Jerry Jones Remains ‘Optimistic’ About Cowboys’ Playoff Chances Next Season, Banks Big on Defense

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones believes that the signings Dallas have made on the defensive side of the ball will help the propel to a playoff appearance in 2026.

Jerry Jones Remains ‘Optimistic’ About Cowboys’ Playoff Chances Next Season, Banks Big on Defense

Rashan Gary and Jerry Jones inside the circle (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Jerry Jones is optimistic about the Cowboys' playoff chances after offseason defensive additions.
  • The Cowboys traded for pass rusher Rashan Gary and signed safety Jalen Thompson to strengthen their defense.
  • Dallas holds the 12th overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, with potential interest in cornerback Jermod McCoy.

It might be an exaggeration to describe the Dallas Cowboys’ offseason activities as franchise-altering. That doesn’t mean Jerry Jones has been complacent in addressing the gaps on the defensive side of the Cowboys roster.

Jones, in fact, made a few smart additions, starting with trading for the former Green Bay Packers pass rusher Rashan Gary in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. Gary took a backseat last year when the Packers brought in Micah Parsons. Despite the reduced role, Gary racked up 45 combined tackles, 7.5 sacks, and one pass deflection.

Jones further signed safety Jalen Thompson to a three-year deal worth a maximum of $33 million. Cornerback Cobie Durant joined after playing an integral part in the Rams’ defense that lost to the Seahawks in the NFC title game. Defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia and safety PJ Locke round up all the defensive reinforcements for a team that conceded 59 total touchdowns and gave up 377 yards on average in 17 games in 2025.

It’s clear that Jones aims to rectify the mistakes the Cowboys made during their 7-9-1 finish. But will these be enough for the Cowboys to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2023? Jones believes so.

I believe we have done one thing; we figured out how to stop them [other NFL teams]. We can’t do anything but go up… That’s where we are putting out energy.

Jerry Jones said on Sunday from the IndyCar Series

In offense, the Cowboys signed quarterback Sam Howell, who most recently was part of the Philadelphia Eagles. Prior to that, Jones used his executive powers to place a non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens.

According to USA Today, Pickens will earn roughly $27.3 million for the 2026 NFL season. However, he can still speak with other teams for a better payday. Dallas just has to match the offer. If they don’t, Jones will miss out on a player who topped the Cowboys’ receivers with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns.

NFL analyst predicts who the Cowboys will draft with the 12th overall pick in the 2026 draft

The Cowboys acquired the 12th overall draft pick by finishing with seven wins after losing to rivals the New York Giants on the final day of last season. CBS Sports analyst Josh Edwards predicted who the Cowboys can draft with their first pick in April’s NFL draft.

Jerry Jones Remains 'Optimistic' About Cowboys' Playoff Chances Next Season, Banks Big on Defense
Jerry Jones (Image via IMAGO)

According to Edwards, the Cowboys could take Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy.

Jermod McCoy has the potential to be one of the best players to emerge from this draft class and certainly the top cornerback, but he was injured all season. Dallas signed safety Jalen Thompson and now has McCoy to pair with DaRon Bland. If Shavon Revel Jr. becomes the player the Cowboys had hoped, then maybe Bland moves back into the slot, where he began his career.

Edwards wrote

McCoy, missing the 2025 college football season, has done little to dent his draft stock. In fact, he is considered the second-best DB in the draft behind LSU’s Mansoor Delane.

McCoy kicked off his college career with the Oregon State Beavers, tallying 31 tackles, snagging two interceptions, and breaking up seven passes. He transferred to Tennessee at the start of the 2024 season. In 2024, McCoy racked up 44 total tackles to go along with four interceptions and seven defended passes.

Of course, the Cowboys and Jerry have the option to trade up or down depending on the situation. But if McCoy is available at 12, Jones should take him, seeing as Trevon Diggs is no longer in the building.

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