The Dallas Cowboys are looking to return to the playoffs and win the NFC East for the first time since 2023. That will likely require a much-improved defense this season, after 2025 ended with one of the worst in team history.

Players Speak Out

Cowboys defensive back Malik Hooker said, “I mean, you know, obviously, you know, every year everybody wants to come in and we want to win from the beginning. But, you know, it’s about what you do throughout the year, you know. So it’s just like a breath of fresh air being able to, you know, connect with CP (Christian Parker) and the new defensive coaches and stuff like that. Talking to them, you know, they’re smart, detail-oriented, and, you know, just look for us to come out here and compete.”

Offensive Lineman Tyler Smith added, “Super Bowl expectations. In fact, I mean, the ultimate goal is the Super Bowl. I mean everything I’ve done, my whole career, this off season, ultimately this training camp will be to win a championship. And that’s a huge thing for us is legacy. I mean if you host up that trophy, you live forever in our opinion. So I think that’s what it’s all about right now. And I think everyone’s focused on that goal right now.”

Prescott Sends a Message

Dak Prescott sent a message, arriving in a Cowboys’ Super Bowl XXX championship shirt. The Cowboys defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17. The shirt prominently displayed the phrase “CHAMPIONS” above the team’s logo.

Dallas last appeared in the Super Bowl on Jan. 28, 1996. The Cowboys were one of the NFL’s most dominant teams throughout the 1995 season, powering their way to a 12-4 record and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Wide receiver George Pickens showed up with his co-star CeeDee Lamb. Pickens also attended mandatory minicamp in June. The Pro Bowl wide receiver will play the 2026 season on the one-year, fully guaranteed $27.3 million franchise tag.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.