The Dallas Cowboys are already turning their attention to the 2026 offseason, having been eliminated from playoff contention. While one game remains, there is zero meaning beyond draft positioning, leaving little for Dallas fans to pay attention to but the offseason ahead. One that should signal some meaningful changes after a season full of fumbled opportunities. Dak Prescott played at a high level, and Brandon Aubrey continued to give the Cowboys an electric kicking game.
Playmakers CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Javonte Williams all had great seasons as well, pointing out just what an epic failure this year's defense was. Watching the unit made it clear that changes were needed, with a number of notable Dallas pieces spending their last days with the franchise, starting with pieces from a completely inept defense.
1. Matt Eberflus
The defensive coordinator has overseen the worst scoring defense in the league, with the Cowboys giving up more than 29 points per game. With this in mind, Jerry Jones must step in and fire the coordinator, understanding that there is simply nowhere to go but up. If Dallas had anything resembling a capable defense, this season would end in a playoff berth.
The needed offensive pieces were in place, and the defense simply couldn't find a way to even be a middle-of-the-road unit. This is all the evidence as to why Eberflus must go. For the Cowboys, it is impossible to believe the franchise won't stumble into an upgrade with nowhere to go but up.
While it might be a tough sell considering the current disarray, the offensive support will attract a capable coach. It is beyond clear that Eberflus is not the right coach after a 2025 season full of failure.
2. Kenny Clark
As much as fans might hate the idea of jettisoning the defender they received as part of the Micah Parsons trade, it might become a reality. If the Cowboys are going to pay George Pickens, Brandon Aubrey, and Javonte Williams, who are all slated to hit free agency, they are going to have to open up cap space somewhere.
Releasing the veteran defender frees up $21 million in cap space. This in itself goes a long way in paying Pickens to return, who is set to be the most expensive of the trio. For Clark, there's a world in which he won't return to Dallas after the team opted to bring in Quinnen Williams. It doesn't make sense to sink so much cap space into a position when your defense is failing at its current level.
With things realistically unable to go anywhere but up, the Cowboys have every reason to save the cap space and bring in cheaper options while freeing up the needed money. As frustrating as it might be to lose such a respected veteran, it is a harsh reality of a unit that didn't come anywhere close to getting the job done.
3. Donovan Wilson
While the safety could be pointed to as one of the few contributors to the defense in the 2025 season, there was one clear problem. The defensive back was unable to stay on the field, consistently dealing with injuries, and left the Cowboys' secondary in a bind. Now, Wilson is slated to hit free agency. He cannot be paid based on the inability to stay on the field.
Adding to this is the fact that the safety is already 30 and was a contributor to the league's worst scoring defense. Whether or not any fault is deserved, you cannot confidently sign the aging safety and believe he is going to stay in the lineup and present a consistent solution. With this in mind, it is time to turn the page and attempt to find a younger answer capable of staying on the field.
For the Cowboys, this is one of the slight upsides to the defensive misery they just endured. When it comes to potential offseason changes to the roster and defensive coaching staff, Wilson is atop the list.