Locked On Cowboys: "Cowboys Squad Show" – January 13, 2026

Episode Theme
This episode centers on the Dallas Cowboys’ pivotal offseason, focusing on the search for a new defensive coordinator, draft strategies after the Micah Parsons trade, and speculation about high-profile coaching or front office moves—including rumors about Jerry Jones potentially reaching out to John Harbaugh and the prospect of Troy Aikman joining the Cowboys’ executive ranks. Hosted by Marcus Mosher, Coach Glenn “Stretch” Smith, and Aisha Morrison, with Jeff as the roundtable moderator, this special "Squad Show" provides insider perspective, candid opinions, and lively banter amid a critical time for the franchise.

Key Discussion Points

1. Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Search (DC Search)

[01:41–13:38]

• Current Updates:
  • The Cowboys have conducted three interviews for DC, including an upcoming interview with Aaron Whitecotton (defensive line coach), and scheduled interviews with Zach Orr and Jonathan Gannon.
  • “If I had to make a bet here, I think the Cowboys have decided on their guy, and I think it’s Jim Leonard... but because he’s coaching the Broncos right now, you can’t really hire him.” – Marcus Mosher [04:04]
• Profile of Jim Leonard:
  • Seen as the front-runner due to his reputation as a teacher and flexible coach.
  • His connection with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer dates back to their overlapping time with the Jets.
  • “Schottenheimer’s always really liked Leonard and this might be the reason why you’re hearing his name more and more this time around.” – Marcus [08:09]
• Secondary Emphasis:
  • Dallas aiming to rebuild the secondary; bringing in a DB-specialist like Leonard fits the team’s biggest defensive need. – Aisha Morrison [05:58]
• Internal Candidates:
  • Aaron Whitecotton is getting an interview largely as a courtesy and for internal evaluation, not as a serious candidate for DC. [10:09]
  • “Aisha, you have a better chance of being defensive coordinator than Aaron Whitecotton.” – Marcus Mosher [10:09]
  • “You pick their brain...see how he views the defensive scheme from a year ago...it doesn’t hurt.” – Coach Stretch [10:45]

2. Could Jerry Jones Call John Harbaugh?

[12:57–17:55]

• Speculation & Opinions:
  • Jeff raises the possibility Jerry might reach out to John Harbaugh as part of his ongoing fixation on passing Robert Kraft in Super Bowls.
  • “Jerry sells hope. That’s what he does. That’s what he’s really good at, selling hope.” – Coach Stretch [13:38]
• Is Harbaugh a real target?
  • Both Marcus and Stretch believe Jones is committed to Schottenheimer and would not pursue Harbaugh.
  • “I really do think Jerry likes Brian Schottenheimer. I wonder if ... he just thinks that Schottenheimer’s a younger version of John Harbaugh.” – Marcus [15:11]
  • “We know [Marcus isn't] the biggest fan [of Harbaugh].” – Aisha [17:31]
• Harbaugh as a Coach:
  • Stretch defends Harbaugh’s NFL track record and background but recognizes the franchise wants a different direction. [15:33–16:35]
  • Marcus points out recent struggles, discipline issues, and the team’s dependence on Lamar Jackson as reasons against considering Harbaugh. [16:35]

3. Cowboys Draft Capital & Approach

[21:28–29:49]

• Draft Picks after Parsons/Packers Trades:
  • Cowboys will select at No. 12 (their own pick) and No. 20 (from Green Bay via the Micah Parsons trade).
  • Marcus highlights the last time Cowboys had two top-20 picks (DeMarcus Ware & Marcus Spears, 2005) as a model. [21:28]
  • “There’s no reason why the Cowboys shouldn’t leave this draft with two day one starters on defense.” – Marcus [22:39]
• Draft Needs and Philosophy:
  • Aisha is “excited” because this year’s draft class is “defensive-rich,” especially at linebacker, DE, and cornerback. [22:39]
  • Stretch cautions there’s “zero room for error” with no picks in rounds two or three:
    “No more Taco Charltons, no more Mazi Smiths...There is zero room for error in these first two picks.” – Coach Stretch [24:10]
• Trade Possibilities:
  • Marcus teases an upcoming podcast segment: Should the Cowboys trade one pick for a proven player, given the need to land two high-end defensive starters? [26:03]

4. The Fallout and Timeline of the Micah Parsons Trade

[29:28–34:57]

• Behind-the-Scenes Dynamics:
  • Debate over whether the decision to trade Micah Parsons was considered long-term or came suddenly after internal issues boiled over.
  • “I think he laid on that table and forced his way out of here...they turned the page.” – Coach Stretch [30:34]
  • Marcus recalls Stephen Jones’ measured comments at the previous owner’s meeting as evidence the idea had at least been broached. [31:38]
  • Aisha notes personality/leadership concerns about Parsons were “bubbling” behind the scenes for a while. [32:41]
  • Stretch counters that not every player fits every environment—this happens around the league. [33:43]

5. Roster Construction: Free Agency & Defensive Rebuild

[28:58–29:49, 26:43]

• Free Agency Discussion:
  • Stretch and Marcus agree Dallas must be aggressive in free agency, given draft limitations.
  • Marcus projects at least six new defensive additions—ideally two from the draft, two mid-level signings, and two inexpensive veteran signings (“Clowney types”). [28:58]
  • “That propelled [the Eagles] to a Super Bowl. That’s going to be the challenge for Will McClay and the front office.” – Marcus [28:58]

