Dallas Cowboys overhaul defensive roster ahead of 2026 NFL season

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 11:31 AM

Last updated Sep 10, 2026

Dallas Cowboys overhaul defensive roster ahead of 2026 NFL season
Summary

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 season looking to improve a defense that ranked among the league's worst during the previous campaign. Jerry Jones added several veteran defensive players, including Von Miller, Rashan Gary, and Jonathan Bullard, to bolster the front line. The team also drafted safety Caleb Downs, who is expected to anchor a secondary that surrendered a 109.6 passer rating to opponents last year. Coordinator Christian Parker replaces Matt Eberflus, who departed after a tenure marked by personnel struggles and rigid defensive schemes. The Cowboys retain a top-five offense, but they have not won a playoff game in three years. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown enters the final year of his rookie contract as a potential breakout candidate after battling injuries throughout his first three professional seasons.

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Status Watch
  • Von Miller, Rashan Gary, and Jonathan Bullard signed to reinforce the defensive front.
  • Caleb Downs joins the secondary to address a passing defense that ranked 30th.
  • Christian Parker takes over as the new defensive coordinator.
  • DeMarvion Overshown aims for a breakout year in the final season of his rookie contract.
  • The team has not reached the NFC Conference Championship in 30 years.
Latest Updates
  • 11:31 AMYahoo SportsCowboys 2026 season preview: Dallas will be better. Will it matter?
What they're saying
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A long list of new additions should boost the league's worst defense. Does that make Dallas a contender?

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