Sitting at 3-5-1, the Cowboys’ chances at making the playoffs are severely in question. Dallas has a conference record of 2-4-1 and is currently out of the playoff picture. Meanwhile, three teams in the NFC West have six wins or more, including the San Francisco 49ers, whose six wins have come against the NFC. The mathematical edge isn’t in Dallas’ favor to make the postseason, even as a wild card for the moment.
Their best chance would be somehow catching the NFC East leading Philadelphia Eagles, who are 2.5 games ahead of Dallas. The Cowboys would have to beat the Eagles, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants to finish with a 5-1 record in the division, hope the Eagles stumble, and navigate a remaining schedule against the Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Detroit Lions.
6. Are the Cowboys done adding pieces to the defense ?
Although the trade deadline has passed, it doesn’t mean the Cowboys are done adding more to the roster. If they wanted, they could get more help for the defense still, the team has roughly $20M available in cap space per Overthecap.com. Assume the Cowboys wanted to do more for the defense, here are three players Dallas could target in mid-season free agency:
Stephon Gilmore
Stephon Gilmore has expressed that he would like to continue playing and is at home waiting for a call. Gilmore was with the Minnesota Vikings last year and started all 17 games for the Cowboys in 2023, intercepting two passes. He would be a nice fill-in with veteran leadership and not force Revel to take the field too soon.
Justin Simmons
If added, Simmons would give somebody who could play center field in the deep third of their defense and also provide run support. Hooker hasn’t been quite right this season, and so far, Dallas doesnt have enough of a sample to be sure of Juanyeh Thomas filling that role at an above average level. Simmons is only two years from removed from the 2023 season, where he earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
Demarcus Walker
Demarcus Walker is someone who has close ties to Matt Eberflus, having played for him for the last two seasons in Chicago. Walker has tallied seven sacks in the last two seasons and could be used in multiple spots. He can rush off the edge and play as an under tackle in sub packages. If Dallas has convinced itself that 2025 isn’t over yet, it could look to inquire about these players.