It’s been a roller-coaster ride since the Cowboys’ bye week. After three weeks of raised hopes and expectations, it’s come crashing down after two ugly losses. This is a team struggling for answers, so it’s a good time to look at some of the bigger questions.
While the Chargers are still on deck for Sunday, and the Commanders and Giants scheduled for the final two games, many of us are on to 2026. There are valuables to mine out of these final three games, especially if some backups get more playing time. But while we’re curious about what Joe Milton might do with more reps, the next offseason is of far greater concern.
So, in full acknowledgment of where this season is, our questions focus on the big picture.
Is this coaching staff in trouble?
Some of it certainly should be. The defense is a well-documented disaster, and only so much of that can be blamed on the Micah Parsons trade. Perhaps the greatest irony is that it’s Dallas’ linebackers, the position that Matt Eberflus came up coaching, who are the biggest liability. But the defensive backs aren’t much better; all of them being put in difficult positions because of a seemingly bad scheme fit.
There’s no question that the Cowboys’ lack of defensive talent, especially after injuries, has limited some of Eberflus’ ability to succeed. But Detroit and Minnesota made it clear that Quinnen Williams, while still a great addition, far from solved Dallas’ problems. They need more across the board, especially at the second and third levels, to contend.
Special teams also needs a long, hard look. The Cowboys have looked far worse in coverage and in their own return game since Nick Sorensen’s arrival. Granted, John Fassel is a tough act for anyone to follow. But Sorensen was a relationship hire for Brian Schottenheimer, having worked together in Seattle and Jacksonville. It’s a black mark for Schotty that he may have to erase this offseason.
That’s assuming Schottenheimer returns in 2026, of course, but it seems highly likely. The offense, while not perfect, is what’s worked best this season. His relationship with Dak Prescott is strong. Given how glaring the issues have been elsewhere, Dallas’ front office will give Schottenheimer a chance to keep growing into the role while strengthening the other components.
What’s up with Trevon Diggs?
Your guess is as good as ours. There’s obviously some disconnect between the player and the decision makers, but what it really comes down to is hard to say. They’re quick to bring up the medical side of things, but it feels like there’s more beneath the surface.
Here’s what we do know. In 2026, Diggs is scheduled to count over $18 million against the salary cap with only a little under $6 million left in dead money. That means Dallas can release him outright for about $12.5 in cap savings, even without using the June 1st provision. If they intend to swing for the fences this offseason, that is a big chunk of change to add back to the coffers.
With Bland locked up and Shavon Revel poised for more responsibility next year, it’s not hard to imagine a future without Diggs. It was a thought even before the season started, and all of the junk since just seems to be making it inevitable. And it may be just that simple; Dallas intends to release Diggs in a few months and doesn’t want to risk any kind of injury now that could get in the way or cost them more money.
Who else is on the chopping block?
It’s hard to say on defense. If they do give Eberflus the boot, then it may depend on the next guy and the scheme he’s bringing in. But regardless, it’s hard to imagine Kenneth Murray getting a new deal. We could also see some turnover at safety with Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson turning 30 and 31, respectively. The key on defense will be adding more talent via free agency and the draft, and finding the right coaches to do the cooking.
On offense, the glaring need for change is at right tackle. Terence Steele is a perennial liability in pass protection. Yes, he’s a good run blocker and has a modest contract. But just about every team has at least one great pass rusher, and that guy consistently has success lining up across from Steele.
If they do move on from Steele, it creates some flexibility in the replacement strategy. Tyler Guyton played right tackle in college, so maybe you move him over there and find a new guy on the left side. Guyton was showing improvement this year, but maybe not enough to remain Dak Prescott’s blind side protector? If they want to keep working with Guyton at left, the good news is that it’s easier to find a new right tackle. It may even be a fit for current prospect Nathan Thomas.
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