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.
PJ Locke III, S
From 2021-2023, Parker and free agent safety PJ Locke III overlapped on the Denver Broncos. Locke was a backup this year due to the Broncos signing Talanoa Hufanga last year, but he does have starting experience.
Locke had a bit of a breakout season in 2023, racking up one interception, five passes defended, two forced fumbles, three sacks, 53 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits. Locke doesn't offer a ton in coverage, but he's a functional safety who is another player familiar with Parker's defense.
If nothing else, the Cowboys could likely sign Locke for a rather cheap deal and have him as a fringe-starter option on the backend of the defense. Now, yes, the free agent safety market is usually filled with starting-caliber players, but free agency isn't always about just throwing money at the top names.
Adding competent depth options, especially players who are familiar with the system that is being installed, is a wise move.
Riq Woolen, CB
Riq Woolen might be one of the more freakishly athletic players in the NFL. The 6-4 cornerback did fall out of favor a bit with the Seattle Seahawks in 2025, but he's someone who is absolutely going to cash in a bit in the offseason.
Woolen, across 64 career games, has 12 interceptions, 53 passes defended, and 203 total tackles. He's a long, rangy cornerback who can match up nicely with any team's fastest player. His length is out of this world, and overall, Woolen is a flat-out physically dominant player at a position Dallas has struggled at in recent years.
PFF notes that Woolen allowed a 78.5 passer rating when in coverage in 2025, so this is a player who is going to be able to function on an island, and that's something that we could expect with Parker's defenses; Parker was recently working with Vic Fangio, and the legendary Fangio defenses have to have cornerbacks who excel in man coverage, period.