Overview
- Troy Aikman dismissed Dallas’s culture talk after a 7-9-1 finish, saying a season without the playoffs “wasn’t a very good year” and urging the team to show results rather than recycle Super Bowl storylines.
- Aikman said he’s lost confidence in Dak Prescott’s long‑term outlook despite an MVP‑caliber 2025, citing the quarterback’s injury history and the uncertainty of sustaining elite offensive play.
- The Cowboys fielded a prolific offense but were undone by defense, scoring 471 points while allowing 511 and missing the postseason.
- Owner Jerry Jones acknowledged his approach must change, promised to “bust the budget” in free agency, and installed Christian Parker as defensive coordinator after last year’s failures.
- Dallas faces tight cap math and a looming call on George Pickens, with reports of a massive price tag and options that include an extension, franchise tag, or trade, while the club also holds an extra first‑round pick from the Micah Parsons deal.