3 reasons to get excited about the Cowboys defense in 2026

Immediately after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season the Dallas Cowboys main objective for the offseason was to focus their attention on upgrading the defensive side of the ball. Dallas’ defensive production a season ago was completely embarrassing and directly correlated with and another losing season in back-to-back years. The question is, how much, if any, better will they be in 2026?

There’s no way of sugarcoating how bad Dallas’ defense was last year. They finished last in both passing yards per game (251.5) and points per game (30.1), 30th in yards per game (377.0), and 23rd in rushing yards per game (125.5). Because of that, they’ve pretty much completely overhauled the entire defensive staff and are switching from a 4-3 defensive scheme to a versatile 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

Despite how bad the Cowboys defense was in 2025, there’s already quite a bit of optimism surrounding Cowboys Nation that the defense could be much improved this year. Through free agency, trades, and the 2026 NFL Draft there’s a lot to be excited about from Dallas’ defense already. Below are a few of the things we’re most excited about.

Reason #1 – Christian Parker and his coaching staff

Jerry Jones and Company cast a wide net in search for their new defensive coordinator, ultimately deciding on Christian Parker. Parker doesn’t have any DC experienced, however, he is highly regarded around the league by coaches and players alike. Everyone within the organization has been gushing over his addition and his ability to communicate his plans for the defense. Not only has his addition been met with quite a bit of optimism around Cowboys Nation, but so has the coaching staff he’s put together from both the NFL and collegiate ranks.

Reason #2 – Cowboys’ hand-picked offseason additions

The Cowboys may not have “broken the budget” like they had indicated for free agency, but the additions they made should pay big dividends in upgrading the defense as well as help the transition to the versatile 3-4 scheme Christian Parker’s installing. Signing safety Jalen Thompson and adding Rashan Gary via trade were big moves in the offseason, and both players have a real shot at being difference makers for the Cowboys in 2026. Even the depth players they added in the offseason should help upgrade the Cowboys overall roster.