Training Camp Predictions for the 2026 Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys head to Oxnard, California, for their yearly OTAs on June 29th in one of the most anticipated offseasons in recent memory. After an impressive draft and revolution of the defense, the Cowboys enter the 2026 NFL season with aspirations to achieve outstanding things. The anticipation begins in Oxnard years prior, in this city where anything is possible. With such an unpredictable history, what are some training camp predictions for the Cowboys in 2026?
Howell Wins the Backup Job
The backup quarterback job in Dallas will be an interesting decision by head coach Brian Schottenheimer. While Dallas made the trade for Joe Milton a year ago from the New England Patriots, they still signed 25-year-old Sam Howell to create competition for the job. The first few practices will likely decide who gets the backup job and how it sounds. The likely choice to win the job is the 25-year-old. Despite Milton being a better athlete and having the better physical traits, what he lacks is real game experience, something that Howell has had throughout his young career.
New Backup Tight End
Another role that is up for backup contention is tight end behind Jake Ferguson. Dallas would have hoped that the former second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker would have made his mark, but that has not been the case. The player who has taken the lead since the end of last season has been Brevyn Spann-Ford, as his height and strength make him a red-zone threat and a tremendous help on defense. A third name to consider is undrafted rookie free agent Michael Trigg, who has all the athletic ability to be a threat with the football and could possibly sneak for that third or even backup spot.
Cobie Durant Makes His Name Known
Before the Cowboys signed Cobie Durant, the consensus around his free agent choice was that he would have re-signed with the Los Angeles Rams. However, the situation did not unfold as expected, making the 2026 OTA an important opportunity for him to establish his reputation with the Cowboys. It's important to note that the 28-year-old is actually a solid cornerback who made multiple playoff appearances with the Rams. Under Christian Parker's new defense, creating takeaways is a focus, and Durant excelled in creating turnovers during his time in Los Angeles. In OTAs, the 28-year-old will try to demonstrate that he will be a contributing factor to a defense that needs to improve in 2026.
