NFL Insiders Puzzled by Cowboys' Offseason Moves

Dallas' roster decisions leave league executives questioning the team's strategy and long-term goals.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:22pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Dallas Cowboys football game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, silver, white, and green, creating a dynamic, fractured visual representation of the team's puzzling offseason.The Cowboys' offseason moves have left the league puzzled, with their long-term strategy and ability to challenge the division-leading Eagles in question.Dallas Today

The Dallas Cowboys have made a series of puzzling offseason moves that have left NFL insiders scratching their heads. After trading away their top defensive tackle, the Cowboys' defense has lost some value, and they have not made significant improvements to the offense. This has led executives around the league to debate what the Cowboys are actually trying to accomplish, with questions surrounding their plans for the draft, the future of their receiving corps, and how they plan to challenge the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' offseason moves have created a lot of uncertainty and confusion around the league, as they seem to lack a clear, coherent strategy for improving the team and competing in the NFC East. This could have significant implications for the Cowboys' performance in the upcoming season and their ability to challenge the Eagles for the division title.

The details

According to reports, the Cowboys' offseason decisions have left NFL executives puzzled. The team traded away its top defensive tackle, weakening the defense, and has not made any major improvements to the offense. The Cowboys also made a trade for Rashan Gary, further confusing league insiders about the team's plans. Additionally, there are questions about how the Cowboys will handle their receiving corps, with CeeDee Lamb and the newly acquired George Pickens potentially both earning massive contracts.

  • The Cowboys made the trade for Rashan Gary earlier in the offseason.
  • The Cowboys are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, where they have two of the top 20 picks.

The players

Rashan Gary

A pass rusher acquired by the Cowboys in a trade this offseason, who had 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble for the Packers last season.

CeeDee Lamb

The Cowboys' star wide receiver, who is expected to earn a contract worth at least $34 million per year.

George Pickens

A wide receiver recently acquired by the Cowboys, who could also be in line for a massive contract.

Dak Prescott

The Cowboys' starting quarterback, who is currently earning $60 million per year.

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What they’re saying

“The Cowboys own two of the top 20 picks in the draft, which should help them for the long term, but is there any evidence they are pushing to get past where they've been for decades?”

— Anonymous NFL Executive

“What are they going to do with Pickens? Are you going to have two receivers making (at least $34 million, CeeDee Lamb's APY), plus the quarterback (Dak Prescott) making $60 million?”

— Anonymous NFL Executive

What’s next

As the Cowboys prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, they will have an opportunity to add some foundational pieces to their roster. However, with the Philadelphia Eagles having won the NFC East for the past two seasons, the rest of the division is scrambling to find ways to overtake them, and the Cowboys' offseason moves have left many around the league doubtful about their ability to truly challenge the Eagles.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' puzzling offseason moves have created a lot of uncertainty and confusion around the league, with NFL executives questioning the team's strategy and long-term goals. This could have significant implications for the Cowboys' performance in the upcoming season and their ability to compete in the NFC East, where the division-rival Eagles have established themselves as the team to beat.