteran pass rusher Rashan Gary plus safety Jalen Thompson to plug big holes.
- ESPN criticism focused on the three-year, $33 million restructuring for right tackle Terence Steele, which some analysts call an expensive gamble given his recent struggles with quicker edge rushers.
- Trade chatter linking the Cowboys to Pro Bowl edge Josh Sweat remains unconfirmed, and the team’s moves will face their first on-field test when OTAs begin in early June.