There's so much reason to be energized if you're a Dallas Cowboys fan in 2026. There was no reason to be in 2025 with Matt Eberflus' defense, but ESPN's Adam Schefter on "The Adam Schefter Podcast" said the Cowboys have an interesting training camp headline, and "interesting" means intriguing in this case.
Christian Parker's defense is still not up to par with the Denver Broncos or the Houston Texans. However, the Cowboys' front seven was recently ranked as mid-tier in the NFL. They already have a high-powered offense, and that's more than enough for the Cowboys to do damage, especially considering Dak Prescott doesn't have to play hero ball every time. Here's what Schefter had to say about the new-look Cowboys.
"The (Dallas Cowboys) went out and dramatically upgraded their defense, which has to give people hope...They go out, and they draft playmakers at the top of the draft: Caleb Downs to play safety, Malachi Lawrence to rush the passer. They added a safety in free agency, Jalen Thompson, who cannot be overlooked."
Adam Schefter calls the Cowboys dangerous in 2026
Even if the Cowboys' defense were ranked outside the top 20, it'd still be a win. They can afford to be below-average and still be a contender. Again, Parker doesn't want to put too much weight on Prescott, but balance it as best they can.
It's still a new-look defense, but Schefter says that this Cowboys team could be "dangerous" if it all comes together.
"If this defense is as improved as Dallas thinks, then Dallas becomes dangerous for the 2026 season."
Parker brings the ever-so-popular Vic Fangio style of defense with a lot of post-snap rotation on the secondaries. That's why Parker worked hand-in-hand with Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell, who became First-Team All-Pros.
It's a long way to go with Jalen Thompson, Malik Hooker and P.J. Locke on that end, but Parker has the resume to take guys to that level.
DeMarvion Overshown and Dee Winters are a major upgrade compared to Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray. Nobody could stop the run, but it was embarrassing at times to see Murray run the wrong gap and the opposing RB already well past the defense. My favorite to wear the dot would be Overshown, because he's a fast LB who can help out in coverage.
The All-American safety Caleb Downs is the obvious cash cow that fans are looking forward to. If his career trajectory continues upward, New York Giants fans will feel agony for missing out on two chances to pick him.
The All-Big 12 First Team player Malachi Lawrence could end up being the hidden gem we're not talking enough about, but Schefer mentioned him. ESPN even listed Lawrence as a sleeper for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
There's a path here for the Cowboys to be dangerous, as Schefter alluded to, but it's important to let the players earn it on the field. Schefter is right when he says this Cowboys defense has changed dramatically.
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