The Dallas Cowboys needed to add some exciting talent to their defense heading into this season. After an absolutely disastrous defensive unit last year that gave up more than 30 points per game, a whole new look was needed.
For any defense to improve, having playmakers on multiple levels is important. The first step was hiring a new defensive coordinator, and Christian Parker looks to be the right man for the job.
The Cowboys then traded up in the 2026 NFL Draft and got safety Caleb Downs, who was arguably the best defensive player available. Downs has all the talent to be a future star in the secondary. Linebacker Rashan Gary was also added thanks to a trade with the Green Bay Packers.
The star power has further increased on Dallas' defense thanks to the huge signing of two-time Super Bowl champion and former Super Bowl MVP Von Miller on Sunday. He signed a one-year deal worth $5.5 million, with a max value of $7.5 million.
The Von Miller signing reflects a massive difference between the 2025 and 2026 Week 1 rosters
While the 37-year-old obviously isn't the same player he was in his prime, Miller can still be a real difference-maker on the defense.
Cowboys fans really needed some big names on this defense to create excitement and show that this upcoming year will really be different. More veteran presence will also help given that this is a relatively younger unit. Miller is now a well-known player who can really lead the change in the culture as well.
He's now entering his 15th season in the NFL, so Miller knows what it takes, having done it himself at an incredibly high level. There's still a great level of production he can bring based on his last season. Miller still racked up nine sacks with the Washington Commanders in 2025, more sacks than any individual player on the Cowboys.
Dallas needs more pass-rushing ability, and Miller can provide that. Whether he's starting or a depth piece in the linebacker room, this is a move that targets an area of need.
The Cowboys' Week 1 looks very different from last season, and it's full of a wide variety of talent. The depth has also greatly improved. Miller is part of that depth.
From the 2025 opening day lineup to now, there’s been quite a change for the Cowboys. Sixteen players played 20+ snaps vs. Philly. Ten are no longer on the roster and others remaining are not a lock to make the team in 2026. pic.twitter.com/baWEibknfU
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 17, 2026
Gary had 7.5 sacks last season with Green Bay, and DeMarvion Overshown can be explosive, racking up five sacks in 2024.
Miller joining the Cowboys is also quite symbolic and will get Dallas fired up. He is a native Texan from DeSoto, just 30 minutes away from AT&T Stadium. Miller was the second overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M.
Dallas ! Let’s make this one Special ! đŸ˜ˆ pic.twitter.com/STWZiqBLij
— Von Miller (@VonMiller) August 17, 2026
He's clearly excited about the move in his latest social media posts, while he was also on a call with former teammate and Cowboys legend DeMarcus Ware.
This pairing is quite fascinating and gives Parker another pass rusher to use up front. It will be interesting to see how Miller is ultimately used. Miller has 138.5 sacks in his career and over 600 tackles.
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