Cowboys Owner Jones Optimistic About Defensive Additions After Dismal 2025 Season

Dallas finished 30th in total defense last year, but Jones believes offseason moves will help team rebound.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:34pm

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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed optimism about the team's defense after adding six new players this offseason. The Cowboys finished 2025 ranked 30th in total defense, giving up 59 touchdowns, and Jones acknowledged the defensive shortcomings ultimately derailed the team's playoff hopes. However, Jones highlighted the recent additions to the Cowboys' defense, including acquiring pass rusher Rashan Gary in a trade and signing defensive end Otito Ogbonnia and safeties P.J. Locke and Jalen Thompson, as well as former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Cobie Durant, leaving him optimistic heading into the NFL Draft.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' poor defensive performance in 2025 was a major factor in the team missing the playoffs, and Jones is hoping the offseason additions will help the unit rebound and put the team back in contention. The Cowboys' defense was one of the worst in the NFL last season, so improving that side of the ball is crucial for the team's success going forward.

The details

The Cowboys finished 2025 ranked 30th in total defense, giving up 59 touchdowns, which was the second-highest total in the NFL. Jones highlighted the recent additions the Cowboys have made to address the defensive issues, including acquiring pass rusher Rashan Gary in a trade and signing defensive end Otito Ogbonnia and safeties P.J. Locke and Jalen Thompson, as well as former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Cobie Durant. Outside linebacker Tyrus Wheat also signed on for a second stint with Dallas.

  • The Cowboys missed the playoffs last season under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, finishing with a 7–9–1 record.

The players

Jerry Jones

The longtime owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys.

Rashan Gary

A pass rusher acquired by the Cowboys in a trade this offseason.

Otito Ogbonnia

A defensive end signed by the Cowboys this offseason.

P.J. Locke

A safety signed by the Cowboys this offseason.

Jalen Thompson

A safety signed by the Cowboys this offseason.

Cobie Durant

A cornerback formerly of the Los Angeles Rams, signed by the Cowboys this offseason.

Tyrus Wheat

An outside linebacker who signed a second stint with the Cowboys this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“What we've done on defense, plus what we have set up for the draft, plus what we have coming back from our veteran defensive players that really didn't play that much last year — injury issues, things like that — gives us a lot of promise.”

— Jerry Jones, Owner and General Manager, Dallas Cowboys (FoxNews.com)

“When you have the challenges we had last year, there's no place to go but up on the defensive side of the ball. Had we played a lick of defense last year, we would've had ourselves, I think, a real playoff run.”

— Jerry Jones, Owner and General Manager, Dallas Cowboys (FoxNews.com)

What’s next

The Cowboys will look to continue addressing their defensive needs through the upcoming NFL Draft in April.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' dismal defensive performance in 2025 was a major factor in the team missing the playoffs, and owner Jerry Jones is hoping the offseason additions to the unit will help the team rebound and return to the postseason in 2026.