The Dallas Cowboys are hoping for a fresh start after missing the playoffs in 2025, and the team has already made a few changes ahead of the new season.
With training camp underway in Oxnard, California, Dallas has a healthy roster, a new defensive coordinator and an updated leadership group in place before Week 1.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer also introduced the team's leadership council, a move aimed at strengthening communication between players and coaches throughout the season.
According to NFL reporter Todd Archer, Schottenheimer announced the Cowboys' 11-player leadership council on Wednesday. Quarterback Dak Prescott is joined by Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Jalen Thompson, Rashan Gary, Tyler Booker, Jake Ferguson, Tyler Smith, Javonte Williams, CeeDee Lamb and Bryan Anger.
The leadership group comes as Dallas looks to bounce back from a 7-9-1 season. While the Cowboys averaged 27.7 points per game, ranking seventh in the NFL, their defense struggled throughout the year, allowing a league-high 30 points per contest as the franchise missed the playoffs for a second straight season.
Cowboys Reshaped Defense During Offseason
Dallas spent much of the offseason addressing that side of the ball. Christian Parker was hired as defensive coordinator, and the unit could feature as many as seven new starters when the regular season begins.
The Cowboys also added several new faces, including edge rusher Rashan Gary in a trade and safety Jalen Thompson in free agency before selecting safety Caleb Downs in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.
Owner Jerry Jones has also made it clear he believes the Cowboys have a roster capable of competing this season. He recently said he would be willing to move a high draft pick if it meant adding another impact player.
Jerome Miron - IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
With Prescott leading the offense alongside CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, Dallas enters the season with few questions on that side of the ball. The bigger challenge will be whether the rebuilt defense can take a step forward after last year's struggles.
The Cowboys will now look for the new leadership council to help set the tone in the locker room as they begin preparations for the 2026 season.
