Optimism rising as Cowboys energy feels different in 2026

The defense in general is another topic with major questions as OTAs begin, the same questions the media and fans had in 2025. Under Eberflus, questions about the Cowboys' ability to generate a pass rush, linebacker efficiency, and secondary concerns were never answered. They're still unanswered under Parker; the difference this season is that Parker's understanding of what he needs is clear.

Eberflus took what he had and thought he could improve on defense. Parker took what he had and told the Cowboys' front office he needed more, and got what he wanted. He needed high-IQ safeties; he got Jalen Thompson in free agency and drafted Downs. He needed athletic and productive pass rushers; he got Malachi Lawrence and traded for Rashan Gary. These player additions have energized the fan base and outlook on the defense this season. Parker's ability to convey his needs and his aggressive push has lessened concerns about the defense and given a glimmer of hope that things are turning around.

The biggest topic of conversation this offseason hasn't been the defense though. It's the negotiations with receiver George Pickens, who's on the franchise tag. Pickens has same agent as last year's center of ordeal Micah Parsons in David Mulugheta, and Pickens also wants top-of-the-market money. It's funny how the Cowboys find themselves in this situation seemingly every year, but that's where the similarities end.

With Parsons, Dallas was a victim of Jerry Jones' ego and stubbornness to pick up the phone, and Mulugheta's aggressive negotiating style along with Parsons' media-savvy counterpunching. The Pickens situation is different, where Parsons had a positive public image; Pickens' checkered past from his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers has hurt him and neutralized Mulugheta's negotiating power.

Despite an All-Pro season, Pickens' past has teams hesitant to pay the receiver along with draft compensation to get him from Dallas. This has left Pickens no choice but to play out the season on the tag, or risk cementing his reputation as difficult to work with.

Dallas is normally on the losing end of deals with players they've tagged, but holds all the cards this time.

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Optimism rising as Cowboys energy feels different in 2026