Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Vows to 'Bust the Budget' for Defense Rebuild

Jones says the overhaul is underway, but the work isn't finished yet.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:13pm by

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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has made it clear that the team is aggressively overhauling its defense, which was one of the worst in franchise history last season. Jones says the Cowboys have already made significant moves, including trading for Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary, signing safety Jalen Thompson to a lucrative deal, and adding depth across the secondary and defensive line. However, Jones says the work isn't finished and the team is still looking to improve, particularly at linebacker, before the upcoming NFL Draft.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' defense was a major liability last season, contributing to the team's struggles and failure to make the playoffs. Jones has acknowledged the need for a significant rebuild and is willing to 'bust the budget' to improve the unit. The success of these efforts will be crucial in determining whether the Cowboys can return to playoff contention in the 2026 season.

The details

The Cowboys have already made several key moves to overhaul their defense, including trading for Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary, signing safety Jalen Thompson to a three-year, $36 million deal, and adding depth at cornerback, safety, and defensive line. They've also traded away defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers and Solomon Thomas to the Titans in exchange for draft capital. However, Jones says the linebacker position is still an area of focus, and the team is looking to make additional moves before the draft to improve that unit.

  • In January, the Cowboys hired Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator.
  • At the 2026 NFL Annual League Meetings in Phoenix, Jones spoke about the team's defensive overhaul.

The players

Jerry Jones

The owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who has vowed to 'bust the budget' to improve the team's defense.

Christian Parker

The Cowboys' new defensive coordinator, who faces the challenge of revitalizing a unit that was one of the worst in the team's history.

Rashan Gary

An edge rusher acquired by the Cowboys in a trade with the Green Bay Packers.

Jalen Thompson

A safety signed by the Cowboys to a three-year, $36 million deal.

Osa Odighizuwa

A defensive tackle traded by the Cowboys to the San Francisco 49ers.

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What they’re saying

“We've been aggressive. We have, relatively speaking, stepped up the financial requirements for what we have done. We may have exceeded, busted, whatever you want to call it, but we're not done. We got some more to do.”

— Jerry Jones, Owner, Dallas Cowboys

“We're looking to improve there, personnel-wise. And are continuing to do so right now before the draft as well as the potential in the draft.”

— Jerry Jones, Owner, Dallas Cowboys

What’s next

The Cowboys will continue to look for ways to improve their linebacker corps before the upcoming NFL Draft, as Jones has indicated that position is still a focus for the team's defensive rebuild.

The takeaway

Jerry Jones and the Cowboys are making a concerted effort to overhaul their defense after a disastrous 2025 season, but the owner acknowledges that the work is not yet finished. The team's success in the 2026 season will hinge on whether these defensive improvements are enough to return the Cowboys to playoff contention.