The Dallas Cowboys, along with the other 31 teams, are over the hump. The next notable live event will be the Hall of Fame game. With the vast majority of the Cowboys’ initial roster nailed down, it is clear what the team will roughly look like in the regular season. As such, pundits have started to drop predictions.
NFL insider Peter Schrager answered the age-old question of whether 2026 was finally the year that the Cowboys would break through. He was straightforward in his assessment.
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“They’re in the conversation,” Schrager said. “They added defense, defense, defense … They checked the box. … The NFC is wide open. It’s not just the Seahawks and the Rams.”
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Fans jumped on Schrager’s prediction in droves, calling out the insider and the network.
“Schrags gotta stay off the drugs,” one posted.
“They do this every year with the Cowboys. They will be a good regular season team. It’s like Lucy picking up the ball before Charlie Brown kicks the ball come playoff time,” another added.
“I hate when espn does this. Let the season start at least,” one replied.
More fans reacted with a mix of opinions, including notes that the season is coming into view.
“This how you know nfl season on its way 😂😂,” one posted.
“I won’t be shocked if the Seahawks don’t make the playoffs this season,” another responded.
“Media getting the fan base cooked till the season arrives 🥂,” one accused.
Dallas’ defense finished 32nd in multiple foundational defensive categories. After the offense proved to be as impressive as any in the Jerry Jones era in 2025, Cowboys fans have hoped that the offense won’t lose pace, and an improved defense will be just enough to get over the hump.
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Dallas Cowboys draft choices send message from Jerry Jones
While the majority of the team’s seven draft picks were defensive, the positions of choice leaned toward one position. Jones drafted three edge rushers at the 2026 NFL draft. Including Quinnen Williams and Rashan Gary, in total, the team has added five notable pass rushers in an effort to replace Micah Parsons.
While Jones was concerned with his defense, it’s clear that replacing Parsons continues to be one of the top goals for Jones. One has to ask how many additions Jones can have before he has eclipsed the two first-round picks he received for Parsons.
Some may argue he already has. Either way, it will fall on Williams, Gary and rookies Malachi Lawrence, Jaishawn Barham and LT Overton to prove Jones right in trading away Parsons.
Edited by Ian Van Roy