Cowboys continue defensive overhaul with Adoree’ Jackson visit
The Dallas Cowboys hosted former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Adoree’ Jackson on Tuesday, continuing their quest to boost their porous defense from 2025.
The Dallas Cowboys have left no doubt about what their biggest priority is this offseason, and they’re still not done fixing it.
Despite a wave of defensive additions over the past few months, Dallas is continuing to explore options, most recently hosting veteran cornerback Adoree’ Jackson for a free-agent visit. It may seem like a low-profile move, but this continued search says a lot about where the Cowboys’ defense actually stands heading into 2026.
Sources: The #Cowboys are hosting veteran CB Adoree’ Jackson on a free agent visit today.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 5, 2026
Jackson was with the Eagles last year, where he started 10 games — recording 55 tackles, 11 PBUs, and 1 INT. His DBs coach there was Christian Parker, who is now the Cowboys' DC. pic.twitter.com/4iqnFlfuHe
Dallas’ defensive problem that hasn’t been solved yet
To say that Dallas struggles defensively last season would be an understatement. They had one of the worst units in the league.
The Cowboys finished near the bottom of the NFL in both total defense and points allowed, a major reason they missed the playoffs and ended the year at 7-9-1. It wasn’t a one-position issue, either. Coverage breakdowns, lack of pass rush consistency, and depth concerns all played a role.
That’s why the front office attacked the problem aggressively. They used premium draft capital on defensive talent, added proven players in free agency, and even made a notable trade to strengthen the pass rush. On paper, it looked like a comprehensive reset. And yet, here they are, still looking.
Why cornerback remains a focus
The interest in Jackson points to one area that may not be as settled as it seemed: the secondary.
While Dallas has added talent at multiple levels of the defense, cornerback depth remains a question mark. Injuries, inconsistency, and lack of proven options behind the top starters have all contributed to that uncertainty.
Jackson isn’t being brought in as a headline-grabbing solution. At this stage of his career, he profiles more as experienced depth, someone who can step into a rotational role, provide stability, and start if needed. Last year with the Eagles, Jackson logged 55 tackles, 11 PBUs, and one interception.
But the fact that Dallas is even exploring that option this late in the offseason suggests they aren’t fully confident in what they have.
There’s also a clear connection driving the visit. Jackson spent last season with the Eagles, where he worked with defensive backs coach Christian Parker, now the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. That familiarity lowers the risk and makes him an easier potential fit in Dallas’ system.
Financially, it would be a minimal commitment as well. Jackson is projected to command a short-term, low-cost deal, making him the kind of addition teams can make without disrupting long-term plans.
Teams that feel secure in their roster don’t keep searching for stopgap options this deep into the offseason. Dallas is still searching. And whether Jackson ultimately signs or not, it seems the Cowboys’ defensive rebuild is still very much a work in progress heading into 2026.
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