Dallas Cowboys Offseason Priorities: Defensive Overhaul Tops the List in 2026 NFL Outlook

There is no real mystery surrounding where the Dallas Cowboys must focus their attention this offseason. After a disappointing and historically poor defensive performance, the franchise enters the 2026 NFL offseason with one glaring objective: fix the defense.

While there are certainly questions to address on offense — including the potential re-signing of wide receiver George Pickens — the root cause of Dallas’ struggles during head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s first season came overwhelmingly on the defensive side of the football. Breakdown after breakdown ultimately forced the Cowboys into a necessary reset.

Cowboys Fire Matt Eberflus After Defensive Collapse

Dallas made its first major offseason decision by parting ways with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, a move that surprised few around the league. The numbers paint a brutal picture:

• Bottom of the NFL in scoring defense

• Bottom of the league in passing defense

• 30th in total defense

• Only team in the NFL to allow 30+ points per game

• 30 or more points surrendered in nine separate games

• 511 total points allowed, the most in franchise history

Those statistics alone made Eberflus’ dismissal inevitable. For a franchise with championship aspirations, fielding the league’s worst defense simply isn’t acceptable.

With Eberflus gone, Dallas has begun interviewing multiple candidates for the defensive coordinator position — but hiring a new play-caller is only the first step in what must be a comprehensive defensive overhaul.

Brian Schottenheimer’s Defense Was the Achilles’ Heel

Brian Schottenheimer entered his first season as Cowboys head coach with optimism and a roster capable of competing. However, even competent offensive stretches were often undone by a defense that couldn’t get off the field, couldn’t pressure quarterbacks, and couldn’t stay healthy.

The Cowboys frequently found themselves in shootouts they had no chance of winning. Opposing quarterbacks carved up Dallas’ secondary, while opposing offenses imposed their will late in games.

Simply put, the defense failed at every level — and the front office knows it.

Secondary Issues: Injuries and Inconsistency

One of the most obvious areas of concern was the defensive backfield. Injuries plagued the Cowboys throughout the season, particularly at cornerback.

• Trevon Diggs struggled to remain on the field

• DaRon Bland also battled durability issues

The lack of continuity in the secondary forced Dallas to rely on depth players who were not ready for extended roles. Miscommunications, blown coverages, and missed tackles became weekly occurrences, especially against elite passing attacks.

In today’s pass-heavy NFL, a defense simply cannot survive without reliable, healthy cornerbacks — and Dallas learned that lesson the hard way.

Front Seven Problems: Pass Rush and Linebacker Depth

While the secondary received much of the blame, the Cowboys’ issues extended well beyond coverage.

The front seven was equally problematic.

After moving on from Micah Parsons, Dallas’ pass rush fell off a cliff. The Cowboys failed to consistently pressure quarterbacks and experienced an alarming drought late in the season, going two consecutive weeks without recording a single sack.

That lack of pressure exposed the secondary even further, allowing opposing quarterbacks far too much time in the pocket.

At linebacker, injuries once again took their toll. DeMarvion Overshown missed more than half of the season while recovering from injury, leaving Dallas thin in the middle of the defense. Poor run fits, missed tackles, and slow reactions became common themes.

When a defense can’t rush the passer or stop the run, collapse is inevitable — and that’s exactly what happened.

Cowboys Need Help at Every Level of the Defense

The consensus around the league is clear: Dallas needs reinforcements everywhere.

From defensive line to linebacker to secondary, there are holes at every level. According to Sports Illustrated’s Eva Geitheim:

“From pass rush to linebacker to the secondary, the Cowboys need help at all levels of the defense. The Cowboys’ defense gave up a league-worst 511 points during the 2025 season, the most in franchise history.”

Geitheim also emphasized that the Cowboys cannot afford to rely solely on the NFL Draft to fix their problems.

“Dallas should not only prioritize adding the best defensive player available in the draft, but also buck their trends and pursue defensive talent through free agency. The defense simply needs an overhaul.”

That assessment mirrors what many fans and analysts have been saying all season.

Draft and Free Agency Must Both Be Used

The Cowboys are in a relatively strong position financially and strategically.

• Nearly $40 million in available cap space

• Two first-round picks (No. 12 and No. 20) in the 2026 NFL Draft

That combination gives Dallas flexibility — but only if ownership is willing to spend.

Historically, Jerry Jones has been conservative in free agency, preferring to build through the draft. This offseason, however, may demand a different approach. Relying solely on rookies to fix a historically bad defense is unrealistic.

Veteran presence, leadership, and proven production are desperately needed.

Key Defensive Players Dallas May Retain

Despite the struggles, there are a few defensive pieces worth keeping.

Jadeveon Clowney remains a notable name. The veteran defensive end delivered a standout performance in the regular-season finale and has publicly expressed interest in returning to Dallas. His experience and ability to disrupt plays could be valuable in a retooled defense.

Dante Fowler Jr. is another player Dallas may consider retaining, depending on cost and scheme fit.

With available cap space, Jerry Jones has the resources to bring back select veterans while still pursuing upgrades across the roster.

Defensive Coordinator Hire Is Just the Beginning

While replacing Matt Eberflus was necessary, it will mean little without proper roster investment. A new defensive coordinator can improve scheme and communication, but talent still matters.

For Brian Schottenheimer, the 2026 season represents a critical juncture. His long-term success in Dallas may depend heavily on how quickly and effectively the Cowboys can rebuild their defense.

The message is clear: this defense must be fixed — immediately.

Final Outlook: Defense Will Define the Cowboys’ 2026 Season

There is no sugarcoating what lies ahead. The Dallas Cowboys are coming off one of the worst defensive seasons in franchise history, and expectations will not be lowered.

With premium draft capital, cap flexibility, and a coaching staff under pressure, Dallas has every opportunity to right the ship. Whether they actually do so will depend on how aggressive and decisive they are this offseason.

One thing is certain — if the Cowboys fail to overhaul their defense, no amount of offensive improvement will matter.

In 2026, the defense will define the Dallas Cowboys.