Jerry Jones Sees Cowboys Rebounding After Poor Defensive Season

Cowboys owner highlights offseason defensive additions as team aims to bounce back from 7-9-1 record in 2025.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:53am

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Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones addressed the team's defensive struggles in the 2025 season, when they finished 30th in the NFL in total defense and gave up 59 touchdowns. Jones expressed optimism about the team's offseason moves to address those issues, including trades for pass rusher Rashan Gary and the signings of defensive end Otito Ogbonnia, safeties P.J. Locke and Jalen Thompson, and cornerback Cobie Durant.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' defensive woes were a major factor in the team missing the playoffs in 2025 after a 7-9-1 season. Improving the defense will be crucial for Dallas to bounce back and contend in the NFC East in 2026.

The details

The Cowboys finished the 2025 season ranked 30th in total defense, giving up 59 touchdowns - the second-most in the NFL that year. Under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the team struggled on that side of the ball despite notable wins over the Chiefs, Eagles, and Giants. In the offseason, the Cowboys have made several moves to bolster the defense, including trading for pass rusher Rashan Gary and signing defensive end Otito Ogbonnia, safeties P.J. Locke and Jalen Thompson, and cornerback Cobie Durant.

  • The Cowboys finished the 2025 season with a 7-9-1 record.
  • The Cowboys missed the playoffs in the 2025 season.

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 in free agency this offseason.

P.J. Locke

A safety signed by the Cowboys in free agency this offseason.

Jalen Thompson

A safety signed by the Cowboys in free agency this offseason.

Cobie Durant

A cornerback signed by the Cowboys in free agency this offseason.

Dak Prescott

The Cowboys' starting quarterback, who started all 17 games in 2025 after missing more than half the 2024 season due to injury.

Brian Schottenheimer

The Cowboys' head coach in the 2025 season, his first year with the team.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Cowboys will look to address any remaining defensive needs in the upcoming NFL Draft in April.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' defensive struggles in 2025 were a major factor in their failure to make the playoffs, but the team has made several key offseason additions to bolster that side of the ball. If the defense can improve, Dallas has the offensive firepower to bounce back and contend in the NFC East in 2026.