Are the Dallas Cowboys One Move from a Deep Playoff Run in 2026?
The Dallas Cowboys made a cap-space move that has sparked conversations about whether they could make a big roster move. Dallas would restructure the contracts of Kenny Clark, DaRon Bland, and Jake Ferguson, freeing up over 19 million dollars in cap space. Now, after these moves, Dallas has around 30 million dollars in cap space to decide whether to make a significant roster move. The Cowboys aspire to become a real threat this upcoming season, with a roster that surpasses their 2025 roster. The Cowboys aspire to become a major threat in the NFC this upcoming season, with a roster that surpasses their own in 2025. With all being said, are the Dallas Cowboys one move away from making a deep playoff run in 2026?
In my opinion, and acknowledging my bias toward Dallas, 2026 could be a remarkable year for the team, as many others believe. They have all the tools to become a dark-horse team in the NFC. One of the best offenses in the entire NFL, led by a potential MVP candidate in Dak Prescott, along with arguably the best receiver core in the entire NFL. Christian Parker has taken over as defense coordinator, and players like Von Miller and Caleb Downs have joined the team at all three levels. Although this roster has already improved over last year, both in player talent and team mentality, the front office is convinced that one additional move could transform them from a solid team into a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
The two players who have drawn the most attention due to Dallas's recently released cap space are either Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez or Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. Money does not seem to be the issue in getting either of these players; thanks to the restructuring of contracts, the issue is whether Dallas can fetch a good deal for either of them. The Cowboys have already been tied with Crosby since his failed trade to Baltimore, and pairing him with the likes of Clark, Miller, and Quinnen Williams makes Dallas's defensive front one of the best in the league. On the other hand, rumors are spreading that New England is hesitant to sign Gonzales to a max contract before the start of this season. Dallas struggled significantly in pass defense in 2025, and adding a player of his stature to a defense that includes Bland, Downs, and Shavon Revel can make the Cowboys' secondary an elite group. First, obviously, the Cowboys need to figure out whether they can even retain one of these two stars, Crosby and Gonzalez, but if they do, Dallas could be poised for a deep playoff run in 2026.
