Since last season, the Dallas Cowboys have been improving their defense through various trades, free-agent signings, and draft moves, including the acquisition of linebacker Rashad Gary via a trade with the Green Bay Packers.
However, they reportedly didn’t get involved in any trade discussions with the Cleveland Browns regarding seven-time Pro Bowler Myles Garrett this offseason. The Cowboys “have not expressed an interest” in bringing back Jadeveon Clowney either, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer’s report.
Clowney led the Cowboys with 8.5 sacks last season. Garrett led the league and set the new single-season record with 23.
However, the Browns made headlines earlier this week when they traded their longtime defensive superstar, Garrett, to the Los Angeles Rams, seemingly making the NFC contender even more powerful on both sides of the football.
In exchange, 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick went to Cleveland. Verse, a two-time Pro Bowler, is considered a player who could become another major defensive star to replace the popular Garrett.
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Meanwhile, the Cowboys have made other offseason moves of note to upgrade their defense. They boosted the secondary and pass rushing, with their trade to bring Gary over from Green Bay, along with signing free agents: safety P.J. Locker and cornerback Cobie Durant.
In the NFL Draft, Dallas used both of its first-round picks on defense, selecting talented Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 and UCLA defensive end Malachi Lawrence at No. 23. They selected several more edge rushers in later rounds, including Michigan’s Jaishawn Barham and Alabama’s LT Overton, highlighting the team’s clear focus.
The Cowboys already have plenty of talent on their offense, as illustrated last season. Dallas averaged 266.3 passing yards per game, courtesy of Pro Bowl quarterback Dak Prescott and receivers including George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb.
With 391.9 yards of offense per game, they were second only to the Rams. They also ranked fifth in the league in points per game, averaging 27.7, and time will tell whether that remains the case in 2026-27.
Their defense was the opposite story, giving up 377 yards per game, third-worst in the league. The glaring issue was pass defense, allowing 251.5 yards per game.
However, these offseason moves, even if they didn’t involve Garrett, could pay off should their defensive moves prove fruitful.
They still sit around 15th at some sportsbooks to win the Super Bowl in 2027 and have a projected win total of 9.5. Last season, the team won only seven games and missed the postseason, so if their offense remains steady and their defense improves, they might be among the teams competing in the NFC Playoffs.
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