Entering the 2026 NFL offseason, the Dallas Cowboys and team owner Jerry Jones were expected to be aggressive and push to make a blockbuster move or two.
With the first wave of NFL free agency having come and gone, the Cowboys have not made any blockbuster additions. They have focused on improving specific areas, especially on the defensive side of the football.
To this point in the offseason, Dallas’ offseason has been headlined by a trade with the Green Bay Packers to acquire pass rusher Rashan Gary in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. Gary, a former first-round pick by the Packers, has the talent to be a major impact player, but he has had issues with consistency.
Outside of the move to acquire Gary from Green Bay, the Cowboys have signed a few players in free agency. They have added safety Jalen Thompson, safety P.J. Locke, and cornerback Cobie Durant, along with a few other smaller moves.
Jones has now spoken out with an update about his team’s offseason plan and what he feels has been accomplished so far.
Jerry Jones Gets Honest About Cowboys’ Offseason So Far
On Sunday, Jones was asked about his thoughts on the offseason. He made it clear that defense has been the priority.
“I believe we’ve done one thing: we’re figuring out how to stop them,” Jones said. “We can’t do anything but go up there. But that’s where we are addressing and that’s where we’re putting our energy in our mind.”
He has also made it clear that he’s liked the moves the team has made.
“I think we’re within the boundaries of what we have available, what we’re trying to accomplish with draft picks and with (salary) cap,” Jones said. “I wouldn’t try to re-visit or try to re-do what we’ve done on either that cap or the trades we’ve made. I like what we got.”
There are still ways that Dallas could look to improve the roster. However, the Cowboys are off to a decent start this offseason.
What Are the Biggest Needs for Dallas After First Free Agency Wave?
While not necessarily a “need,” Dallas should think about how it wants to handle George Pickens. The franchise tag has been placed on him, but there have been reports that he could be planning to hold out unless he gets a new long-term deal.
Outside of that decision, the Cowboys could use more pass rushing help. Gary is a nice addition, but he’s far from being a one-move fix. Whether that helps comes via a free agent, trade, or the NFL Draft, they should bring another piece in.
Adding to the cornerback room would also be wise. Durant was a nice pickup in NFL free agency, but another role player would be valuable.
Past that, Dallas could use an inside linebacker. There has been speculation about star free agent linebacker Bobby Wagner being a potential fit.
Expect to see the Cowboys remain active this offseason. Jones likes what the team has accomplished so far, but he’s always looking for ways to improve the roster. It would be surprising to see Dallas pump the brakes at this point in time.
Cowboys’ Jerry Jones Gets Honest About the Team’s Offseason Plan