The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, long-time rivals, are engaged in an offseason exchange that currently favors Dallas. The Cowboys recently hired Eagles assistant Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator and reportedly interviewed another Eagles assistant for a position on Parker’s staff.
In a reciprocal move, the Eagles requested permission to interview Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams. However, Dallas denied the request, a move permissible under NFL rules given Parker’s position with the Cowboys. This back-and-forth underscores the competitive nature of the NFC East and the high stakes involved in coaching personnel.
Beyond the coaching carousel, attention is turning to the upcoming NFL Draft. Analyst Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com’s latest mock draft projects the Cowboys to address their defense with the No. 12 and No. 20 overall picks, selecting Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood and Auburn edge rusher Kaldric Faulk, respectively. This projection comes as the Cowboys consider replacements for key defensive players like cornerback Trevon Diggs and edge rusher Micah Parsons.
Elsewhere in the league, Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, despite an unremarkable rookie season, has been added to the Pro Bowl roster as a replacement for New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who qualified for the Super Bowl. Sanders, the son of Deion Sanders, started four games for the Browns, completing 56.6% of his passes.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys know their 2026 opponents, having finished second in the NFC East. They will face teams from the AFC South and NFC West, including the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders twice each. The full schedule will be released in mid-May.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Cowboys to hire Christian Parker?
The Cowboys hired Eagles pass-game coordinator Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator.
What is the significance of the mock draft projections for the Cowboys?
Daniel Jeremiah’s mock draft projects the Cowboys to draft both a cornerback and an edge rusher in the first round, potentially addressing needs created by the performance of players like Trevon Diggs and Micah Parsons.
Who will the Cowboys play at home in 2026?
The Cowboys will host the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home in 2026.
How will this offseason maneuvering impact the Cowboys’ performance on the field next season?
