Jerry Jones promised fans a defense overhaul, and even with multiple free agent signings, he may not be done.

According to a Sports Illustrated report, three more options remain that the Cowboys and Jones could explore: Larry Ogunjobi (DL), Bobby Wagner (LB), and Dante Fowler Jr. (edge).

Christian Parker took over as defensive coordinator for the 2026 NFL season. And he would like more additions to overhaul that plagued defense from 2025. 

Ogunjobi is a veteran in the NFL and could come in handy as a rotational player for Christian Parker. The 31-year-old did have a rough start to the 2025 season as he missed six games for violating the league’s PED policy. However, he is familiar with the 3-4 defensive system, something that Parker will look to employ with the Cowboys. 

Bobby Wagner could be a serious option for the Cowboys, as this is one position they have yet to sign a player. While the 36-year-old Wagner isn't a long-term solution, he could still be a valuable asset to Parker's defense. In the 2025 season with the Commanders, Wagner had 162 tackles and 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions. 

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has also worked with the linebacker previously at Seattle. 

The last option is Dante Fowler, an edge pass rusher. The Cowboys have already addressed this position with Rashan Gary, who will be the first choice. However, the Cowboys need to strengthen this position as their second choice, Donvan Ezeiruaku, has recently had hip surgery. 

Fowler could fit in well as a rotational player and has also had success with the 3-4 system, and had 10.5 sacks when he played for the Commanders in 2024. However, the 31-year-old had only three sacks in 2025.

However, if the Cowboys don't want to go for free agents, they could look to trade, since they save some serious draft captital.

Are the Cowboys looking to trade either of their first-round picks?

The Dallas Cowboys hold the 12th and 20th overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

Stephen Jones, the co-owner and executive vice president of the Dallas Cowboys, confirmed that the team would trade its first-round picks. 

Jones Said, “It’s tough to predict. We’re certainly open-minded to it. Always open-minded to trading... If the right guy fits, the perfect fit, then we would certainly look at it and see if it worked in with what we’re trying to get accomplished.” 

The Cowboys were in for star pass rusher Maxx Crosby and were willing to offer one first-round pick rather than both. 

The Cowboys still own both first-round picks, and it is unclear if they will be used in a trade.

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar