DALLAS COWBOYS OFFSEASON PREVIEW: ROSTER MOVES AND VETERAN DECISIONS

The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2026 offseason with a lot of work to do. After making changes to their coaching staff, including the hiring of Christian Parker to replace Matt Eberflus as the defensive coordinator, the team now turns its attention to the roster. The Cowboys have a chance to make some crucial moves, both in terms of keeping key players and letting go of others.

Owner Jerry Jones has stated that the team will be willing to make aggressive moves this offseason, and the focus will begin with retaining key free agents. Among the top players that the Cowboys need to prioritize are George Pickens, Javonte Williams, and Jadeveon Clowney—each crucial to the team’s future success. On the flip side, there are several veterans who are unlikely to return for the 2026 season. Here’s a closer look at these players and the impact of their potential departures.

Players Likely to Leave the Cowboys in 2026

1. Jack Sanborn, LB
Sanborn’s time with the Cowboys has been less than impactful. Signed due to his connections with former defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, Sanborn failed to make the splash plays Dallas hoped for. He managed 34 tackles in six games but didn’t significantly impact games with his presence. With the departure of Eberflus, it’s likely that Sanborn won’t be brought back for 2026, as the Cowboys look to strengthen their linebacker corps with more productive players.

2. Miles Sanders, RB
Miles Sanders had an interesting start to his Cowboys tenure, rushing for 117 yards and a touchdown on his first 20 attempts. However, a knee injury sidelined him, and he ended the season on injured reserve. While Sanders showed flashes of his potential in Brian Schottenheimer’s scheme, the Cowboys are expected to move in a different direction. With injury concerns lingering, the team will likely opt for a younger, healthier back to take Sanders’ place as they look to revamp their running back position.

3. Kenneth Murray, LB
Dallas brought in Kenneth Murray via trade in the hopes of finding a bargain linebacker. While he was solid as a downhill tackler, Murray’s coverage skills were a major weakness, and he didn’t make enough plays against the run to justify his spot. Despite adding Logan Wilson to the mix, the coaching staff kept Murray on the field, but it’s clear that the Cowboys need an upgrade at the position. Murray is unlikely to return in 2026 as the team looks for more reliable options at linebacker.

4. Jalen Tolbert, WR
After a slow start to his career, Jalen Tolbert showed promise in 2024, finishing with 49 receptions for 610 yards and leading the team with seven touchdown catches. However, Tolbert’s role diminished in 2025 when George Pickens was added, and he wasn’t able to reclaim his spot. He finished with 18 receptions for 203 yards and just one touchdown. Ryan Flournoy’s emergence as a key contributor likely signals the end of the line for Tolbert in Dallas, as the team will likely prioritize Flournoy and others in the receiving corps moving forward.

5. Donovan Wilson, S
Donovan Wilson has been a solid contributor since being drafted in the sixth round in 2019, becoming a full-time starter for the Cowboys and earning recognition for his highlight-reel hits. However, he’s set to turn 31 years old when the season begins, and his effectiveness in coverage has waned over the years. The Cowboys’ secondary as a whole needs an overhaul, and with Wilson’s age and coverage limitations, the team is likely to move on from him in 2026. His departure could open the door for a more dynamic, younger safety to take his place.

Key Players the Cowboys Should Re-Sign

While the Cowboys face decisions about letting go of several veterans, there are a few key free agents that they should prioritize in order to maintain competitive depth for the 2026 season.

1. George Pickens, WR
After being acquired, George Pickens has proven to be a dynamic addition to the Cowboys’ receiving corps. His ability to stretch the field and contribute as a playmaker makes him a vital part of the future. The Cowboys should make sure to re-sign him as they continue to build their offensive arsenal.

2. Javonte Williams, RB
Javonte Williams has shown the ability to be an impact player in the Cowboys’ offense. Despite some injury concerns, Williams provides the power running and big-play potential that the team needs. Re-signing him would ensure stability in the backfield, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Miles Sanders and other potential additions.

3. Jadeveon Clowney, DE
Jadeveon Clowney may not be the same player he once was, but he remains a disruptive force on defense. The Cowboys need to keep their defense strong, and Clowney’s presence in the pass rush can still help the team improve in that area. Given his veteran experience and ability to still make plays, re-signing Clowney would bolster the Cowboys’ defensive line.

The Cowboys’ 2026 Offseason: Addressing Key Needs

As the Cowboys head into the 2026 offseason, it’s clear that changes are needed. The team’s roster has some key holes that need to be filled, particularly at linebacker, running back, and in the secondary. The Cowboys’ front office will need to be strategic, re-signing the right players and filling in the gaps with free-agent signings or trades. The decisions made during this period will be crucial to ensuring that Dallas can contend in the 2026 season and beyond.

Conclusion: A Crucial Offseason for the Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads as they enter the offseason. With several key veterans likely to move on, the team will need to focus on both re-signing key players and upgrading their roster in areas of weakness. Jerry Jones has made it clear that the Cowboys are willing to make moves, and the next few months will be crucial in shaping the team’s future. How the Cowboys approach their roster decisions will determine if they can turn their recent success into a Super Bowl-contending team in 2026. The pressure is on, and it’s time for the Cowboys to make their next move.