Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Admits Defensive Struggles

Jones says Dallas' defense was a "constant embarrassment" in 2025 season.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:38pm

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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones did not hold back when talking about his team's poor defensive performance during the 2025 NFL season. Jones acknowledged the defense was a "constant embarrassment" and said "had we played a lick of defense last year, we would've had ourselves, I think, a real playoff run." The Cowboys finished 7-9-1 and had one of the league's worst defenses, ranking 30th in total yards allowed and last in passing yards allowed.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' defensive struggles were a major factor in their disappointing 2025 season, missing the playoffs. Jones' candid comments highlight the team's need to significantly improve on that side of the ball, which will be a top priority this offseason through free agency and the draft.

The details

Jones spoke openly about the defense's poor play, 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." The Cowboys have already made some moves to address the defense, acquiring edge rusher Rashan Gary in a trade and signing former Rams cornerback Cobie Durant.

  • The Cowboys finished the 2025 NFL regular season with a 7-9-1 record.

The players

Jerry Jones

Owner of the Dallas Cowboys.

Micah Parsons

Former Cowboys linebacker who was traded away prior to the 2025 season.

Rashan Gary

Edge rusher acquired by the Cowboys in a trade with the Green Bay Packers this offseason.

Cobie Durant

Cornerback signed by the Cowboys after playing for the Los Angeles Rams.

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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, Dallas Cowboys (clutchpoints.com)

“Had we played a lick of defense last year, we would've had ourselves, I think, a real playoff run.”

— Jerry Jones, Owner, Dallas Cowboys (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Cowboys hold the 12th and 20th overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and are expected to focus on adding more defensive talent to improve the unit.

The takeaway

Jerry Jones' candid comments about the Cowboys' "pathetic" defense in 2025 highlight the team's urgent need to significantly upgrade that side of the ball this offseason. Dallas has already made some moves, but the draft will be crucial for them to rebuild a defense capable of supporting their offense and making a playoff push.