Cowboys Poised for Aggressive Offseason Strategy After Disappointing Season
The Dallas Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones are preparing for what appears to be an ambitious offseason following another disappointing year that ended without a playoff appearance. Armed with extra draft capital—including an additional first-round pick this year and another next year—the Cowboys have positioned themselves to be active players in both the trade market and free agency. This combination of resources gives Jones and the front office significant flexibility to reshape the roster in meaningful ways as they attempt to return to contention.
Among the team’s first priorities will be resolving George Pickens’ future with the organization. The star wide receiver is expected to attract considerable interest from multiple teams, though many analysts predict he will ultimately re-sign with Dallas. Once the Pickens situation is settled, the Cowboys’ focus will shift dramatically toward rebuilding a defense that struggled significantly throughout the season. The defensive issues were particularly evident in their run defense, which ranked near the bottom of the league in multiple key metrics, including 28th in EPA per play on designed runs while allowing the seventh-most yards per carry in the NFL.
One intriguing free agency target suggested by Pro Football Focus analyst Mason Cameron is Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush. Cameron identified Dallas as potentially the ideal landing spot for Bush, noting, “The Cowboys have been known to take swings on former first-round picks, and Bush could be the next.” Cameron further emphasized how Bush could partner effectively with midseason acquisition Logan Wilson, who didn’t fully settle into his role under former defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. This pairing could significantly strengthen a linebacking corps that was often exposed during critical moments last season.
Bush’s 2025 campaign with the Browns showcased his playmaking abilities across multiple defensive categories. Appearing in all 17 games, he compiled an impressive statistical profile: 125 total tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, three interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, and eight passes defended. This level of production and versatility represents exactly what the Cowboys’ defense has been missing—a dynamic defender capable of impacting games in various ways. Bush’s ability to both defend against the run and make plays in coverage would address multiple weaknesses in the Dallas defensive scheme.
While there’s no guarantee that the Cowboys will pursue Bush when free agency opens, the match makes sense from both tactical and philosophical perspectives. Dallas has historically shown interest in former first-round selections who may have yet to fully realize their potential with their original teams. Bush, selected 10th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, fits this profile perfectly as a talented player who could benefit from a change of scenery and the opportunity to play a featured role in a defense desperately seeking playmakers at every level.
The upcoming months will be pivotal for the Cowboys organization as they navigate these roster decisions. Jones has repeatedly expressed frustration with the team’s inability to translate regular season success into playoff advancement. With extra draft picks, salary cap flexibility, and clear areas of need identified, this offseason represents a critical juncture for the franchise. Whether through the addition of players like Bush or other high-impact defenders, the Cowboys’ approach to rebuilding their defense will likely determine whether they can return to legitimate championship contention in the near future.
