...
By Richie Whitt
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Coming off a disappointing 7-9-1 season sabotaged by one of the worst defenses in franchise history, the Dallas Cowboys' offseason checklist feels daunting. They need to not only keep their own productive players, but also use the money under their salary cap in free agency and two first-round draft picks in April's NFL Draft to upgrade the roster.
The overhaul began last week when they retained special teams coach Nick Sorenson and began repairing the defense by hiring new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. At this week's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., Cowboys' vice president Stephen Jones explained the reason for choosing Parker and provided insight on the team's offseason priorities.
On defense, the Cowboys plan to build around linemen Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark and must also decide whether to re-sign free-agent pass-rusher Jadaveon Clowney.
Read More on NFL
MORE: Cowboys’ Super Bowl Droughts – Playing and Hosting – Painfully Continue
...
MORE: Cowboys Address Awful Defense With 1st-Round Picks in Mel Kiper Mock Draft
"Obviously, we've got work to do on the defensive side of the ball," Jones said. "So between free agency, between the draft, there's a lot of resources there that we can use to make our defense better."
The revamping of a defense that allowed a franchise-record 30 points per game will rest on the shoulders of Parker.
"At the end of the day, it was Christian's vision," Jones explained. "Not only for the type of defense he wants to play in terms of the personality it's going to have and the type of culture he wants to create over on that side of the ball, but also the wrinkles that he could bring that really would fit the pieces that we have in place."
On the offensive side of the ball, the Cowboys will attempt to re-sign their top free agents: receiver George Pickens and running back Javonte Williams. The two combined for 20 touchdowns in 2025.
Jones said Williams "is at the top of our list" in terms of free-agent priority, but that the team would also like to return Pickens as a No. 2 receiver alongside CeeDee Lamb.
Said Jones, "Certainly we want George to be back here in Dallas."
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines