The Dallas Cowboys, on one side of the ball, have a playoff-caliber setup. Offensively, this team could truly make a deep playoff run, especially if the same weapons return in 2026. The team recently extended Javonte Williams in a solid move, but still has some work to do with George Pickens.
But if Pickens is back again, Dallas' offense could again be among the best in the NFL, and it would be an ideal scenario for the front office, as they could almost solely turn their focus to investing as many resources into the defense as possible, and with Christian Parker now in as the defensive coordinator, improvements have likely already been made.
But many more changes will come in free agency, hopefully, and we highlighted three free agents the Cowboys must sign at all costs.
The Dallas Cowboys must sign these three free agents at all costs in 2026
Nakobe Dean, LB
Just 25 years old, Nakobe Dean overlapped with Parker for a couple of seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, so the Cowboys might first look to some key Eagles free agents to 'steal.'
Dean broke out in 2024 with four passes defended, three sacks, and 128 total tackles in 15 games. However, Dean has struggled to stay healthy at times and has played in just 47 out of a possible 68 games.
In some instances, a fresh start is needed, and with Dean only being able to suit up for 10 games in 2025, the Cowboys may actually be able to get the talented linebacker at a discount. Dallas struggled at this position in 2025 and would need another addition on top of Dean, but this would be a player who knows the offense and is a slam-dunk producer at the position when on the field.
Dallas could honestly do a lot worse than signing Dean.