Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Jerry Jones, Cowboys Receive Good Update After Packers’ Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jan 11, 2026 9:13 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1) missed the playoffs for a second straight year in 2025, a disappointing outcome for a franchise that entered the season with postseason aspirations. Defensive inconsistency proved to be a major factor in the collapse, particularly after the team lost star pass rusher Micah Parsons before the season began. His departure left a clear void in Dallas’ defensive identity, and the Cowboys struggled to compensate over the course of the year.

Dallas traded Parsons to the Green Bay Packers amid contract uncertainty, opting to acquire long-term assets rather than commit to a market-setting extension. The move ultimately exposed the Cowboys’ defensive weaknesses that persisted throughout the regular season. Without Parsons anchoring the front seven, Dallas’ defense failed to consistently generate pressure or limit opposing offenses.

Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons (11) Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Despite boasting the second best offense in the league, the Cowboys finished the regular season ranked 30th in total defense and last in points allowed during the regular season. Dallas surrendered a league-high 30.1 points per game while also allowing the most passing yards per contest in the NFL. The defensive struggles played a direct role in Dallas finishing outside the playoff picture.

Despite the season’s disappointing end, the Cowboys received encouraging news Saturday night that could help shape their offseason approach.

The Packers were eliminated by the Chicago Bears in the NFL wild card round, after losing 31-27 on the road. With that loss, the Packers’ first-round draft selection is now locked in at No. 20 overall, a pick that will belong to the Cowboys as part of the Parsons trade.

Dallas already owns the No. 12 pick, meaning the Cowboys will enter the upcoming NFL Draft holding two first-round selections.

With the #Packers’ loss, their first-round pick will be No. 20, and it goes to the #Cowboys via the Micah Parsons trade.

Dallas will now hold picks No. 12 and No. 20. pic.twitter.com/TEnC20nFYd
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 11, 2026

Notably, Parsons himself did not play in Green Bay’s wild card loss after suffering a season-ending ACL injury in Week 15, which limited his impact for the Packers down the stretch.

With added draft capital, owner and general manager Jerry Jones now has increased flexibility to address multiple roster needs. Given Dallas’ defensive rankings, reinforcing that side of the ball is expected to be a priority, whether through selecting impact defenders or leveraging the picks to move up the board.

Armed with two first-round selections, the Cowboys will look to maximize those assets as they attempt to rebuild a defense that faltered in Parsons’ absence and push back toward playoff contention next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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