Cowboys build a scary defensive front and eye the NFC East — if the offense finishes drives

The Dallas Cowboys had one of the quieter, more purposeful offseasons in the NFC East, and the result is a roster that could push for the division. Anchored by an explosive offense and now backed by a rebuilt defensive front, Dallas is banking on a return to contention under head coach Brian Schottenheimer — and, for once, without the usual offseason theatrics.

A scary front seven

The headline moves came on defense. In yet another Cowboys-Packers swap, Dallas added pass rusher Rashan Gary to inject juice off the edge, pairing him with interior force Quinnen Williams to form a genuinely frightening front. The Cowboys then used a first-round pick on safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 — trading up a spot to get him — a player many view as an instant-impact defender and a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate. Edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, taken later in the first round, adds to the pass-rush rebuild that has been a priority since Dallas traded Micah Parsons a year ago. Cornerback Cobie Durant, signed away from the Rams, slots in opposite DaRon Bland.

An offense on the cusp

Dallas's offense, led by quarterback Dak Prescott, is a red-zone fix away from being among the league's best. The offensive line, once the class of the NFL, has been chasing consistency, but the talent to be a top-tier unit is there. If the Cowboys convert more of their production into points, this offense can strain any defense in the league.

A calm offseason

Notably, this was a drama-free spring in Dallas — the contract squabbles with George Pickens and kicker Brandon Aubrey were tame by Cowboys standards, drawing praise even from franchise legends. For a team that has often generated more headlines than wins, the businesslike offseason is itself a positive sign.

Season outlook

The Cowboys enter 2026 as a legitimate factor in a competitive NFC East. If the retooled defense climbs toward the top tier and the offense finishes drives, Dallas can be one of the division's two frontrunners alongside the Eagles. The pieces are in place — a dangerous offense, a rebuilt front, and a promising rookie in Downs. The questions are the familiar ones: offensive-line consistency and red-zone execution. Get those right, and the Cowboys are a real player in the NFC.