The Dallas Cowboys are heading into training camp with high hopes for the 2026 NFL season. Owner Jerry Jones has made many changes this offseason, including hiring new coaches, adding defensive players, and selecting strong draft picks. These changes have helped the Cowboys gain national attention.
Jerry Jones’ moves help Cowboys earn ‘biggest offseason winner’ label
The Cowboys are recognized as one of the biggest winners of the offseason by The Athletic’s Mike Jones. This acknowledgment comes after months of roster changes led by Jerry Jones, which improved both the coaching staff and the defense before training camp.
Mike wrote that Dallas began reshaping the roster last season by trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers while acquiring Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets. The front office continued that approach by adding pass rusher Rashan Gary and signing defensive backs Cobie Durant, Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke in free agency.
Dallas received praise for its draft class. Safety Caleb Downs was the main highlight after being picked in the first round. The Cowboys also selected edge rusher Malachi Lawrence during the first round and added linebacker Jaishawn Barham in the third round.
The Athletic also pointed to Dallas’ decision to keep George Pickens on the franchise tag. Pairing Pickens with CeeDee Lamb gives Dak Prescott another proven target and creates one of the league’s strongest receiving duos.
Mike believes those offensive weapons, combined with the rebuilt defense, could help Brian Schottenheimer’s team compete for the NFC East title.
The optimism surrounding Dallas comes after several disappointing offseasons. Jerry Jones’ willingness to embrace change has been a key factor in the shift, as the roster appears deeper and expectations have increased before training camp.
The Cowboys’ success this season will depend on how quickly the new players adapt when the regular season starts.
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