The Dallas Cowboys are ready to open the checkbook. After a disastrous defensive season, ESPN's Peter Schrager believes that owner Jerry Jones is set to make a splash in free agency, a significant shift in the team's recent strategy.

“They’re going to spend. They have money to spend, and they have a need. This is a defense that was atrocious last year. They already hired a 34-year-old wiz kid, defensive coordinator in Christian Parker, who comes from the Vic Fangio school in Philadelphia, and just got done being the mentor and tutor to Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell there in Philly.” Schrager said on First Take.

The team is already making moves. Christian Parker replaced Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator. Parker has also mentored the likes of Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Both players were named Pro Bowlers in 2025.

And he's already started making changes, going to a 3-4 system. This massive change could be exactly what the Cowboys need.

That defense allowed a record NFL high, 511 points. They were the third-worst team in the league, allowing 30.1 points per game and 377.0 scrimmage yards. That's why owner Jerry Jones is ready to splurge.

Jones said, “I would bet that we will spend more money in the free agency than we have.” It is going to be a very busy free agency for Jones and the Cowboys. 

Apart from ‌free agency, Dallas holds the 12th and 20th picks in this year's NFL draft. The front office will look at the defensive prospects in what is considered a deep defensive draft. 

Who Can The Cowboys Look to?

After the Cincinnati Bengals did not tag Trey Hendrickson, he is now a free agent and free to negotiate with any team. 

The veteran defender, now at 31-years of age, would fit well into this Dallas defense. In the 2025 regular season, Hendrickson had 11 solo tackles, four sacks, and one forced fumble. 

Maxx Crosby could be another big target for the team. Las Vegas is heading into a rebuild, so Dallas could use their first-round picks as part of the trade.

Who do you think Dallas will bring in?

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar