Are the Cowboys getting better? Breaking down Dallas’ free agency moves

The Dallas Cowboys have taken a noticeably active approach early in the 2026 offseason, reshaping parts of the roster while trying to keep the core of the team intact.

From trades and free-agent signings to contract restructures and key re-signings, Dallas has made several moves aimed at addressing weaknesses from last season, particularly on defense.

Here’s a look at everything the Cowboys have done so far and what it might mean for the 2026 season.

A look at all of the Dallas Cowboys’ moves so far

So far, Dallas has focused on strengthening the defense while maintaining stability on offense.

Key additions

• EDGE Rashan Gary - acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Packers
• S Jalen Thompson - signed to help reinforce the secondary
• S P.J. Locke - added for depth and special teams
• DT Otito Ogbonnia - signed to add size to the defensive line rotation
• QB Sam Howell - brought in as depth behind Dak Prescott
• CB Cobie Durant - another addition aimed at improving the secondary

Re-signings and internal moves

• RB Javonte Williams - re-signed to a three-year, $24 million contract after his performance last season
• EDGE Sam Williams - brought back on a one-year deal

Contract restructures

To create salary-cap flexibility, the Cowboys restructured contracts for several core players:

• QB Dak Prescott
• WR CeeDee Lamb
• G Tyler Smith

These moves helped Dallas free up cap space to pursue free agents.

Other roster decisions

Dallas also made several departures and structural changes to the roster:

• DT Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas were traded as part of changes along the defensive line
• LB Logan Wilson was released earlier in the offseason
• WR George Pickens received the franchise tag to keep him from reaching free agency

Adding pass-rush help

One of the most significant moves Dallas made was trading for edge rusher Rashan Gary. After trading away top pass rusher Micah Parsons before last year, the defense didn’t always generate the same consistent pressure off the edge. Bringing in Gary gives Dallas a proven disruptor who can help restore some of that presence in the pass rush.

Continuity in the backfield

The Cowboys also made sure to keep a familiar piece of the offense by re-signing running back Javonte Williams. Williams is already a known commodity in Dallas after joining the team last season and carving out an important role in the offense. His physical running style helped stabilize the backfield and gave the Cowboys a reliable option when they needed tough yards.

After that performance, it wasn’t surprising to see the Cowboys bring him back. Keeping Williams in the fold gives Dallas continuity in the running game and a player the coaching staff already trusts in the system.

A defense that could look different

Many of the Cowboys’ offseason moves suggest the defense may look noticeably different next season (let’s hope so). Dallas added multiple defensive backs and brought in help along the defensive line, moves that point toward an effort to reduce the big plays that hurt the team last year.

Several changes along the defensive front also hint at a shift in scheme under the team’s defensive coaching staff, with the Cowboys targeting bigger interior defenders and more versatile edge players.

If that transition continues, Dallas could still make additional moves before the start of the season.

Are the Cowboys actually better?

The big question after all these moves is whether or not this actually makes the Cowboys better. In some areas, the answer appears to be yes. The additions in the secondary and along the defensive line directly address weaknesses that showed up last season. Adding players like Gary and Thompson gives the defense more experience and depth than it had before.

At the same time, the Cowboys’ approach has been more about adjusting the roster than rebuilding it. Dallas is still relying heavily on its offensive core led by Prescott and Lamb, while hoping the defensive upgrades can raise the team’s overall ceiling.

Whether that strategy works will ultimately depend on how quickly the new defensive pieces fit together and whether the pass rush returns to form.

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