Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft tracker: Picks, grades, analysis for every selection

CBS Sports Headlines3h ago3 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

The Dallas Cowboys made significant offseason changes, including firing defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and signing safety Jalen Thompson to a three-year deal. They also traded for edge rusher Rashan Gary and re-signed key players like running back Javonte Williams.

Key points

Dallas Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus
Christian Parker hired as new defensive coordinator
Jalen Thompson signed to three-year, $33 million deal
Rashan Gary traded from Packers to Cowboys
Team re-signed running back Javonte Williams

Dallas CowboysPhiladelphia EaglesSan Francisco 49ersGreen Bay Packers

Getty Images

FRISCO, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys' 2026 offseason brought change at key spots.

After a 7-9-1 campaign in 2025, the Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after Dallas allowed an NFL-worst 30.1 points per game. They replaced him with Eagles defensive passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Christian Parker. Dallas also traded forPackers Pro Bowl edge rusher Rashan Gary and re-signed running back Javonte Williams and kicker Brandon Aubrey in free agency. The Cowboys' splash move came when they signed Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson to a three-year, $33 million deal with $22 million guaranteed.

Other moves included one-year deals for cornerback Cobie Durant and safety P.J. Locke, and a trade that sent defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers for a third-round pick. It felt more like depth-chart backfilling than upgrades, but that may have been necessary before giving young players more legitimate snaps again after another draft-heavy roster build in 2025.

On Wednesday, Cowboys COO/EVP Stephen Jones said Dallas has ended long-term contract negotiations with Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens and will have him play out 2026 on the franchise tag. That comes despite Pickens totaling 1,429 receiving yards -- third-most in the in 2025 -- in his first season alongside quarterback and wide receiver .

Q&A

Who did the Dallas Cowboys hire as their new defensive coordinator?

The Dallas Cowboys hired Christian Parker, previously the Eagles' defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach, as their new defensive coordinator.

What major player acquisitions did the Cowboys make in the 2026 offseason?

The Cowboys signed safety Jalen Thompson to a three-year, $33 million deal and traded for Pro Bowl edge rusher Rashan Gary from the Packers.

What were the Cowboys' key roster changes after their 2025 season?

After a disappointing 7-9-1 season in 2025, the Cowboys fired their defensive coordinator, made several trades, and re-signed key players to strengthen their roster.