The Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 campaign was painful to watch from the jump. The team finished 7-9-1 and second in the NFC East, despite Dak Prescott throwing for 4,552 yards and the offense ranking seventh in scoring at 27.7 points per game. While the offense remained a powerhouse, their defense was always at the bottom of the rankings.
They surrendered 377 yards per game and 59 touchdowns, ranking 30th in total defense. Their secondary was particularly bad, finishing dead last in the league by giving up 251.5 passing yards per game. Because the defense allowed 30.1 points per game, the team’s playoff hopes effectively ended before Thanksgiving.
Now, owner Jerry Jones promises this offseason to surprise fans with major defensive changes.
Jerry Jones doubles down on Cowboys defensive fixes at Arlington IndyCar event
On Sunday night, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made his intentions clear while appearing on the IndyCarSeries on Fox during the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington. Asked about his optimism heading into the new league year, Jones didn’t sugarcoat.
Sep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones looks on before the game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones looks on before the game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
“I believe we’ve done one thing: we’re figuring out how to stop them,” Jonessaid. “We can’t do anything but go up there. But that’s where we are addressing and that’s where we’re putting our energy in our mind.”
Jerry Jones on the Cowboys offseason moves to fix the defense. pic.twitter.com/VWhSXXPi0D
— INDYCAR on FOX (@IndyCarOnFOX) March 15, 2026
The franchise has backed his words with action. In early 2026, Dallas traded for Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary and signed safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke to patch the struggling defense.
Thompson was a five-year starter in Arizona, and Gary gave new defensive coordinator Christian Parker a proven playmaker to pair with second-year rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku.
These moves, alongside the earlier 2025 mid-season trade for All-Pro tackle Quinnen Williams, show the front office is committed to a multi-year defensive rebuild rather than a quick fix. It would be great if they pursued Maxx Crosby, butJones told everyone not to anticipate much.
They also brought in All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and traded for EDGE Rashan Gary. However, they will face a challenge in late April with having eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including two in the first round, No. 12 and 22. This is the first time they’ve held two opening-round picks since 2008.
So, they are expected to use these early picks to finally address their biggest weaknesses. If Jerry Jones keeps his word, the draft in Pittsburgh (April 23–25) will show if this turnaround is for real.