Feb. 13, 2026, 5:05 a.m. CT
Dak Prescott got some traction in the 2025 MVP conversation early on, but that buzz trailed off by midseason. Now he’s already in the mix for the 2026 award. That is, according to one ESPN analyst who’s already marking the Cowboys quarterback as perhaps being in line for a monster season. That doesn’t mean the whole team is poised for a big-time bounceback, though; another outlet thinks the Cowboys have a long climb to make it back to the postseason and has the Bengals, Falcons, and even the Commanders as more likely to work their way into the dance.
Owner Jerry Jones and the team’s most decorated QB are now openly acknowledging that the Cowboys have major work to do (and should probably change their strategy from the recent past), but the truth is they’re really just “a few moves away,” says one overview of the also-rans from last season.
Those moves could come in free agency, where Trey Hendrickson and Super Bowl champ Riq Woolen would certainly be welcome additions. Or Dallas could look to discover a hidden gem at the scouting combine; it’s not just the marquee first-round names who the team will be watching in Indianapolis.
Some familiar names made coaching news on Thursday, as former Cowboys linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi has landed with the AFC team his brother general manages. And the son of onetime Cowboys assistant Bill Callahan will be moving to the NFC East as a new staffer for the Giants. And there’s good news out of New England after the Patriots’ disappointing Super Bowl loss: defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been declared cancer-free and will be promoted to a “high-ranking role on the staff.”
Elsewhere around the league, there’s infighting with both Pennsylvania teams as legends from both the Steelers and Eagles have choice words regarding a fan favorite for each. The Houston Texans are planning an 83-acre sports and entertainment complex (similar to The Star in Frisco) that also houses the team’s headquarters and training facilities. And the Jeffrey Epstein controversy that has rocked the nation in recent days has now reached the NFL, as the inclusion of Steve Tisch’s name within the explosive files could spell trouble for the Giants co-owner.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.2026 NFL predictions: Super Bowl LXI picks, MVP candidates :: ESPN (Link)Ranking 18 NFL teams that missed the playoffs: Who’s most likely to rebound in 2026? :: The Athletic (Link)Cowboys’ Jones finally admits ‘My way of doing things doesn’t work’ :: Cowboys Wire (Link)Troy Aikman: Dallas Cowboys have work to do to bounce back from ‘big letdown’ in 2025 :: Dallas Morning News (Link)NFL overhaul tiers: Rebuild time for 18 non-playoff teams :: ESPN (Link)$25 million free agent could instantly elevate Cowboys ’26 potential :: Cowboys Wire (Link)Cowboys listed as top suitor for Super Bowl champion CB in NFL free agency :: SI.com (Link)8 combine invitees that could make sense for Cowboys :: The Mothership (Link)SMU football announces two games at Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium :: Dallas Morning News (Link)Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders director Kelli Finglass diagnosed with skin cancer :: People (Link)Latest News from the Coaching CarouselTitans hire GM’s brother, ex-Cowboys coach to guide linebackers :: Heavy.com (Link)Sources: Giants hire Brian Callahan to John Harbaugh’s staff :: ESPN (Link)Mike McCoy, former Titans interim coach, to join Raiders staff, per report :: The Tennessean (Link)Report: Patriots make major Terrell Williams decision amid defensive coordinator uncertainty :: NESN (Link)News & Headlines from Around the NFLThe facts contradict Steve Tisch’s claim of “brief association” with Jeffrey Epstein :: ProFootballTalk (Link)Texans planning state-of-the-art team training facility, sports and entertainment complex in Bridgeland :: Click2Houston.com (Link)Eagles legend Jason Kelce rips A.J. Brown amid trade rumors :: Yardbarker (Link)Joey Porter Sr. blasts Ben Roethlisberger: Former Steelers QB not a good teammate or person :: NFL.com (Link)
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