The Dallas Cowboys had a lot of work to do to get back to their winning ways as they entered this offseason. A second-straight lackluster outcome of missing the playoffs for consecutive years wasn’t in Jerry Jones’ plans for 2025.
That’s why this was a big spring for the Cowboys, who had to start heading in the right direction Brian Schottenheimer’s second year as head coach. With the team’s offseason program beginning, here’s a look at whether the Cowboys fixed any of their major issues.
Find a capable defensive coordinator – Check
The answer to this is a resounding yes! After an exhaustive search, the Cowboys hired one of the top young defensive minds in the league in Christian Parker. The 34-year-old, defensive passing coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles was one of the most highly sought after coaches this offseason. Schottenheimer was able to lock in Parker to help fix a defense that was among the NFL’s worst last year.
Expect that to change with Parker. There is no shortage of hype surrounding Parker, who led a meticulous search for position coaches who shared his vision similar to how Schotty assembled the offensive staff last season. Everyone in the organization has raved about all aspects of what he’s brought to the table since he stepped foot in The Star.
Remake the defense – Check
After hiring a DC, the Cowboys went about gathering more talent to fix a defense that needed an infusion of quality players. That process began with the trade for pass rusher Rashan Gary and the signing of safety Jalen Thompson as the biggest centerpieces of the remake.
However, the front office continued to add pieces to the defense, adding cornerbacks Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick, defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia, as well as safety P.J. Locke.
They might not have been the biggest names on the market, but it’s a group that provides solid depth and brings a more veteran presence for a unit that needed both. Most importantly, the Cowboys raised the floor of the unit in preparation for the attrition the defense faces as the grinding season plays out.
The draft also brought a bevy of talent, starting with star safety Caleb Downs. Parker got his chess piece when the Cowboys traded up to get the potential difference maker for his defense.
Edge rusher Malachi Lawrence arrived in the first round as well, to help a defense that struggled to get to the quarterback last year. To pair with Lawrence, the team also selected Jaishawn Barham to attack the QB and help at linebacker, where the Cowboys were desperate for talent.
Trading for LB Dee Winters during the draft continued to bolster a position where the defense needed a solid veteran.
The fourth-round brought a possible steal in CB Devin Moore who, if he can stay healthy, can play a high number of snaps as a rookie if needed. Versatile defensive lineman LT Overton was also drafted in the fourth-round to help stop the run.
The defense is now deeper and has more talent than the one they fielded last year and should be able to withstand any injuries that crop up. It was an impressive defensive overhaul by the Cowboys.
Retain their top free agents – Check
It isn’t an offseason in the NFL if the Cowboys don’t have a little contract drama, but the team did manage their big deals well.
Running back Javonte Williams resurrected his career last season in Dallas and he got rewarded with a three-year deal. The team didn’t overpay and kept one of their top offensive playmakers from last season.
All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey was extended by the team as well. After a few tense weeks of uncertainty, the two sides came together to make Aubrey the highest paid kicker in the league. Keeping one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL was a smart move.
And although he didn’t get the long-term lucrative contract he might have been hoping for, George Pickens and the Cowboys basically agreed to another one-year rental as the wide receiver signed his franchise tag. The two sides playing nice and keeping Pickens for another prove-it season could benefit both parties. The Cowboys keep their All-Pro WR who makes the offense incredibly difficult to defend, and Pickens has the opportunity to continue to show that he can excel with a competent QB throwing him the ball.
Expect another high scoring offense in Dallas, and with an improved defense, ending their short playoff drought is easily accessible for the Cowboys.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Did Cowboys successfully address these 3 concerning offseason issues?
Reporting by Ben Grimaldi, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
