ESPN’s Adam Schefter says Dak Prescott-led Cowboys ‘can be dangerous’ in 2026 NFL season

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter believes the Dallas Cowboys could become a dangerous team entering the 2026 NFL season despite last year’s disappointing finish.

>Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up, Schefter pointed to Dallas’ defensive overhaul as the biggest reason for optimism around Dak Prescott and the Cowboys.

>He said, “You bring up Christian Parker as the defensive coordinator, and they get back a healthy DeMarvion Overshown at linebacker.”

>Schefter also highlighted another offseason addition. He said, “Don’t sleep on the safety that they signed, Jalen Thompson, who they really like as well.”

>MORE: Josh Allen’s Bills facing ‘formality’ regular season, says Tim Hasselbeck

>Dallas finished 7-9-1 in 2025 and missed the playoffs for a second straight season. However, the offense remained among the NFL’s most productive units behind Prescott.

>The quarterback threw for 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns with just 10 interceptions. He completed 67.3 percent of his passes and finished fifth in ESPN’s QBR rankings.

>The Cowboys also featured George Pickens, who posted 1,429 receiving yards, while Javonte Williams rushed for 1,201 yards. Jake Ferguson added 82 receptions and eight touchdowns.

>The biggest issue came on defense. Dallas allowed an NFL-worst 30.1 points per game, forcing Prescott into weekly shootouts.

Cowboys rebuilt their defense around Dak PrescottDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) huddles with the offense at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesOwner Jerry Jones responded by reshaping the defense during the offseason. Christian Parker replaced Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator, while Dallas invested heavily through trades, free agency, and the draft.

>The Cowboys added Rashan Gary and Quinnen Williams to strengthen the defensive front. They also signed Jalen Thompson and selected safety Caleb Downs in the first round.

>Schefter believes those moves could significantly change Dallas’ outlook, saying, “So there are a lot of defensive reinforcements.”

>Schefter also noted late improvement from the unit before the offseason changes arrived.

>“The defense was playing better. Yeah, it was at the end of last year, which isn’t saying all that much, but they were better, and I think this team could be dangerous.”

>That assessment reflects a common NFL view. Prescott has rarely lacked offensive production. Dallas’ championship hopes have depended on whether the defense could complement him.

>MORE: Is Tom Brady-Logan Paul slap incident foreshadowing WWE showdown?

>If Parker quickly integrates the new arrivals, the Cowboys could finally support Prescott with a balanced roster. In the NFC, that combination would make Dallas a legitimate contender rather than simply another explosive offense.