The Dallas Cowboys needed a major defensive overhaul after a 2025 season filled with communication issues, pass-rush problems, and struggles in the secondary. Now, they have added seven notable pieces who could help change the outlook of the unit in 2026.

According to an Instagram post by CBS Sports, the question is whether Dallas did enough to fix the NFL's 32nd-ranked scoring defense from last season.

That starts with the front seven. The defensive additions were Caleb Downs (Safety), Von Miller (Edge), Rashan Gary (Edge), Cobie Durant (Cornerback), Jalen Thompson (Safety), Malachi Lawrence (Edge), and Dee Winters (Linebacker).

Dallas brought in veteran pass rusher Von Miller, traded for Rashan Gary, and drafted UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd overall pick.

Miller gives the Cowboys an experienced option for passing downs. The 37-year-old recorded nine sacks last season and has 138.5 in his career, along with two Super Bowl titles.

As per the Instagram post by CBS Sports on August 18, Gary gives Dallas another explosive edge presence, while Lawrence brings a younger option with plenty of upside. The rookie posted 19.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss during his final three college seasons.

The secondary also looks different.

First-round pick Caleb Downs could see time at both safety and nickel after a decorated career at Ohio State. He won the Jim Thorpe Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy in 2025 while recording 68 tackles and two interceptions.

Jalen Thompson adds another veteran safety who can move around the formation. Cobie Durant also gives Dallas another cornerback option after joining the team from the Los Angeles Rams.

Dee Winters rounds out the seven additions at linebacker. His speed gives the Cowboys another player capable of covering ground behind a revamped defensive front.

Dallas' defense showed some encouraging signs during the preseason opener against Seattle. The Cowboys allowed only 76 yards over the Seahawks' final seven possessions and held them scoreless over the final three quarters in a 17-7 victory.

The performance doesn't erase what happened in 2025, but it gave the new group a positive starting point.

Dallas could still add another cornerback

The secondary might not be finished yet. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported via X that Dallas has “explored cornerback help via free agency.” Fowler also identified Adoree' Jackson as one name to watch.

Jackson played 14 games for the Philadelphia Eagles last season, starting 10. He finished with 55 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and one interception.

A reunion with defensive coordinator Christian Parker could make sense. Jackson worked with Parker in Philadelphia, giving him some familiarity with the system Dallas is installing.

The Cowboys have already made significant changes. If another corner joins the group, the defense could look considerably different by the time the regular season arrives.

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Rudra Dubey