The Dallas Cowboys are looking to return to the playoffs and win the NFC East for the first time since 2023.
That will likely require a much-improved defense this season, after 2025 ended with one of the worst in team history. Cowboys coaches, players and the front office know it too.
“We know that changing out and starting new can obviously create quite a challenge. But I like what we’ve got to work with. I, of course, have a lot of confidence. And our head coach, Schotty (Schottenheimer), and I have a lot of confidence in the coaches that he’s involved,” Jerry Jones, Hall of Fame owner and General Manager, said.
Jones said he was proud of the relatively quieter offseason than the Cowboys’ past, but fans should still expect big changes.
“Especially on defense, we ended up turning it into something completely different than it was when we started. So we even did more than I could have anticipated when we started. And, I like I personally like the fact that the perception is that it’s been a quiet, non-confrontational offseason. That’s good,” Jones said. “I like the mood. I like what we’re coming to camp with.”
The offense is looking to return to its 2025 form.
“Dak actually, tangibly can cause his teammates to play at a higher level than I can. So when Dak is that positive about it, that adds some credibility to it. I too can say that the fact that Dak is looking at what he’s looking at causes me to feel the same way. I think we’ve got a chance to really be good. It’s going to be hard,” Jones said. “As old (Barry) Switzer used to say. We’re going to burn some of these wagons on the way to California for firewood. We’re going to lose some folks. We’re going to have some barn, but the wagon train is going to get there. So, bottom line is, I love the excitement. You guys, for all practical purposes, don’t expect us to be a contender in the Super Bowl. Y’all don’t. Why would you? I like that, I do, I like that, and I like what we put together to show you that we can do it.”
Dak Prescott sent a message, arriving in a Cowboys’ Super Bowl XXX championship shirt. The Cowboys defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17.
Jones is not saying Super Bowl yet, but he’s not shying away from expectations.
“I like the idea that, thinking, thinking that positive about what we’re going to work for. We’ve got a long way to go, starting really having started in our spring, but, that that’s good to me to be positive, especially coming from him. He’s a big part. He’s got a first-hand feel for what we can do. Certainly on his side of the ball,” Jones said.
Jones knows fans are tired of the empty hype.
“I’ve never thought that was anything, quiet or subdued about the Dallas Cowboys. I never thought of it that way, but I have been guilty of stirring it up, and, and you guys helped me, and we’ve been. And we have been a great team, I promise you that for the last 30 something years. And so, that does happen. And it is good. I don’t believe it makes one iota’s worth of difference on whether or not we block the guy or go off tackle,” Jones said. “Perception is big. but, what I will tell you is I don’t plan on doing anything around here for the next few days to stir anything up.”
Stephen Jones said the team is still improving.
“I mean, we’re entertaining thoughts on players as we speak. Right now, I mean, Will (McClay) does an amazing job of, you know, getting the players and putting them in front of Jerry, myself, Schotty. And so we’re always looking for ways to get better. I will say that I think we’ve done a good job of putting together a roster that’s going to take the field today. They were out there working some, working out, you know, that gives us a great opportunity to really do the things that we want to do, which is to be a lot better than we were last year and, hopefully, compete for a Super Bowl. That’s every team’s goal. I’m sure if you ask 31 other teams in this league, their goal is to win the Super Bowl. And, certainly when we go to work, every offseason, that’s our goal. But I do feel like, you know, we’ve done a really good job of, you know, doing the things that we need to do to improve, not only coaching, but also players, to give us that opportunity. But the other answer to your question is, no, we’re not finished. I mean, we’re going to look for opportunities, you know, every day, to improve this roster. And obviously, guys will go out on that field, they’ll compete, and some guys will really show up. You’ll be really pleased. And, you know, like any team in any given year, even in years where we won Super Bowls, you’re looking for ways to improve. You know, as you go through training camp into the preseason and then ultimately into the season, you’re always looking for ways to make your team better,” Stephen Jones said.
Wide receiver George Pickens showed up with his co-star CeeDee Lamb.
Schottenheimer said Daron Bland and Donovan Ezeiraku are cleared for camp after undergoing offseason surgeries.
“We don’t see any restrictions. We’re just going to be smart with them because they missed the spring. But we’re very, very healthy going into camp. And hope that that continues,” Schottenheimer said.
Jerry Jones said it’s possible the team uses future assets, like a trade of draft picks, to improve the current roster.
“Candidly, I’d be very interested. I’d give up future to add substantive to where we are today, as to a player,” Jones said. “I feel that good about this team this year. And, of course, you know that I haven’t seen this team play together. And so, but in general, looking ahead, I think we’ve got a chance to be worthy of spending some future. If we saw an opportunity.”
The Cowboys’ first practice is Wednesday.
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