The churn on defense—cuts, cap decisions and pursuit of high-profile additions to fix a struggling unit

The Dallas Cowboys are currently navigating a pivotal offseason marked by significant roster decisions, cap maneuvers, and strategic moves aimed at overhauling their struggling defense ahead of the 2026 season. Central to this effort is their response to a defense that allowed over 511 points in 2025, signaling a pressing need for change.

Key Cuts and Looming Decisions on Injured/Underperforming Defenders

Dallas is exploring several roster adjustments to free up cap space and address underperformance:

• Releasing Veterans:
  The Cowboys are considering releasing a veteran defender with 53 games played, which would free approximately $7 million in cap space. This move aims to create financial flexibility for targeted acquisitions.

• Trade and Restructure Options:
  They are actively exploring restructuring contracts and potential trades involving players like Kenny Clark and possibly restructuring or releasing Dak Prescott to maximize cap room. Such moves are driven by the urgency to fund high-profile signings and trades.

• Potential Defensive Cuts:
  There is also speculation about cutting or re-evaluating other underperforming or injured defenders, especially those who have not lived up to expectations or are facing injury concerns. The goal is to reshape the front seven and secondary to match their new scheme and competitive ambitions.

Draft, Trade, and Free-Agent Options to Overhaul the Defense

Dallas's strategy involves a multi-pronged approach to transform their defensive unit:

• Targeting Elite Pass Rushers:
  The Cowboys are aggressively pursuing Maxx Crosby, a league leader in sacks and pressures, with reports suggesting they’re willing to offer around $36 million annually. Acquiring Crosby would provide a cornerstone pass rusher vital for their scheme shift to a hybrid 3-4 defense under Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker. This scheme emphasizes outside linebackers and versatile edge rushers capable of rushing the passer, dropping into coverage, and setting the edge.

• Secondary Reinforcements:
  Recognizing the secondary's struggles—having allowed over 4,200 passing yards in 2025—Dallas is exploring veteran, high-impact players like Reed Blankenship and Caleb Downs, alongside high-upside young talents. Their goal is to bring leadership, stability, and playmaking ability to a unit that needs to improve coverage and reduce explosive plays.

• Hybrid and Safety Players:
  The team is interested in Sonny Styles, a versatile defender capable of playing safety, linebacker, or hybrid roles. Their draft evaluations, including meetings with prospects like Akheem Mesidor and Omar Neville, reflect their focus on adding size, speed, and mismatch potential across the defense.

• Linebacker and Edge Rusher Targets:
  Dallas is considering free-agent linebackers such as Bobby Wagner, T.J. Watt, and Zach Cunningham, as well as exploring trade options like acquiring Nakobe Dean from the Eagles. These moves aim to bolster their hybrid linebacker core, which is crucial for their scheme transition.

Bold Cap Maneuvers and Roster Reshaping

To fund these acquisitions, Dallas is executing aggressive cap strategies:

• Releasing Veterans:
  Besides the potential veteran defender cut, they are also considering trade and restructure options involving key players like Kenny Clark and Dak Prescott, to free significant cap room.

• Franchise-Tagging Key Players:
  Dallas has publicly confirmed the franchise tag on George Pickens, valued around $28.8 million. This move allows them to retain offensive firepower while exploring trade and draft options for their receiver corps. However, the possibility of Pickens skipping the offseason program if tagged introduces some uncertainty into their plans.

The Cultural and Organizational Urgency

The moves reflect a sense of urgency following a disappointing 7-9-1 record in 2025, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Owner Stephen Jones has emphasized "busting the cap" and aggressive pursuit of talent, signaling a willingness to make high-stakes sacrifices to build a disruptive, pressure-heavy defense that can deliver results.

Draft & Combine Focus

Dallas's draft and combine evaluations are heavily focused on versatility and upside:

• Prospects like Sonny Styles are viewed as ideal fits for their hybrid scheme.
• They are meeting with players such as Akheem Mesidor and Omar Neville to bolster interior pass rush and linebacker depth.
• Their interest in moving three interior defensive tackles around during games aims to add unpredictability and pressure, aligning with their disruptive philosophy.

Strategic Outlook

Dallas’s offseason plan centers on cap flexibility, targeted signings, and strategic draft picks:

• Cap maneuvers provide the financial room to pursue high-profile defensive stars.
• Acquiring elite pass rushers and versatile defenders aims to transform the defense into a larger, more physical, turnover-generating unit.
• Draft evaluations are designed to identify players who can seamlessly fit into their scheme and contribute immediately.

If successful, these bold moves will result in a size, speed, and hybrid versatility-oriented defense capable of pressure, chaos, and turnovers—key ingredients in their pursuit of NFC dominance and a Super Bowl title in 2026. The coming months will reveal whether Dallas can execute this high-stakes strategy and reshape their defensive identity accordingly.