The Dallas Cowboys haven't reached the NFC Championship game in nearly three decades. They also missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. But a former NFL wide receiver believes the team finally has a roster that can make a Super Bowl run in 2026.

During an episode of ESPN’s First Take on July 16, former NFL wide receiver Harry Douglas weighed in on whether the Cowboys belong in the NFC contender conversation, offering his honest take about the Cowboys' chances.

“Y'all know how I am with the Dallas Cowboys - I am not one of these analysts that come on TV every single year saying, 'Oh, the Dallas Cowboys are Super Bowl contenders,” Douglas said. “But, ladies and gentlemen, listen to me closely: I have the Dallas Cowboys for 2026 being Super Bowl contenders.”

Douglas further added that Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott could be a part of the MVP conversation, even predicting his win, as the team is "lethal offensively".

"But I look forward to the Dallas Cowboys being better defensively as well with Christian [DC Parker]," Harry Douglas said during the First Take show on July 16. "I have them right in the thick of everything in the NFC. I still have the Rams right here, but the Dallas Cowboys aren't far away, in my opinion, because I believe they can get it done in 2026."

Douglas further believes that the team's defense, which ranked near the bottom of the league overall (No. 30) last season, should also perform well under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

He expressed confidence in defensive tackles Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, who is returning healthy after suffering severe knee injuries in late 2024.

The former NFL player also approved of the addition of rookie Caleb Downs and the overall defensive overhaul made during the offseason.

Douglas argued that an average defensive unit alongside their explosive offense could elevate the chances of the Cowboys for the 2026 season.

Douglas warns the Cowboys won't have an easy path in the NFC East

However, the Cowboys' road to the NFC division title is no walk in the park. During the same July 16 episode of ESPN's First Take, Douglas said that any team could win the NFC East divisional title, highlighting the tough competition the Cowboys could face.

"When I look at the NFC East, I believe the Giants could win it, the Commanders could win it, the Dallas Cowboys could win it - any one of those teams could win the NFC East, in my opinion," Harry Douglas said on ESPN’s First Take show on July 16. "Excuse me, the Eagles too."

The Washington Commanders made a run to the NFC Championship game in 2024. The New York Giants brought in Super Bowl-winning head coach John Harbaugh, and the Philadelphia Eagles reached the playoffs for five consecutive years.

According to Douglas, the Cowboys' biggest challenge might come within their own division, where he believes every NFC East team has a legitimate shot at the title.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit