Cowboys' Cupboard Not as Bare as Perceived

Despite a 7-9-1 season, Dallas has key pieces in place on offense and opportunities to improve the defense

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Despite the Dallas Cowboys' disappointing 7-9-1 season and 32nd-ranked defense, the team's roster is not as bare as it may seem. The Cowboys have a strong foundation on offense led by quarterback Dak Prescott, who is ranked among the NFL's elite, as well as several Pro Bowl-caliber players like CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Brandon Aubrey. The defense also has some promising pieces, including defensive tackles Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, and young linebackers DeMarvion Overshown and Shemar James. With a new defensive coaching staff and two first-round draft picks, the Cowboys believe they can quickly turn things around and return to contention.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' 7-9-1 record in 2025 was a major disappointment, but the team believes it has the core pieces in place to bounce back quickly. By highlighting the team's offensive strengths and defensive potential, the article aims to provide a more balanced perspective and temper the narrative that the Cowboys' roster is in complete disarray.

The details

The Cowboys' offense was highly productive in 2025, scoring the second-most points in franchise history and ranking second in the NFL in total yards. This was led by Prescott, who was ranked the third-best quarterback in the league by NFL.com. The team also has a talented receiving corps with Lamb, Pickens, and others. On defense, the Cowboys made some key trades to acquire proven starters like Williams and Clark, and have high hopes for young players like Overshown and James to step up. The secondary is an area of concern, but the team has brought in experienced defensive backs coaches to help improve that unit.

  • The 2026 NFL season will kick off in September 2026.

The players

Dak Prescott

The Cowboys' starting quarterback, who was ranked the third-best QB in the NFL by NFL.com after finishing the 2025 season healthy.

CeeDee Lamb

A Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Cowboys in 2025.

Quinnen Williams

A four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle acquired by the Cowboys via trade.

Kenny Clark

A three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle acquired by the Cowboys via trade.

DeMarvion Overshown

A linebacker for the Cowboys who missed most of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL but is expected to be a key contributor in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“This might have gone unnoticed, but the 21-year-old rookie linebacker Shemar James, highly athletic with only three years of college ball, finished second on the team with 85 tackles.”

— Mickey Spagnola, Cowboys Writer (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Cowboys will look to address their defensive needs through free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft, where they hold two first-round picks.

The takeaway

While the Cowboys' 7-9-1 record in 2025 was disappointing, the team believes it has a strong foundation in place on offense and opportunities to improve the defense through strategic personnel moves. With Dak Prescott leading the way and a new defensive coaching staff, the Cowboys are confident they can quickly turn things around and return to contention in the NFC.