🚨 DALLAS COWBOYS OFFSEASON UPDATES: DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR SEARCH, DRAFT PICKS, AND JADAVEON CLOWNEY’S FUTURE 👇
As the Dallas Cowboys enter the second week of their offseason, they’re facing some key decisions, particularly in filling their defensive coordinator position. However, their search for a new coordinator seems to be leaning toward one potential candidate—Jim Leonhard, though the Cowboys may have to wait for him to become available.
Beyond the coaching changes, the Cowboys are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, having now locked in all of their picks, including two first-round selections. There’s also uncertainty surrounding Jadeveon Clowney, who is currently a free agent but has expressed a willingness to return to Dallas.
Let’s dive into the latest updates from Cowboyland.
Defensive Coordinator Search: Jim Leonhard Emerging as Favorite
The search for the Dallas Cowboys’ next defensive coordinator has been one of the most talked-about topics of the offseason. Three candidates have reportedly been in the mix for the job, but the one who seems to be emerging as the top choice is Jim Leonhard, the Denver Broncos’ pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach.
Cowboys insider Bobby Belt tweeted that he believes Leonhard will be the Cowboys’ guy, though there’s a catch. The Cowboys will have to wait for the Broncos to be eliminated from the playoffs before they can formally make their hire. The Broncos are one of the top teams this year, and with Leonhard still actively coaching for them, the Cowboys will likely have to wait for Denver’s postseason run to conclude.
“I think Leonhard will be their guy. So they have to wait for Denver to get bounced before they can hire him,” said Belt.
In addition to Leonhard, two other candidates are reportedly interviewing for the position: Daronte Jones, the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive backs coach, and Ephraim Banda, the Cleveland Browns’ safeties coach. Leonhard’s experience with the Broncos and his past as the interim head coach at the University of Wisconsin in 2022 give him a solid coaching background. Now, it’s a matter of waiting for the postseason to play out before Leonhard can make the jump to Dallas.
Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 Draft Picks: Two First-Round Selections
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys now know exactly where they stand in terms of draft picks. They’ll have seven total selections, including two first-round picks, and they’re primed to make an impact.
Here’s a breakdown of Dallas’ 2026 draft picks:
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1.12 – Cowboys’ pick
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1.20 – Pick from Green Bay (via the Micah Parsons trade)
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4.112 – Cowboys’ pick
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5.150 – Cowboys’ pick
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5.177 – Expected compensatory pick for DeMarcus Lawrence
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5.179 – Expected compensatory pick for Jourdan Lewis
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7.225 – Cowboys’ pick from Kansas City Chiefs
Dallas is in a strong position with two first-round picks, and these selections will be crucial as the team looks to further rebuild and strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. The Micah Parsons trade continues to pay off, with the 20th overall pick coming from Green Bay, adding more value to the Cowboys’ draft assets.
With a rebuild in mind and a young core to build around, Dallas could use these early-round picks to target key areas for improvement, especially with the defensive coordinator search ongoing.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Future: Could He Return to Dallas?
One of the biggest storylines for the Cowboys this offseason is the future of Jadeveon Clowney. The 32-year-old defensive end had a productive season after signing with Dallas early on, recording 8.5 sacks in 13 games. However, with Clowney now a free agent, his future remains uncertain.
But Clowney hasn’t ruled out returning to the Cowboys, and in fact, he’s shown significant interest in coming back.
“I’m just having fun out there with the guys, man. It’s been a great season. I had a lot of fun playing football, and that’s probably why I’m making a lot of plays — just having fun. I’m not thinking about making plays. I’m just thinking about having fun,” Clowney said in an interview with the Cowboys’ website.
Clowney further indicated that he’s open to returning to Dallas if the team is interested. Despite being 32 years old, Clowney made it clear that he’s not considering retirement anytime soon, as he still feels he has a lot left in the tank.
“Oh yeah, (I’d re-sign in Dallas) if they’re willing to bring me back, but yeah, I’m pretty sure I’m definitely gonna play. I got a lot left in the tank. I ain’t gonna go sit on my couch. I’m gonna stay ready. Maybe sign a little bit earlier, and I’m trying to go to camp next year so I can get the rust off me and get going. I’m looking forward to it,” Clowney added.
Clowney’s performance this season made him a valuable asset to the Cowboys’ defense, and if they choose to bring him back, he could be a key contributor once again in 2026.
Dallas Cowboys 2026 Schedule: What to Expect
The Dallas Cowboys know their 17 opponents for the upcoming season, and they’ll play the AFC South and NFC West by rotation. While the official NFL schedule release won’t happen until mid-May, the opponents and where those games will be played are already set.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for the Cowboys?
As the Cowboys continue their offseason journey, defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is emerging as a clear frontrunner for the role, though the Cowboys will need to wait for the Broncos to finish their playoff run before they can finalize the hire. Meanwhile, the 2026 draft gives Dallas a great opportunity to bolster their roster, especially with two first-round picks.
Additionally, the potential return of Jadeveon Clowney could help the Cowboys defense remain competitive. With Clowney eager to stay in Dallas, the Cowboys must weigh their options carefully as they approach free agency and continue to strengthen their team for the next season.
This offseason holds many questions for the Dallas Cowboys, but with key decisions on the horizon, Cowboys Nation can expect an exciting few months ahead as the team looks to improve and remain a contender in the NFC.
