The Dallas Cowboys enter training camp with far different expectations than they had a year ago. Following an underwhelming 2025 campaign that fell short of the organization’s standards, Dallas spent the offseason aggressively reshaping its roster through free agency, trades, and the NFL Draft. Now, as the team heads to Oxnard, California to begin training camp Wednesday on the 29th, every practice feels like it will carry added significance as the Cowboys attempt to return to playoff contention in an increasingly competitive NFC.
With established veterans, impact newcomers, and a talented rookie class all competing for roles, training camp will be about more than installing schemes. It will determine starting jobs, define the team’s identity, and reveal whether the Cowboys have assembled a roster capable of competing with the conference’s elite.
Season in Review: A Disappointing 2025 Campaign
The Cowboys endured another frustrating season in 2025, finishing with a 7-9-1 record after a season filled with moments where it looked as though the offense & defense were on opposing teams. Dallas had little problem generating explosive plays consistently when in possession of the ball but failed to prevent the same level of dominance on the other side of the ball. When the defense would do what they needed, then the offense would fall short.
Quarterback Dak Prescott once again produced at an elite level, putting up 4,552 yards in the air to go along with 30 touchdowns. CeeDee Lamb, while eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark for the 5th straight season, tallied the second lowest yardage total of his career along with the lowest amount of touchdowns he’s had since entering the league (3). He also suffered from some very uncharacteristic drops (8) with many coming in big moments throughout the year.
Despite this, he racked up his fifth straight pro bowl all while helping to unlock & unleash his new running mate opposite him. Acquired in the offseason for a 2026 3rd round pick & a 27’ 5th rounder, former Steeler George Pickens made quite the splash in Big D, posting career highs in catches (93), yards (1,429) & end zone trips (9), becoming Dak’s go-to weapon in the “got to have it” moments of many games.
Tight end Jake Ferguson continued developing into a reliable middle-of-the-field target, further validating the extension he signed last offseason. JaVonte Williams anchored the Boys’ 9th-ranked rushing attack, consistently running hard & keeping the offense moving in the right direction.
Defensively, Micah Parsons’ absence was felt throughout the year, with the unit as a whole ranking 6th in pressure rate (hits, hurries, & sacks combined), but finishing just 22nd in total sacks with 35. The run defense was again gashed game after game, surrendering 125.5 yards per tilt. Fear NOT though guys as the secondary didn’t fare much better. DaRon Bland battled injuries that would also contribute to a slip in play throughout the year. Fellow cover-man Trevon Diggs was released ahead of Week 18 by Dallas before signing with & playing a game for the conference rival Packers. He’d be released immediately following Wild Card Weekend. Safety remained a revolving door of issues as well.
The disappointing season ultimately convinced the front office that significant changes were necessary. Rather than making minor roster tweaks, Dallas attacked multiple weaknesses throughout the offseason with an emphasis on becoming younger, faster, and more physical on defense while surrounding Prescott with improved offensive support.
Key Departures, Major Additions, and a Rookie Class Ready to Contribute
Dallas experienced significant roster turnover this offseason, saying goodbye to several veterans who had been important contributors over the past few seasons. Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa was traded to the Bay. Pass catcher Jalen Tolbert is soaking up the sun in Miami. EDGE Dante Fowler Jr followed in the footsteps of Demarcus Lawrence the year before & signed with the now reigning champion Seattle Seahawks. Multiple rotational pieces departed, creating opportunities for younger players while giving the front office additional financial flexibility.
Rather than relying solely on free agency, Dallas aggressively pursued impact talent via trade. The headline acquisition was edge rusher Rashan Gary, whose arrival gives the Cowboys a proven pass rusher. While Gary has yet to recorded a double-digit sack season during his NFL career, he immediately upgrades Dallas’ defensive front with his combination of power, explosiveness, & ability to stop the run.
