The Dallas Cowboys are looking to add a guy to strengthen their defense.

The Dallas Cowboys have long been one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, with their offensive and defensive successes shaping their legacy. However, in recent years, their defense has been a mixed bag of promise and inconsistency. After finishing the 2023 season with an overall strong defensive performance, the Cowboys have made it clear that they are looking to add further depth and talent to strengthen the defense moving forward.

The team’s defense has undoubtedly been a stronghold, but to compete with elite NFC teams—especially the likes of the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and others—Dallas will need to bolster its roster with key additions. The team’s pursuit of a player to reinforce its defense is thus not just a matter of adding talent, but of finding the right player to complement the existing squad, fit into the Cowboys’ defensive scheme, and help propel them toward Super Bowl contention.

Current Defensive Landscape

1. The Strengths of the Cowboys Defense

As of the end of the 2023 season, the Cowboys finished with one of the most formidable defenses in the NFL, ranking among the league’s top teams in multiple categories.

Pass Rush: With elite pass-rushers like Micah Parsons, who is considered one of the top defensive players in the league, the Cowboys have an excellent ability to pressure quarterbacks. Parsons finished the 2023 season with double-digit sacks and was a constant threat to opposing offenses. Alongside Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence offers another strong presence in the pass rush, though he has been more inconsistent in recent years. Together, they form one of the most fearsome edge-rushing duos in the league.
Run Defense: Dallas has shown resilience in stopping the run, often limiting opponents to minimal yardage on the ground. The addition of veteran Jonathan Hankins in the middle has helped clog up running lanes, while Leighton Vander Esch and Damone Clark have been effective at inside linebacker, offering solid support in run defense.
Secondary: In the secondary, the Cowboys have a strong duo in the form of cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore. Diggs is known for his ball-hawking skills, frequently generating interceptions, while Gilmore, though in the twilight of his career, still brings savvy and experience to the table. The safeties, led by Donovan Wilson and Jayron Kearse, provide toughness and versatility, allowing defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to mix up coverages and utilize creative schemes.
Turnovers: One of the Cowboys’ most outstanding traits on defense has been their ability to generate turnovers. With Parsons, Diggs, and others creating pressure and taking advantage of mistakes, Dallas has often turned defense into offense.

2. The Weaknesses of the Cowboys Defense

While the Cowboys’ defense has its clear strengths, there are still areas in need of improvement that the team will want to address moving forward.

Inconsistency in Coverage: Although the Cowboys boast an excellent secondary, inconsistencies in coverage have sometimes led to big plays. Trevon Diggs, despite his playmaking ability, has been prone to allowing deep passes and has room for improvement in his consistency.
Depth and Injuries: Depth has been a challenge in recent years, especially at linebacker and defensive line. When injuries have struck—such as to Leighton Vander Esch or key interior defensive linemen—the Cowboys’ defense has sometimes struggled to fill in the gaps. Building out depth at these positions is crucial for long-term success.
Stopping Elite Quarterbacks: Despite their overall success, the Cowboys’ defense has had trouble stopping elite quarterbacks in big moments. In recent playoff appearances, they have struggled against the high-powered offenses of teams like the 49ers and the Eagles. The lack of a reliable pass-rush in some situations has allowed opposing quarterbacks too much time to make plays.

Areas in Need of Reinforcement

1. Defensive Tackle Depth

One of the most glaring needs for the Cowboys is the defensive tackle position. While players like Hankins and Osa Odighizuwa have contributed, the Cowboys could benefit from more depth and impact talent along the defensive line. The ability to disrupt the run game, collapse the pocket, and free up Parsons and Lawrence on the edges would elevate the overall defense to another level.

An interior pass rusher or a player who can collapse the pocket consistently would help make the Cowboys defense even more difficult to deal with. A disruptive force in the middle can make it harder for opposing quarterbacks to step up into the pocket, thereby allowing the edge rushers to finish the job.

2. Linebacker Upgrades

While Vander Esch and Clark have shown promise, there is still room for improvement at linebacker. Both players are solid contributors, but adding a dynamic linebacker who excels in both run defense and coverage could create a more complete defense. Linebackers are often tasked with covering running backs and tight ends in the passing game, and having a versatile player in this position would help the Cowboys shut down offensive schemes that rely on quick passing and route running over the middle.

