Kay Adams Is Extremely Optimistic About The Cowboys In 2026

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Kay Adams Is Extremely Optimistic About The Cowboys In 2026

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated May 5, 2026 5:52 PM ET

As much as Kay Adams seems to like every NFL team at all times, she is definitely liking what she's seeing from the Dallas Cowboys right now.

Taking to her social media on Tuesday, Adams remarked that she considers the Cowboys to be perhaps the most improved team in the entire NFL this year. She highlighted their combination of "exciting rookies" and less contract drama than we're used to seeing as a sign that they could return to the playoffs this year.

"No contract drama, exciting rookies... The Cowboys will be one of the most IMPROVED teams in the NFL this year ," Adams wrote on Instagram. "Will the Cowboys make the playoffs in 2026?"

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Stars aligning in Dallas?

There certainly is a lot to like about the Cowboys right now. Despite being their usual frugal selves in free agency (only one player received a deal for longer than a year), they acquired some defensive help by adding Rashan Gary and Dee Winters in trades.

In the draft, they continued their defensive focus by using their first three draft picks on all phases of the defense, taking Ohio State superstar safety Caleb Downs, pass rusher Malachi Lawrence and Michigan's Jaishawn Barham.

The only real "drama" the Cowboys have had is the short-lived standoff with star wide receiver George Pickens. Dallas couldn't agree to terms on a long-term contract with him, so they placed the franchise tag on him, which Pickens has now signed. While the move is effectively kicking the can to 2027, it's not a distraction anymore in 2026.

Dec 21, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) celebrates with wide receiver George Pickens (3) after a touchdown pass caught by Pickens during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.

2025 was a year of record futility for the Cowboys on defense. Their 511 points allowed not only shattered the franchise record, it was their first time finishing last in the league since their first year as a franchise (when there were only 12 other teams).

Considering that despite their putrid defense they still went 7-9-1, even slight improvements could be the difference maker in getting them back to the playoffs.

Whether it's enough to get them all the way to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in three decades is another story though.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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