6. George Pickens Contract, Future, and Free Agency Outlook

[39:23–51:47]

• Current Status:
  • Pickens was a major addition, transformed the offense, and could be franchise-tagged.
    “Let's get it done. I just feel like offensively he really bridged the gap this year...they should just get the deal done now.” – Aisha [39:23]
• Market for Pickens:
  • Marcus cautions that Pickens’ market will be less aggressive than CeeDee Lamb’s, as some teams had him off their draft boards; Dallas capitalized where others didn’t.
  • Other teams’ previous evaluations will color their free agency interest and offers.
  • Aisha passionately argues that Pickens’ positive on-field impact and locker-room growth should factor into the Cowboys’ decision:
    “Is development only on the field? It’s people as well.” [41:53]
• Contract Structure:
  • Expect franchise tag as a placeholder and a potential two- or three-year extension heavy on guarantees. [45:18]
  • Pickens is the “number one” free agent priority, not a running back.
• Trade Speculation:
  • Marcus broaches the idea of trading Pickens for a second-rounder and spending the money elsewhere (e.g., signing Trey Hendrickson in free agency), but all agree Pickens’ presence elevates Prescott and the offense. [49:19]
  • “Ryan Flournoy is a number three...You push him to number two, then we doing what we was doing before.” – Aisha [49:49]

7. Are the Cowboys Close to Contending?

[50:31–51:14]

• All agree Dallas is “not that far” from being back in the mix if they nail this offseason, especially on defense.

8. Breaking News: Donovan Aziraku's Arrest

[38:00–38:46]

• Marcus breaks news that Cowboys DE Donovan Aziraku was arrested for reckless driving—citing Dallas’ recent track record with troubled second-rounders (Sam Williams, Calvin Joseph).
• "This is one of the things you worry about when you’re a coach...You’re always dreading that phone call." – Marcus [38:00]

9. Troy Aikman Front Office Rumors

[56:37–61:37]

• Troy has reportedly assisted the Dolphins on front office hires, prompting speculation about him returning to the Cowboys.
• Stretch is skeptical:
  “I just don’t think that Jerry and he probably see eye to eye on much.” [57:04]
• Marcus notes Aikman’s competitive drive and how he might relish a John Lynch–type role, but sees Aikman unlikely to work “under Jerry or Stephen.”
• “Having someone like Aikman, who would have very different ways of wanting to build a team, I just don’t think it would ever work out.” – Marcus [61:37]
• Aisha admires Aikman and would like to see him in an advisory role but doubts he’d tolerate the organizational culture.

10. Timeline for Naming DC and Offseason Moves

[61:59–63:27]

• Marcus expects a DC hire within two weeks or between the championship games and Super Bowl, since scouting for the draft requires knowing what player types fit the future scheme. [62:14]
• Stretch jokes Jerry will find a way to “own the news cycle” on Super Bowl bye week. [62:44]
• Aisha and Marcus note media coverage may be quiet for now, but expect rapid developments soon.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Jerry sells hope. That’s what he does. That’s what he’s really good at, selling hope.” – Coach Glenn Stretch Smith [13:38]
• “There is zero room in my mind for a swing and a miss. No more Taco Charltons, no more Mazi Smiths.” – Coach Glenn Stretch Smith [24:10]
• “Don’t be surprised if we make another move like they did with Quinnen and George Pickens.” – Marcus Mosher [26:03]
• “I think you are professionals at spinning the block...finding your way back around the folks that you’ve been with before.” – Aisha Morrison [26:43]
• “You have a better chance of being defensive coordinator than Aaron Whitecotton.” – Marcus Mosher to Aisha [10:09]
• “If he’s [Aikman] coming out the booth for any...time, he gonna be serious business. And I just...I’m not sure it would match with the Cowboys.” – Aisha Morrison [60:18]
• “It’s a hammer, the nail mentality. And he [Aikman] ain't never going to be the nail. He’s always going to be the hammer.” – Coach Glenn Stretch Smith [61:01]

Key Timestamps

• 01:41 – Show intro & panel introductions
• 03:57 – State of the DC search; Jim Leonard as likely frontrunner
• 10:09 – On Aaron Whitecotton’s candidacy (Marcus’ quip)
• 13:38 – Jerry Jones “selling hope” and Harbaugh speculation
• 21:28 – Impact of having picks #12 and #20 in 2026 draft
• 24:10 – “Zero room for error” with top two picks (Stretch’s rant)
• 26:03 – Should the Cowboys trade a first for a proven player?
• 29:28 – How the Micah Parsons trade went down
• 38:00 – Breaking news: Donovan Aziraku arrest
• 39:23 – George Pickens’ contract future, franchise tag, & market
• 49:19 – Would you consider trading Pickens?
• 56:37 – Troy Aikman front office rumors
• 62:14 – Timeline for DC hire & All-Star game scouting preparations

Final Thoughts

The episode captures the uncertainty and opportunity facing the Cowboys: a DC hire looms, draft picks must hit, the offense has a star to retain, and the franchise is as drama-filled as ever under Jerry Jones. The hosts dismiss head coach rumors, reflect on the organizational dynamics, and end on a note of guarded optimism—if Dallas nails this offseason, they’re "not that far" from true contention.

Panel:
Marcus Mosher (Locked On Cowboys), Coach Glenn "Stretch" Smith (former Cowboys coach), Aisha Morrison, Jeff (moderator)

For Cowboys fans and NFL observers, this episode offers revealing insight into the team's crucial offseason, blending expert analysis and locker-room candor.