Additionally, an experienced linebacker who can read plays quickly, call out adjustments at the line of scrimmage, and create turnovers would be a valuable asset for the Cowboys’ defense.

3. Secondary Depth

Though the Cowboys have a standout secondary with Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore, injuries and inconsistencies at cornerback can derail a defense. The Cowboys may look to add a depth piece at cornerback or safety to ensure they have a reliable backup in case of injury. Depth in the secondary also allows the Cowboys to rotate players more frequently and keep their defense fresh throughout a long season.

Adding a young, up-and-coming cornerback with excellent coverage skills would further shore up the defensive backfield. This would also allow the Cowboys to have greater flexibility in how they use Gilmore, particularly as he ages.

Potential Targets for the Cowboys Defense

With the Cowboys’ defense in mind, let’s explore some potential additions they could make to improve and strengthen their defense.

1. Free Agent Defensive Linemen

One of the most likely avenues for the Cowboys to strengthen their defense is by adding a disruptive defensive tackle or a versatile interior defensive lineman. Several veterans and emerging players could provide significant upgrades to the Cowboys’ defensive front.

Javon Hargrave: After his success with the Philadelphia Eagles, Hargrave could be a prime target for the Cowboys. His ability to disrupt both the run and pass makes him an ideal fit for the Cowboys’ defensive scheme. With a knack for collapsing the pocket, Hargrave would complement Parsons and Lawrence perfectly.
Daron Payne: A powerful defensive tackle who has shown his ability to control the line of scrimmage and rush the passer, Payne would be another excellent addition to the Cowboys’ defense. His consistency and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game make him a potential target.

2. Trade or Free Agent Linebackers

To solidify the linebacker position, the Cowboys could target proven veterans or up-and-coming players who can make an immediate impact.

Bobby Wagner: Though Wagner is nearing the end of his career, his experience and leadership are invaluable. The Cowboys could look to sign him for a short-term deal to help solidify their linebacker corps. Wagner’s ability to read plays, cover ground, and create turnovers would be an asset.
C.J. Mosley: Another experienced linebacker who has been a key piece for the New York Jets, Mosley’s versatility and leadership would fit well in the Cowboys’ defense. His ability to both rush the passer and cover in space would provide the Cowboys with much-needed balance.

3. Secondary Depth Options

With Diggs and Gilmore anchoring the Cowboys’ secondary, adding another young, reliable cornerback would help the team compete against high-powered passing offenses. Potential targets could include:

Marcus Peters: While Peters is known for his ball-hawking skills, he could offer depth at cornerback, particularly with a short-term deal. His experience would also help the Cowboys in big-game scenarios.
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson: A versatile safety with cornerback-like skills, Gardner-Johnson could help the Cowboys fill a depth need in the secondary while also providing an additional impact in coverage.

Strategic Fit for the Cowboys’ Defense

Adding the right player is crucial for the Cowboys’ defense not just in terms of talent, but in fitting the team’s overall defensive philosophy. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn values versatility, so any additions should be able to play multiple positions or offer the ability to execute different schemes.

Additionally, adding a player who can immediately step into a leadership role or elevate the play of those around him is key. Whether it’s a veteran like Bobby Wagner or a younger, ascending player like Javon Hargrave, the Cowboys’ focus will be on maximizing the talents of their existing players while providing support where needed.

The Dallas Cowboys have built a strong defensive core over the years, but to truly challenge for a Super Bowl, they must continue to reinforce and deepen their roster. By focusing on positions like defensive tackle, linebacker, and secondary depth, they can shore up weaknesses and create a more well-rounded defense. Whether through free agency, trades, or the draft, the Cowboys are poised to strengthen their defense and continue their pursuit of greatness in the NFL.

The addition of the right defensive player could elevate the Cowboys from a solid playoff team to true Super Bowl contenders. Whether it’s a dominating force in the middle of the defensive line, a versatile linebacker, or a savvy cornerback, the right addition could make all the difference in the team’s long-term success.