Locked On Cowboys — Episode Summary

Episode Title: Cowboys Decision: Has Matt Eberflus Done Enough To Return As Defensive Coordinator For 2026 Season?
Air Date: December 2, 2025
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool

Episode Overview

In this episode, Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool address pressing listener questions about the Dallas Cowboys’ defense, headlined by the future of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. They also examine the upcoming offseason decisions at defensive end, the situation around Trayvon Diggs’ return and contract, and discuss the team’s long-term roster-building philosophy, all with an eye toward capitalizing on the Cowboys’ 2026 Super Bowl window. The hosts blend data-driven analysis, insider perspective on front-office considerations, and honest assessments of recent performances, providing fans an in-depth look at the big decisions looming for America's Team.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Matt Eberflus’ Future as Defensive Coordinator

Has Eberflus Done Enough to Return in 2026?

• Early-Season Struggles: Both hosts acknowledge Eberflus was in a “terrible position” after losing Micah Parsons unexpectedly (“He didn’t have a say in [the Parsons trade].” – Landon, 03:07).
• Recent Improvement: The defense has played noticeably better in the last three weeks, correlating to added talent and improved health, providing valuable data points.
• Continuity Considerations:
  • “Cowboys kept changing out defensive coordinators. We haven't allowed a single unit to sit and develop into a system for more than a year.” (Landon, 04:26)
  • Momentum for keeping Eberflus is driven by the desire for continuity, especially as the team eyes a Super Bowl run.
• Role of Available Candidates: Marcus points out that unless a “clear upgrade” or “needle-mover” like Brian Flores or Jim Schwartz becomes available, Eberflus should stay (“It’s going to depend on the names available…If there’s somebody that’s more creative…I wouldn’t be opposed.” – Marcus, 05:48).
• Track Record of Improvement: Marcus notes Eberflus’ history of building incrementally better units year-over-year with the Colts and Bears.
• No Appetite for Another First-Time Playcaller: Both are adamant against hiring a developmental/rookie DC in this window.
• Final Consensus: Keep Eberflus, unless a dramatic upgrade is available.

Memorable Quote:

“I kind of just don't want to start over with another defensive coordinator. So I think, combined with what you've seen these last few weeks…continuity is so important here, I kind of think he should be back next year.” – Landon McCool (04:55)

2. Defensive End Position — Who Returns in 2026?

Veteran DE Decisions & Future Roster Shape

• Current Contract Situation: Only James Houston and Donovan Azaraku are under contract for 2026.
  • “Next year, [Houston’s] cap hit is $1.1 million with zero guaranteed.” – Marcus (15:10)
• Likely Departures:
  • Clowney: Expected not to be re-signed, but could be a late-offseason addition again if needed, given his “mercenary” contract history.
  • Sam Williams: Both would be shocked to see him return unless it’s a minimum, prove-it deal.
  • Fowler: Might be re-signed on a short, cheap deal if interested.
• Roster-building Approach:
  • The Cowboys are likely to take the “mix and match” approach: draft a pass rusher, sign a recognizable veteran, and add upside projects among former high picks.
  • “This is a position the Cowboys need to seriously look at in the draft.” – Landon (16:07)
• Draft vs. Free Agency:
  • Marcus floats the idea of a big-money signing (Jalen Phillips, Joey Bosa) but Landon pushes back, noting how the draft class is deep at EDGE and cap dollars might be needed elsewhere.
  • “If you love someone in the draft, maybe spend your pick; if not, sign a high-end vet.” – Landon (19:07)
• Predictions:
  • Marcus: “I think the Cowboys will sign one big name veteran…and spend a first round pick on an edge rusher to pair with Azaraku.” (17:57)
  • Landon: Cowboys may try to save money by using the draft, especially if they keep their expensive interior DL together.

Memorable Quote:

"Defensive end’s so wide open, I think you’re going to have to mix and match all approaches in order to get what you need.”—Landon McCool (16:57)

3. Trayvon Diggs’ Return and Future in Dallas

Current Injury & Locker Room Status

• Diggs returns to practice after missing time due to multiple knee problems (26:32):
  • “According to Diggs, he's been dealing with multiple knee injuries, including some soreness in both knees. He wants to play on Thursday. The Cowboys haven’t announced yet what's going to happen.” – Marcus (25:42)
• Relationship with Team Unclear:
  • Landon: “My gut tells me he won’t be back next year. None of it seems positive…there’s some animosity between the front office and him. I just can’t imagine him being on this team beyond this year.” (26:32)
• Financial Calculus:
  • “The Cowboys can save over $15 million by designating him as a post–June 1 cut.” – Marcus (27:51)
• What Determines Diggs’ Fate?
  • If young CBs (Savon Ravel, Kaylin Carson, Ready Stewart) continue to play well, Diggs becomes expendable.
  • Attitude and willingness to tackle will be scrutinized: “If he comes out and it’s a lot of like loafing and not wanting to tackle, you've got other guys on this team that are willing to tackle.” – Marcus (30:17)

Memorable Quote:

“This relationship is till the end of the season—and then not long after that.” – Landon McCool (29:52)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (w/ Timestamps)

• On Eberflus’ Difficult Situation:
  “He was put into a terrible position…When you build your whole defense around a single player…then suddenly that player gets traded.” – Landon McCool (03:07)

• On Defensive End Roster Reality:
  “Those are their only two defensive ends under contract for 2026. That’s it.” – Marcus Mosher (15:33)

• On Realistic Defensive Coordinator Candidates:
  “The only name out there is like…if the Vikings decided the season was bad enough…Brian Flores. Yes, that’s an upgrade. But the Vikings aren’t doing that.” – Marcus Mosher (09:17)

• On Trayvon Diggs’s Locker Room Outlook:
  “None of it feels positive. I just feel like…there’s some animosity…between the front office and him.” – Landon McCool (26:32)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:44] Show start; introduction and episode overview
• [03:07] Matt Eberflus’ season review, context of Parsons trade, continuity
• [05:48] Evaluating external DC options, Eberflus’ history of defensive improvement
• [07:19] Need for a true “needle-mover” if changing DCs
• [11:18] Transition to defensive ends: current contracts, offseason approach
• [14:13] Veteran DE free agency and draft options, likely departures
• [17:34] Potential for “Tyrone Crawford-ing” DTs and predictions for free agency
• [19:48] Pros and cons of spending on high-priced EDGE vs. drafting
• [22:01] Kenny Clark’s contract, interior DL considerations
• [25:42] Trayvon Diggs practice return, future speculation
• [26:32] Relationship analysis, financials
• [27:51] Will young CBs push Diggs out?
• [29:01] Competition and potential for Diggs to regain role
• [30:17] Intangibles and Diggs’ effort as deciding factors

Summary Takeaways

• Eberflus’ turnaround (helped by improved talent and time) has stabilized his job security—the hosts agree he should return unless a proven, clear upgrade becomes available.
• DE depth is a looming offseason crisis, with only two young players under contract and both hosts expecting a new high-profile addition via free agency or the draft.
• Trayvon Diggs’ future looks bleak—his health, attitude, and frosty relationship with the organization—plus cap implications and a strong CB pipeline, make his exit likely.
• The Cowboys’ front office will prioritize roster continuity, value, and maximizing this Super Bowl window in all these decisions.

For fans and followers:
This episode offers a comprehensive blend of statistical insight and grounded roster analysis, ideal for staying informed on the latest Cowboys storylines and understanding the critical decision points as Dallas preps for another Super Bowl push.