The Dallas Cowboys‘ defense collapsed under pressure in the 2025 campaign, leaving the offense to carry the weight, which ultimately cost the team a playoff berth. As the preparation begins for the upcoming campaign, the owner, Jerry Jones, has the utmost priority to bolster the struggling defense, which could make them a championship contender. On that note, the 83-year-old came clean on the team’s defensive woes.

“We have addressed our defense significantly. Going in, I thought that if we could pick that up and sustain the level that we played at on offense last year, always looking to improve, specifically with the depth of our roster and special teams,” said Jones at the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting in Phoenix.

“The fact that we have no reason to think that we can’t be as good as we were last year on special teams. When you’re almost dead last, you can anticipate some pretty good improvements and get pretty good odds you’ll get something.”

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Even though the Cowboys’ defense was poor, their offense, led by the quarterback, Dak Prescott, sang a completely different tune, with the wide receiver George Pickens enjoying a breakout season. Scoring 471 points, the White and Navy Blue were 7th in the league, and they were 6th in total offensive yards (6,663). They are expected to carry that momentum next season.

Besides the offense, the Cowboys’ special team was also equally impressive last year, led by placekicker Brandon Aubrey, who successfully converted 85.7% of the field goals and remained one of the prolific kickers in the league.

With a goal of improvement, the franchise has already signed nine new players from free agency. In addition, they are in contract negotiations with last season’s star, George Pickens, and with the kicker Brandon Aubrey, who is a restricted free agent. Of the nine new players, seven are on defense, which shows Jones’ intent to elevate the unit.

Safety Jalen Thompson or cornerback Cobie Durant could be a major boost to the defense. Likewise, their first two round picks from the 2026 NFL Draft could make a significant impact on the team. Besides his upfront review, Jones has his target in mind for the next campaign.

Cowboys and Jerry Jones eye defensive evolution to overcome past struggles

The Cowboys have been playing in the 4-3 system since 2013. Since then, they have reached the playoffs six times but failed to cross the final hurdle. After the defensive struggle last season, the franchise is changing the conventional system, setting the next target for the team.

“We have made a conscious decision to be a blend of the equivalent of the 3-4,” added Jones. “It won’t be a pure 3-4, and, with the times too, there has got to be flexibility, but it’s not new to me from Bill Parcells; just throughout my time in sports and even going back in college, the 3-4 concept can give you better run support.”

Under the new defensive coordinator, the Cowboys are implementing a different system as Jones outlined. While the five-time Super Bowl champions are likely to have a base defense, they don’t want to be predictable, so it could be a blend of both, keeping the opponents in check.

In his previous coaching assignment, Parker was a defensive staff member of the Philadelphia Eagles, who primarily used the 3-4 model while blending with the 4-3 and 5-2, becoming unpredictable to the rival offense. As a result, the Eagles became the Super Bowl champions in the 2024 season, and they reached the playoffs in 2025.

The excellent defensive display was pivotal to their success with the involvement of Parker. The Eagles’ defense ranked 2nd in the league in 2024 and 5th last season.

Before 2013, the Cowboys adopted the 3-4 system, which was started by Bill Parcells in his third season (2005), and Jerry Jones acknowledged it during the interview. Bill’s successors, Wade Phillips and Rob Ryan, also used it.

Throughout the eight seasons of using the defensive scheme, the team advanced to the postseason only three times, which is why Jerry Jones is probably referring to blending both to keep the unpredictability.