Dallas Cowboys Players Who Can Exceed Expectations in 2026
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 NFL season with star players all across the roster. Players such as Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Quinnen Williams are expected to have a stellar season in hopes of being able to bring the Cowboys back to the postseason. While the dreams of reaching the playoffs rely heavily on these star players, they are not the sole determinants of a season's success. With role players being a factor in team success, who are some Dallas Cowboys that can exceed expectations entering 2026?
Ryan Flournoy
Ryan Flournoy had moments of brilliance in 2025 when his number was called in certain games. During Lamb's stretch of injury, Flournoy started to become a surprising star in the Dallas offense versus the Jets at MetLife, where he had 114 receiving yards. Another standout performance came in Detroit versus the Lions, where he had 115 receiving yards and one touchdown. Where Flournoy can exceed expectations in 2026 is by earning the trust of his coaches in crucial games. With all the attention going to the likes of Lamb and Pickens, Flournoy can get his targets in late-game drives where a pass to him is least expected. While the stats may not reflect how he can exceed expectations, the timely plays that he will create are all the difference that the Cowboys need.
Rashan Gary
When the Cowboys traded for Rashan Gary in March for a 2027 fourth-round pick, questions arose about why Dallas did it, but through training camp he has shown flashes of what he was capable of in Green Bay. Head coach Schottenheimer had strong praise for him, noting that he was impressed by Gary's professionalism and maturity in the Cowboys locker room. He enters 2026 with few expectations to be a force, but what could help him is the way Dallas will run its new defense. Under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, Dallas will likely run a 3-4 system that favors the way Gary rushes the passer and helps in the run game. Being alongside a strong defensive line and with his veteran leadership and knowledge, Gary could exceed the expectations that others and even Dallas could potentially have of him.
