Editor’s note: We are welcoming a new writer to the front page of BTB. Jorge Guajardo is joining us; he is a grad student at Arizona State and is also doing some writing at the Arizona Republic. Welcome aboard, Jorge! — Dave Halprin
The million-dollar question for the Dallas Cowboys? How much better can the defense be after surrendering the most points in franchise history and being dead last in the league in defensive points per game?
Let’s look ahead at some of the biggest question marks heading
into the 2026 season for Christian Parker’s defense, and then a little bit on the offense.
Can the front seven adapt to a new scheme?
The Cowboys have added more beef to a defensive line in transition like defensive tackles Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams who came in over the last year. Pivoting from a base 4-3 to a base 3-4 under Parker will move players around on the defensive front.
One brand new addition is former Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary, who tallied 46.5 sacks during his time in Green Bay, but has never accumulated double-digit sacks in a season. To add to the question marks, Gary did not record a sack after Week 13 of last season.
He’s joining a pass-rush that is relatively still unproven; two of the Cowboys’ top-three pass rushers are no longer on the team, making James Houston the incumbent sack leader with 5.5 sacks to his credit in 2025.
Even still, head coach Brian Schottenheimer has faith in Gary’s abilities.
“You just watch him work,” Schottenheimer said to [ESPN’s Brian] Todd. “He understands what work ethic it takes to be a great player, and I’m really, really excited about that.”
Gary aside, a lot will be asked of the young defenders like Donovan Ezeiruaku and Malachi Lawrence.
On the second level, there will be a different role for a player like DeMarvion Overshown, and the addition of linebacker Dee Winters and rookie Jaishawn Barham could be a huge boost to a LB core that struggled mightily in 2025.
Can a terrible secondary from a year ago recover?
In the secondary, all eyes will be on 2026 first-round pick Caleb Downs. If OTAs were any indication, it looks like Parker will use Downs all over the field as he’s gotten reps at safety, the nickelback, and big nickel packages thus far.
ESPN analyst Mina Kimes believes Downs is a chess piece for a defense that is looking to rebound.
“Caleb Downs is, on paper, the answer to so many of the things that Dallas got wrong, not just last year, but has gotten wrong for years. Only the Giants were worse in giving up explosive runs, something that you imagine Downs will be very good at helping limit some of those explosives. He’s a phenomenal run defender.”
Outside of Downs, the safety position was shored up by the addition of Jalen Thompson after the Cowboys signed the 27-year-old away from the Cardinals this offseason.
Malik Hooker is currently listed as the starting free safety, but one has to wonder if that job will eventually be Downs’ permanently by the time Week 1 rolls around. Hooker would head to the bench but provide good veteran depth at that position.
For the cornerbacks, there are even more questions. Can DaRon Bland get healthy, stay healthy and return to form? Can the young bucks like Shavon Revel Jr. and Caelen Carson rise to the occasion and make a difference?
Cobie Durant’s acquisition helps a questionable position group that was exposed repeatedly in 2025. Devin Moore was also added via the draft.
On offense, what about the tackles?
The offense was a bright spot last year, as quarterback Dak Prescott led a potent attack that amassed the third-most yards in franchise history with 6,663.
One of the shortcomings, however, was along the offensive line, particularly the play of Terence Steele and Tyler Guyton. Steele was credited with allowing six sacks in 2025, and Pro Football Focus has the tackle graded No. 55 out of 89 tackles in the NFL with a 63.6 overall grade.
Tyler Guyton was worse. His PFF ranking was 65th out of all tackles with a 57.5 overall grade. If Steele and Guyton can just be closer to the league average overall as far as PFF grades go, this offensive line could be complete in terms of ability as a unit.
How does the depth shake out at the skill positions?
Elsewhere, the skill positions, like running back and wide receiver, have only a few questions. Who can step up behind Javonte Williams? Can Jaydon Blue emerge as a serviceable back? Will Phil Mafah, who’s been putting in extra work this offseason, break through?
Lastly, a look at the receivers shows us a group with exceptional depth. All-Pros Cee Dee Lamb and George Pickens make up what could be the most lethal WR duo in football. One of the few concerns is whether using the franchise tag on Pickens will be a distraction. Also, will Ryan Flournoy’s ascension continue in 2026 after a strong 2025 showing? Can KaVontae Turpin find snaps at WR in 2026?
As always, there are a ton of questions surrounding this team, many of which won’t be answered until the season begins in earnest.
