Jerry Jones, Cowboys earn high marks ahead of 2026 season

Jerry Jones isn't usually super active during the offseason. But never say never. He broke the mold this time around. As soon as the NFL offseason kicked in, Jones started making moves for the Dallas Cowboys, and now, it's already paying off.

The Cowboys, of course, still have the George Pickens situation. Dallas is playing with the wideout on the one-year franchise tag, which was a move that drew some pushback. But, other than that, this lineup is looking pretty solid.

On Monday, Mike Jones of The Athletic gave the Cowboys high marks for their moves this offseason. He called them one of the most improved teams going into the 2026 season.

Cowboys, Jerry Jones made real noise during the NFL offseason

In the piece, Jones noted that during the offseason, the Cowboys have "continued to reshape their defense" by doing things like trading for pass rusher Rashan Gary and adding a slew of free-agent defensive backs. Then, they drafted safety Caleb Downs and edge rusher Malachi Lawrence in the first round of the NFL draft.

"That should help improve a defense that surrendered a league-high 30.1 points per game last season and 377 yards (third most) per outing," Jones noted. 

Jones also gave them props for retaining Pickens on the franchise tag, saying that it "ensures the Cowboys have a potent pass-catching duo for Dak Prescott to lean on."

Jones added: "If the defensive moves pay off and Dallas can put a more balanced product on the field, coach Brian Schottenheimer’s squad could contend in the division and beyond."

It's about time the Cowboys make a deep playoff run. They have the pieces in place. They just haven't been able to get over the hump yet, but the moves Jones made during the offseason should certainly help.