The Dallas Cowboys set themselves up for an exciting 2026 NFL Draft.
By trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers before the season, the Cowboys added a second first-round pick in 2026 (and in 2027).
That sets Dallas up with a lot of options when the draft rolls around.
On Monday, ESPN's Todd Archer wrote in an article about what the Cowboys might do. And he suggested that Dallas could double down on defense.
"They have four defensive linemen set to be unrestricted free agents (Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler Jr., Sam Williams and Payton Turner)," Archer wrote. "They also have plenty of questions at safety (Donovan Wilson is set to be a free agent) and cornerback; it is possible the Cowboys move on from corner Trevon Diggs after the season. Dallas is 28th in yards allowed per play (5.9) and 31st in points allowed per game (28.5)."
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There is strong precedent for this.
"In 2005, the Cowboys used their two first-round picks on defense and landed DeMarcus Ware, a Hall of Famer, and Marcus Spears, a multicontract starter. Owner Jerry Jones has said it was a mistake for the Cowboys to have three coordinators in three seasons, so that might buy Matt Eberflus some grace and give him more playmakers to work with in 2026."
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This would align with what many would've thought when Parsons was trade. OK, send away a talented defensive player in a deal that lands multiple draft picks, better use some of those on new defensive players.
The Cowboys' offensive approach to the offseason will mostly depend on what happens with George Pickens, whether he is given a franchise tag, a contract extension or walks in free agency.
But by the draft, that'll be known. And if Pickens is somehow sticking around, a double dose of defense for Dallas would make sense.
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