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1 hour ago
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The Cowboys spent all offseason trying to fix a defense that got absolutely torched last year, but ESPN still isn't fully sold. They put Dallas at No. 14 in their 2026 roster rankings, and honestly, it’s hard to argue with that.
Fortunately, the offense isn't the issue. Franchise quarterback Dak Prescott still boasts a powerhouse receiving corps with superstars CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens serving as his top two wideout targets, while Jake Ferguson remains a highly reliable safety valve at tight end.
The big changes came in defense, as expected. The front office went all-in on the secondary by giving safety Jalen Thompson the team's biggest free-agent contract since 2012. Then they traded up in the first round for Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs, who many considered the best defensive player in the draft. Add in pass rusher Rashan Gary, and it’s clear management tried to fix what broke last season.
Dallas was awful defensively last year, finishing last in defensive EPA and 29th in opponent QBR while forcing only six interceptions. Clay called the corner position the team's biggest red flag.
DaRon Bland is the QB1, but injuries limited him last season, and the players behind him have no real track record. Former Rams corners Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick, second-year player Shavon Revel Jr., and fourth-round pick Devin Moore are all competing for snaps.
So, the No. 14 ranking looks fair. They sit ahead of three of last year's playoff teams, along with the Bengals and Buccaneers. Jerry Jones' roster looks good on paper, but they still have to prove it on the field.
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- New defensive scheme forces position switch for struggling third-year Cowboys linebacker
- Why Seahawks did not reward Sam Darnold with a pay raise for Super Bowl win
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