Troy Aikman Gives His First Thoughts On The Cowboys' 2026 Hopes

Dallas' defense sputtered in 2025, allowing an NFL-worst 30.1 points per game following a surprising preseason Micah Parsons trade. The Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and replaced him with Christian Parker, who won a Super Bowl as the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive backs coach.

Aikman endorsed the coordinating change and expects improvement from a beleaguered unit that permitted the NFL's third-most yards per game (377).

"They can only get better," Aikman said. "And it's early, I understand that, but I do like the hire of Christian Parker. I think sometimes you bring in a young assistant who is getting his opportunity after having coached under some really good people over the course of his career. He comes in with a good resume. All indications are that the players are excited about it."

The Cowboys used both of their first-round picks on defenders, selecting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 and UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 23. They also added Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, and P.J. Locke to the secondary through free agency.

"I think what they've done, starting with the draft, to address some of the needs of the defensive side has been positive," Aikman said.

Will offense keep thriving?

Aikman noted that a "prolific" Cowboys offense went under the radar because they missed the playoffs. Only the Los Angeles Rams tallied more yards than Dallas, but Aikman wondered if Dak Prescott and Co. can produce an encore.

"Can that offense continue to play at the level that they did last year? That's a big if," Aikman said. "It was one of Dak Prescott's best years. It was George Pickens' career year. It was Javonte Williams' career year. There was a lot that happened on the offensive side of the ball."

However, the former Super Bowl champion suggested it would be better if the offense didn't need to post such gaudy stats in 2026.

"The numbers may not look as good. In fact, I think if you're a Cowboys fan, you hope the offensive numbers don't look as good," Aikman surmised. "Because that would then mean that the defense is better and playing a much bigger role in the success of that team."