The Cowboys went 7-9-1 in 2025 with the NFL's worst defense (30.1 PPG allowed, dead last) despite a top-10 offense (27.7 PPG). New DC Christian Parker is transitioning from a 4-3 to a multiple 3-4 base, which triggered a roster overhaul on the defensive side.
| Round 1 | #12, #20 (from Packers) |
| Round 3 | #92 (from 49ers) |
| Round 4 | #112 |
| Round 5 | #152, #177, #180 |
| Round 7 | #218 (from Titans) |
Traded 2nd-round pick to NYJ for Quinnen Williams; traded 3rd-round pick to PIT for George Pickens; acquired 3rd-round pick (92) from SF in Osa Odighizuwa trade; swapped 7th-rounders with TEN in Solomon Thomas trade; sent 2027 4th to GB for Rashan Gary
Critical Needs
Trevon Diggs was released mid-season after injuries and a contentious relationship with the front office.
Linebacker was publicly stated as the Cowboys' biggest need entering the offseason, and it has not been addressed at all.
Important Needs
The Rashan Gary trade addressed the most acute need, but this position group is still thin and lacks a true elite pass rusher after the Micah Parsons trade.
The Cowboys traded away both Osa Odighizuwa (to SF) and Solomon Thomas (to TEN) because they didn't fit Parker's 3-4 scheme.
Depth Needs
Tyler Guyton (2024 1st-round pick) is pegged as the LT starter but has had significant durability concerns, missing 7 games in 2025 and missing time as a rookie too.
The Cowboys signed Jalen Thompson (3-year, $36M) and P.J.
Minor Needs
CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens (franchise tagged at $27.3M) form an elite 1-2 punch.
- Traded for EDGE Rashan Gary from Green Bay (sent 2027 4th-round pick) — partially addresses EDGE need but still thin
- Signed S Jalen Thompson (3-year, $36M from Arizona) — significantly reduces safety need
- Signed S P.J. Locke (1-year, up to $5M from Denver) — adds veteran safety depth
- Re-signed EDGE Sam Williams (1-year, $3M) — low-cost depth, still needs starter-level help
- Signed DT Otito Ogbonnia (1-year deal from LAC) — nose tackle for 3-4 transition
New DC Christian Parker is installing a multiple 3-4 base defense (replacing Eberflus' 4-3), with 4-2-5 nickel and dime packages. Full scheme analysis →
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