The Cowboys also strengthened their secondary by signing veteran safety Jalen Thompson, while adding other experienced contributors such as cornerback Cobie Durant and defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia to improve depth throughout the defense.
Dallas’ 2026 draft class reflects a clear emphasis on rebuilding the defense without neglecting long-term offensive needs. First-round stud Caleb Downs enters camp with expectations of becoming an immediate starter after establishing himself as one of college football’s premier defensive playmakers. Fellow first-round selection Malachi Lawrence brings another explosive edge presence who should immediately become part of the Cowboys’ pass-rush rotation alongside second-year breakout candidate Donovan Ezeiruaku and Gary.
Third round linebacker Jaishawn Barham possesses the athleticism to compete for early defensive snaps, while offensive tackle Drew Shelton leaves Penn State hoping to provide valuable competition along an offensive line that battled injuries and inconsistency last season. Defensive tackle LT Overton adds needed size and physicality to the interior defensive line, cornerback Devin Moore strengthens the secondary’s depth, and wide receiver Anthony Smith gives Dallas another developmental playmaker capable of contributing on special teams while earning offensive opportunities.
Biggest Training Camp Battles
Training camp features several competitions that could significantly impact the Cowboys’ success this season.
The offensive line remains one of the biggest storylines. Terrence Steele enters camp as the projected starting right tackle, but Drew Shelton’s development and Nate Thomas’ continued improvement create legitimate competition for playing time. Consistent pass protection will be critical to keeping Prescott healthy throughout the season.
The running back room is another battle worth watching. Javonte Williams enters camp as the unquestioned leader of the backfield with Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, Israel Abanikanda, Malik Davis, and rookie Dominic Richardson will all compete for complementary roles and roster spots.
Defensively, the EDGE rotation will receive plenty of attention. First rounder Malachi Lawrence will attempt to earn immediate playing time, while the competition involving Shavon Revel, Devin Moore, & several other young corners for the starting spot opposite Daron Bland will be very telling for a unit switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4.
One Offensive Player to Watch: OT TERRENCE STEELE
Terrence Steele did not enjoy his finest campaign last year. While leading the position in snaps league-wide, Steele would wind up garnering a 54.9 pass blocking grade & a 70.2 run blocking grade from Pro Focus Football.
He allowed 52 total pressures in pass protection. That total included 6 sacks and 9 hits allowed to opposing pass rushers. He was flagged for 7 penalties over the course of the season. In order for the offense to stay on track & reach its true potential, the right side of the line has to solidify or Dak will find himself launching more off platform throws than he would like.
One Defensive Player to Watch: Caleb Downs
No rookie may have a greater opportunity to transform his squad than former Ohio State star Caleb Downs. Widely viewed as one of the safest prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, Downs possesses the instincts, tackling ability, and coverage skills necessary to contribute at an elite level immediately.
Dallas struggled at times to generate consistent takeaways and eliminate explosive plays last season. Downs’ versatility allows him to play deep safety, cover slot receivers, defend tight ends, and support the run, making him an ideal fit for the Cowboys’ evolving defensive scheme. If he adapts quickly to the NFL, Dallas could field one of its most complete secondaries in years.
Final Outlook
The Cowboys enter training camp with far more optimism than they had at the conclusion of last season. The roster features proven veterans, established stars, and one of the organization’s most exciting rookie classes in recent memory. However, optimism alone won’t produce victories.
How quickly Rashan Gary integrates into the defense, whether Caleb Downs develops into an immediate impact player, if the offensive line solidifies itself, and whether the defense reacts well to all of the offseason changes will largely determine Dallas’ ceiling in 2026. With several starting jobs still available and numerous roster spots up for grabs, every practice in Oxnard will carry playoff implications.
If the Cowboys’ offseason additions perform as expected and their young talent develops quickly, Dallas has the potential to reestablish itself as one of the NFC’s most dangerous teams. Training camp will provide the first indication of whether this rebuilt roster is capable of turning that potential into reality.
