The Dallas Cowboys are set to open their 2026 training camp in Oxnard, California. Led by head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys feel their offseason moves have them trending in the right direction.
Defensive Changes
One of the biggest moves this offseason was hiring Christian Parker from the Philadelphia Eagles to serve as defensive coordinator. Parker spent the past two seasons as the Eagles passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach. He was on the coaching staff that won Super Bowl LIX.
Dallas needed a change after last season’s poor showing on defense — one of the worst in franchise history. Enter the 34-year-old first-time defensive coordinator, tasked with leading the charge. Schottenheimer called Parker a “superstar.”
Offseason Additions
The Cowboys traded up to draft former Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs 11th overall in April. Downs has been taking starting reps since OTAs and is expected to be a Day 1 starter. Parker is known for developing some of the game’s best young defensive backs and plans to utilize Downs’ versatility across the secondary.
Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is a force when healthy. The fourth-year backer had a healthy offseason and is ready to thrive under Parker. Overshown has earned the “green dot,” meaning he is the quarterback of the defense — permitted to receive radio communications from the coaching staff and relay play calls to the rest of the unit.
Offensive Outlook
The Cowboys’ offense has remained a bright spot even through some leaner seasons, and now it’s primed for another leap. With a full season already under his belt — one that was legitimately exceptional — Schottenheimer returns all 11 offensive starters and brings deep schematic continuity into 2026.
Dak Prescott heads into camp healthy, locked in and motivated, surrounded by a loaded arsenal: CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens on the outside, plus reliable tight end Jake Ferguson in the middle of the field, and a strong running back room ready to complement the passing attack.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
