A few days away from the turn of the league new year. Fans will finally feel the start of the 2026 NFL season, and optimism will build as teams get ready to spend money in free agency. Some teams will watch players walk away, and others will sign the difference maker for their season.
For Cowboys fans, the start of free agency is more bittersweet. There’s always a high expectation that the team will make a big splash, but usually that flame quickly escapes when the team doesn’t sign anyone on day one.
As days go by and free agents decide to sign with other teams…the hope fades quickly. Fans have heard “all in,” and it has meant nothing, and they have heard that the team will be active, but then its activity is in the bargain bin and vet minimum guys.
But 2026 will be different, right? Jerry Jones believes so. Telling the media in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine that they will “be aggressive” and make moves to improve the defense and win now.
The way to be aggressive is to borrow from your future capital and use it now, whether it be in trades or spending big, but back-loading contracts. Jerry Jones made sure to make it a point, “expect me to go borrow some of my future.”
But the quote that makes headlines and will be followed all year, much like “all in” once was. Bust the budget. Jerry said in Indy, “I want to do everything we possibly can to stop somebody and to basically win some third downs…that would be the area you would see me bust the budget.”
Jerry Jones is making it clear that he won’t sit around and wait this March. Now we have to see that in action.
The movement started on March 4th. This restructure allowed Dallas to get itself back into the positives in the salary cap, at around $10 million.
These were expected restructures and are typical of the Dallas offseason. But what they do with the freed money is the important part.
Dallas is also expected to rework the deals with their three defensive tackles, who combine for over $60 million: Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Osa Odighizuwa.
Free Agency Plan
The plan should revolve around adding pieces to the league’s worst defense. All to alleviate the stress of the draft. There is no true middle linebacker on this roster. You are projected to lose a safety, but maybe both could go, considering their play. As for your cornerbacks…they are solid, but always wind up with injuries.
The Cowboys can attack big and look at those edge rushers: Jaelan Phillips (Eagles), Boye Mafa (Seahawks), or Bradley Chubb (Dolphins). There are also rumors of All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd (Jaguars) being linked to Dallas.
We should keep an eye out for Christian Parker to snag a few Eagles from his old defense. Safety Reed Blankenship and linebacker Nakobe Dean have been heavily linked to joining the Cowboys.
The Cowboys should utilize the money they freed up to get at least one immediate impact player on defense and then fill holes and create depth on defense to anticipate the NFL Draft.
Impacting the Draft
How should free agency impact your draft strategy? It shouldn’t.
You should always use the NFL Draft as a tool to build for the future, and when it’s your turn to pick. You pick the player who projects to be the best NFL player and sometimes that’s not always the position you need.
If the Cowboys can be big players in free agency, it will reduce the stress that is caused on draft day from trying to find instant starters. Taking into consideration the current 2026 class. There are a lot of question marks, and you won’t be the only team looking for defense on draft day.
Even if you sign a top edge rusher or linebacker, that doesn’t mean you can’t draft another. Adding as much talent to the defense as possible should be the goal. If you don’t spend in free agency…well, here’s to another year of hoping to get saved by the draft.
Brett's Cowboys Corner 
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