Cowboys' Defense Hunts for Help

0:00On March 10th, the Dallas Cowboys are deep into their 2026 offseason, laser focused on rebuilding a defense that tanked to last year. In 2025, they finished seven wins, nine losses, and one tie, missing the playoffs despite a solid offense. That unit ranked 30th in total defense, dead last against the pass, and gave up a franchise worst 511 points, leading to the firing of their defensive coordinator. Earlier this offseason, Dallas pushed hard in free agency and trades to upgrade. They made a strong bid for past Russia Max Crosby, offering picks to the Raiders, but he ended up signing with the Baltimore Ravens instead. Cowboys fans felt another sting when linebacker Nakoby Dean chose the Raiders over Dallas. The former Philadelphia Eagle, a third-round pick in 2022, brought speed, instincts, and solid stats over four seasons, including two. 126 tackles and seven and a half sacks. Sources say Dallas was right in the mix for Dean, getting one of his five allowed Zoom calls and matching the Raiders' offer closely.

1:04In the end, it came down to his gut, a razor-thin call that went the other way. Now the Cowboys keep hunting defensive help, linked to players like Trey Hendrickson, with these close calls behind them that are determined to land reinforcements before it's too late.