Cowboys news: Dallas’ secondary success this season is a gamble
Cowboys’ turnaround at key position hinges on a series of gambles – Jason Kandel, The Landry Hat
The cornerback position is far from locked down.
Dallas is lucky they brought in DB guru Christian Parker to be their new defensive coordinator and work with these guys, but red flags are still flying. Let’s start with Bland, because his inability to stay healthy has plagued this defense across the last two seasons, and he will still play a key role.
It wasn’t long ago that the 27-year-old led the NFL with nine interceptions (and five pick-sixes) in 2023, but he’s only played 19 games in the two years since. Recent history suggests that the $92 million man can’t stay healthy. And he did not participate in offseason activities.
And then there’s Durant, who was one of the bigger free-agent signings the Cowboys made this offseason. While he was a solid starter in Los Angeles last season, he has some issues of his own, so the Rams were quick to cast him aside in favor of Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie.
The fifth-year cornerback is far from a sure thing. According to Pro Football Focus, Durant’s 66.8 PFF grade ranked 39th out of 114 qualified CBs, while his 67.4 coverage grade ranked 37th. However, he allowed an 85.6 passer rating when targeted, and is also pretty below average as a run defender.
Then there’s Revel, who’s facing similar question marks to both of them. The 2025 third-round pick out of East Carolina missed the first 10 games of last season while rehabbing from the ACL tear that ended his college career. And once he returned, it got worse for him, as he played at less than 100%.
6 under-the-radar Cowboys who could shock in 2026 training camp – K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire
Keep an eye on these names you may have forgotten about.
OT Ajani Cornelius
There’s no secret that the Dallas Cowboys have a really strong offense. As long as QB Dak Prescott is healthy, the team routinely finds themselves in, or in close proximity to, top-5 ranking in many metrics for that side of the ball. The one roster weakness they have there, though, is at the tackle position. Neither Tyler Guyton nor Terence Steele inspire visions of Pro Bowl appearances or All-Pro accolades. Most conversations around who could challenge them are centered around Nate Thomas or this year’s fourth-round pick Drew Shelton.Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
But perhaps Cornelius, who is in the same position this season as Thomas was last year, could shockingly join the conversation. The No. 204 selection from 2025 out of Oregon, Cornelius was identified by this current staff as someone they hoped to develop. There are several people in his way, but the climb to the top isn’t nearly as steep as other positions.
TE Michael Trigg
There’s no question about it, the tight end in Dallas’ offense has been fed as a result of whatever else is happening on the field. Jake Ferguson is a good outlet, but he’s not a dominating force and gives nothing after the catch. His fumbling issues has made him even less of a compliment. His backups leave a lot to be desired as pass catchers, meaning that if there’s anyone with juice at the position, they have a chance to contribute.
The question for Trigg isn’t about juice; he’s a plus-level pass catcher… like highlight reel worthy pass catchter. The question is whether or not he can do the rest of the job description for being a professional tight end, and whether he can do that in the matter of one offseason. He went undrafted for those reasons, can he turn things around and become the shock player of this year’s camp.
Cowboys Dubbed Logical Landing Spot for All-Pro Who May Be Final Piece to the Puzzle – Mike Moraitis, Sports Illustrated
There’s still time to add depth.
Despite all of their moves, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox is of the opinion the Cowboys should make one more addition to their linebackers room by signing Bobby Wagner.
“At this stage in his career, Wagner would make the most sense for a team seeking both talent and experience on its defense and with enough overall talent to make a strong push for the postseason,” Knox wrote.
“Logical Landing Spots: Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars,” Knox added.
Cowboys’ current situation at linebacker
The Cowboys had a dire situation at the position going into the offseason, but things have improved since then.
Dallas traded for Dee Winters before opting to select Jaishawn Barham in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and those two join a linebackers room that also includes both DeMarvion Overshown and Shemar James.
While that should be an adequate group, there are questions about each player in it. Overshown has been plagued by injury during his career, Barham and James are unproven and Winters amounts to an OK but not great starting option.
If there’s one position group that could use a final piece to put it over the top, it’s linebacker.
Christian Parker’s Hire Follows a Cowboys Super Bowl Pattern – Cody Warren, Inside The Star
Fans have to hope history repeats itself.
Ernie Stautner, Dave Wannstedt, Butch Davis, and Dave Campo all led defenses during Super Bowl seasons.
We know those names now because of what came later, but it doesn’t mean each one arrived as some famous NFL coordinator everybody wanted.
Stautner built his reputation with the defensive line under Tom Landry. Wannstedt followed Jimmy Johnson from the University of Miami and got his first NFL coaching job in Dallas. Davis worked his way up through the defensive front. Campo climbed through the secondary.
Dallas didn’t always chase the hottest name available, but instead trusted coaches who were still moving up and gave them a defense before the rest of the league knew who they were.
I think that’s where I’m at on the Christian Parker hire.
He’s getting his chance because the coaches and players who have been around him knew he was ready for more, not because he bounced around collecting coordinator titles.
I think we can all get behind that aspect of it easier than another recycled hire everybody knows.
Daily discussion question: What is the ceiling on this team in your opinion?
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