The Dallas Cowboys struggled defensively in the 2025 season, leading to a disappointing 7-9-1 record. With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, owner Jerry Jones is focused on improving the team's defense after significant roster changes.
Key points
Dallas Cowboys had a 7-9-1 record in 2025
Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers
Jerry Jones focused on improving the defense
Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke were signed
Rashan Gary was acquired in a trade
Mentioned in this story
Jerry JonesMicah ParsonsJalen ThompsonP.J. LockeRashan Gary
Dallas CowboysGreen Bay Packers
Defense still wins championships, which is perhaps why the 2025 Dallas Cowboys were nowhere near a Super Bowl in 2025.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones' full, undivided attention should be on improving his team's defense. There was a microscope on the Cowboys' defense in 2025 after Jones traded All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers before the start of the season. The roster did nothing to validate that decision in the season that ensued.
Dallas ranked near or at the bottom of the league in several statistical categories on defense while simultaneously ranking near the top of the league in several offensive statistics. That ultimately led to a 7-9-1 record that was not enough to make the playoffs, and the Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after the end of the season.
Jones made some moves to address the Cowboys' defense in the offseason. He signed safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke to reinforce the secondary, while defensive end Rashan Gary came over in a trade.
There's still plenty of work to do to build up the roster in the 2026 NFL Draft. Fortunately, the Cowboys have two first-round picks to get the momentum started early.
Q&A
What was the Dallas Cowboys' record in the 2025 season?
The Dallas Cowboys finished the 2025 season with a record of 7-9-1.
Who did the Cowboys trade before the 2025 season?
The Cowboys traded All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers before the 2025 season.
What changes did Jerry Jones make to the Cowboys' defense in the offseason?
Jerry Jones signed safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke, and acquired defensive end Rashan Gary in a trade to strengthen the defense.
Why was the Cowboys' defense under scrutiny in 2025?
The Cowboys' defense was under scrutiny due to poor performance, ranking near the bottom of the league in several defensive statistics.
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This section will be updated after the Cowboys make their first selection.
Cowboys 2026 NFL Draft needs
Edge rusher
The rumors are true: the team that traded away elite edge rusher Micah Parsons ahead of the 2025 season needs a new edge rusher on their roster. Despite finishing with the ninth-best pass-rush win rate, per ESPN, the Cowboys also finished tied for the seventh-fewest sacks in the NFL in 2025.
Dallas' 2025 sacks leader, Jadeveon Clowney, had 8.5 sacks last year and is still a free agent. Behind him was James Houston with 5.5 sacks despite not starting a single game and playing fewer than 30% of Dallas' defensive snaps. Even after trading for Gary, the Cowboys could use more help on the edge to improve their overall defensive shortcomings.
Cornerback
Dallas allowed the third-highest completion rate, second-highest passer rating and most passing yards to opponents in 2025. Re-signing Corey Ballentine and bringing in Cobie Durant in free agency are not transactions that significantly moved the needle.
Adding a secondary defender on the outside should be among top priorities for the Cowboys with one of their two first-round picks. LSU's Mansoor Delane could be a strong consideration at 12, and Tennessee's Jermod McCoy could be available at either pick slot for Dallas.
Cowboys 2026 NFL mock draft
Here's what the Cowboys could do come draft night, per Ayrton Ostly's seven-round mock draft: