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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Entering the 2026 NFL offseason, the Dallas Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones are expected to be very busy and aggressive in their pursuit of becoming a Super Bowl contender once again.
Last season, the Cowboys missed the playoffs. The frustration levels within the team and fan base have started growing quickly.
While the team didn’t make the playoffs during the 2025 season, there are many pieces already in place that will help turn things around. However, Dallas will need to add this offseason in order to meet the playoff expectations.
One key need for the Cowboys this offseason will be to improve their secondary. There are going to be quite a few ways for the front office to make that happen. However, there is one potential cut candidate Dallas should be keeping a very close eye on.
That cut candidate is none other than Cleveland Browns star cornerback Denzel Ward. There have been some rumblings about the Browns potentially letting him walk to save cap space. Should tht happen, the Cowboys would almost certainly have interest, but they might be facing a battle with NFC East rivals.
Dallas Cowboys Facing Potential Clash With NFC East Rivals Over Denzel Ward
If Ward is released by Cleveland, Sporting News analyst Mike Moraitis believes three NFC East teams would have interest in signing him. Those three teams are the Cowboys, New York Giants, and Philadelphia Eagles.
“Even still, if Ward becomes available in free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys could all compete for his services,” Moraitis wrote.
All three teams are looking to put together an aggressive offseason. Ward would be a major prize for any team around the NFL.
During the 2025 NFL season with the Browns, Ward played in 15 games. He racked up 39 total tackles to go along with an interception and nine defended passes.
Throughout his entire eight-year NFL career, the 28-year-old cornerback has posted 361 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, 18 interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, and 104 defended passes.
What Needs Do the Cowboys Have This Offseason?
Ward would be an elite addition this offseason if Dallas has a chance to bring him onboard, but there are other areas that need attention as well.
Obviously, a big question mark entering this offseason has to do with the future of wide receiver George Pickens. Jones and company will need to sign him to him a long-term contract, place the franchise tag on him, or trade him away. That decision needs to be made early in the offseason.
Also, the Cowboys need to figure out the running back situation. There is also a need for the team to add more pass rushing.
Expect to see Dallas surrounded with rumors as free agency approaches. There is a lot of work for the Cowboys to do in order to get back into Super Bowl contention.
Evan Massey Evan Massey is a sports reporter and analyst located in Indianapolis, Indiana who covers the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, and college sports. He has been featured on many publications, including Newsweek, Athlon Sports, ESPN, Yahoo! Sports, Forbes, Bleacher Report, Sporting News, and many others. In his free time, Evan enjoys spending time with his wife and son. More about Evan Massey
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