The “how-to” guide to fix the 2026 Dallas Cowboys

Although their 7-9-1 record in 2025 doesn’t reflect the positive impact Brian Schottenheimer had on the Dallas Cowboys in his first-year as head coach, it should be considered a successful one nonetheless. That’s no more evident than how both Jerry and Stephen Jones have taken a step back allowing him to run the show this offseason, especially the “leave no rock unturned” approach to filling out their coaching staff.

Schottenheimer definitely did his due diligence searching for his new defensive coordinator to replace Matt Eberflus. The hiring of Christian Parker has already sent positive shockwaves throughout Cowboys Nation, as did the way they filled out the rest of his defensive coaching staff. The Cowboys seem to be off to a good start and have already turned their attention to being proactive in free agency.

Re-signing running back Javonte Williams so early in the process is a good sign they’re going to be aggressive and more active in free agency, hopefully extending to the way they approach the draft. With all of that in mind, we thought we’d share a step-by-step approach to navigating the remainder of the offseason. We start with players they should re-sign or let go then move on to free agency and the draft.

2 contracts to renew, 2 to let go

Players to Re-sign

WR George Pickens

Locking up George Pickens long-term will make Dallas’ offense one of the most feared and explosive units in the league once again. After assigning the franchise tag, they will negotiate to lower his cap hit this year, freeing up cash for free agents.

Spotrac contract projection: 4 yrs, $122.1m ($30.6m avg)

K Brandon Aubrey

Brandon Aubrey has become such a consistent and reliable weapon it’s difficult to imagine him not being on the roster. Locking him up long-term is the right move to make.

Spotrac contract projection: 4 yrs, $26.1m ($6.5m avg)

Players to let go

S Malik Hooker

Malik Hooker is the last year of his contract and his play isn’t matching up with this price tag. Dallas can save $6.8 million against the salary-cap by releasing him.

WR Jonathan Mingo

Jonathan Mingo is already buried on the depth chart and may not even make the final 53-man roster this year. The Cowboys can free up a roster spot and save $1.9 million by releasing him.

Free agent moves to make

EDGE Boye Mafe

Mafe is an elite athlete with a relentless playing style and closing speed in space. He would be a great fit in Christian Parker’s scheme in either a rotational role or as a potential starter.

Spotrac contract projection: 3 yrs, $36.7m ($12.2m avg)

LB Nakobe Dean

Although there are some injury concerns with Dean, he would be an immediate upgrade at MLB for the Cowboys and can help in the transition to Christian Parker’ defense having worked with him in Philadelphia.

Spotrac contract projection: 4 yrs, $31.5m ($7.9m avg)

S Kameron Curl

Curl is a scheme diverse safety capable of playing a variety of roles. He is a three-level defender who can play in the nickel, box, or deep. He would fill that all important nickel safety role in Parker’s defense.

Spotrac contract projection: 4 yrs, $40.1m ($10m avg)

CB Rasul Douglas

Douglas (6’2″, 209) is a solid veteran addition who is coming off a good season with the Dolphins. He provides much-needed depth and insurance as a potential starter with the Cowboys.

Spotrac contract projection: 1 yr, $4m

OT Fred Johnson

Johnson is an established swing tackle who started eight games at right tackle for the Eagles last year. He could serve the same role with the Cowboys or challenge Terence Steele for the starting RT job.

Spotrac contract projection: 1 yr, $1.5m

2025 mock draft after offseason moves

First 11 picks were defense-heavy. With their board pretty much wiped out, the Cowboys are looking to trade down and the Buccaneers answer the call.

*TRADE*

Buccaneers trade for EDGE Keldric Faulk, 5.150; Cowboys receive 1.15, 3.79

1.15: CB Aveion Terrell, Clemson

At 5’11”, 180-pounds, Terrell is a little undersized by Dallas’ typical standards, but not Christian Parker’s. He’s scheme diverse and has inside/outside versatility. He’s a potential plug-and-play starter as a rookie.

*TRADE*

Rams trade up for QB Ty Simpson; Cowboys receive 1.29, 2.61

1.29: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

Add Thieneman with Kameron Curl and Dallas immediately upgrades their safety position and the versatility Christian Parker likes at the position. He could get really creative with his coverages with these two.

2.61: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

Rodriguez could compete for serious playing time as a rookie. He was the QB of Texas Tech’s defense and had a knack for making game changing plays in both the run and pass defense.

3.79: EDGE Malachi Lawrence, UCF

Although Lawrence is still a little inconsistent as a run defender, he cemented himself as one of the better players at the position in this year’s draft class at the combine. He checks all the boxes Dallas is looking for.

4.112: OL Trey Zuhn, Texas A&M

Zuhn was the Aggies starting left tackle the last several seasons, but is expected to kick inside to either guard or center in the NFL. His position flex to play any OL position could prove to be invaluable.

5.177: DL Zxavian Harris, Mississippi

At 6’8″, 330-pounds Harris is a massive DT prospect who is not only scheme versatile, but has the potential to play any position on the defensive line. He would fit nicely in Dallas in a rotational role.

6.212: WR Malik Benson, Oregon

Benson is a vertical threat who averaged 17.5 yards per reception in his senior season with the Ducks. He’s a developmental prospect whose speed could earn him a roster spot as a rookie with the Cowboys.

7.221: LB Jaden Dugger, Louisiana-Lafayette

At 6’4″, 240-pounds with nearly 35″ arms and a wingspan of 84.5″, Dugger is a physically impressive MLB or OLB prospect for the Cowboys. He’s a developmental player who could be a key special teams contributor.

7.225: RB Barika Kpeenu, North Dakota State

After signing Javonte Williams Dallas seems set of the RB position, but competition is never a bad thing. Kpeenu (5’10”, 217) is talented enough to shake things up on the depth chart.

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