Podcast Summary: Locked On Cowboys – "REBUILD: Can the Dallas Cowboys DEFENSE Transform Into Quality Unit This Offseason?"

Episode Date: December 17, 2025
Hosts: Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool
Podcast Network: Locked On Podcast Network

Overview

This episode digs deep into the Dallas Cowboys' roster-building challenges as they look to transform their defense into a top-tier unit for a shot at the Super Bowl. Hosts Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool answer listener questions covering the pragmatic path to defensive improvement, debate recent contract extension missteps, and forecast the future at running back. Episode highlights include practical roster solutions, candid evaluations of team-building decisions, and actionable strategies for 2025 and beyond.

1. Can the Cowboys Rebuild the Defense in One Offseason?

Listener Question: With only two picks in the first three rounds, do the Cowboys have enough assets to rebuild the defense to Super Bowl quality, or should they prioritize free agency for certain positions?
(02:00–10:41)

Key Points

• Comprehensive Approach Needed:
  Landon: “Rebuilding the defense is a comprehensive plan…it’s not as simple as just nailing those two first round picks.” (02:35)

  • Must combine strong drafting, player development, improved coaching, and targeted free agency.
  • Incremental improvement from existing players and better health (especially from overshone) are crucial.

• Draft + Free Agency Strategy:
  Marcus: The two first-round picks should be spent on defense, not offense. Supplement with budget-friendly free agents and a couple of “mercenary” deals, like with Fowler or Clowney previously. (07:41)

• Free Agency: Prioritize Positions with Long Learning Curves:

  • Cornerback is highlighted as a tough spot for rookie impact—veteran signings might be more practical than hoping for instant success from a draftee.
    Landon: “I do think it makes some sense to go the veteran route for the cornerback position.” (06:41)

• Positions & Numbers Needed:

  • Both agree: 4 new defensive starters (DE, LB, 2 DBs) + 2 quality rotational players (DE, LB) = 6 key additions. (07:41–08:52)

• Comparisons & Perspective:
  Marcus: “Philadelphia is a really good example…just those two draft picks [in 2024] alone really transformed their defense.” (09:47)

Notable Quotes

• “If you could just get another, you know, better than just starting quality level cornerback in here, I think a lot of the other pieces kind of can fall into place.” – Landon (05:10)
• “You need six defenders. I think you can realistically get them.” – Marcus (08:52)
• “It does feel like a solid offseason worth of work, but definitely an offseason—not two.” – Landon (09:23)

2. Cowboys’ Struggles with Contract Extensions

Listener Question: Why do the Cowboys keep having problems after signing players to big extensions? (14:15–22:07)

Key Points

• A String of Regrets:
  Marcus rattles off a list of recent extension failures: Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, Trayvon Diggs, Terence Steele, Jalen Smith, Ezekiel Elliott.

  • “The Cowboys didn’t really get great value on those contracts.” (15:36)

• Causes: Bad Luck & Bad Process

  • Injuries: Some deals, like with Gallup and Diggs, soured quickly due to significant injuries.
  • Over-committing to ‘B-level’ Players: Too many extensions for mid-tier players (OSA, Ferguson, etc.)—not overpaying but clogging the cap and limiting flexibility.
    Marcus: “You’re also paying him $22M a year…if you didn’t make that move, it’s a little bit easier to keep Micah Parsons around.” (17:19)
  • Inflexibility and Pressure: Overlapping extensions restrict ability to make bigger moves or retain blue-chip stars.

• Some Contracts Were Unavoidable:

  • Landon: “For the most part, the salary cap is real…when you make a mistake over here, it leaves you little margin for error over there.” (21:00)

• Recent Hits and Misses:

  • Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb extensions are bringing strong returns, but were signed later than optimal, raising costs. Marcus: “They paid Dak—probably not paid him more than he’s worth—but they could’ve gotten this deal done sooner and paid him less.” (21:26)

Notable Quotes

• “I also think that there is a healthy portion of these where they’ve finally gotten on the bad side of injury luck…” – Landon (16:31)
• “It’s death by a thousand cuts…when you make a mistake over here, it leaves you little margin for error over there.” – Landon (21:00)
• “The problems that…are concerning and problematic for us are the re-signings—guys that you actually have a lot of insight on.” – Landon (20:00)

3. The Running Back Room: Future Moves

Listener Question: What will the Cowboys do at running back—bring back Javonte Williams, draft a RB in round one, or something else? (24:37–31:09)

Key Points

• Javonte Williams Emerged as a Workhorse:
  Landon: “Javonte Williams was a resounding success. More than either of us could have expected.” (25:00)

  • The Cowboys should try to re-sign him, but acknowledge mileage is a concern; he took a massive workload this year.

• Need for an Explosive Change-of-Pace RB:
  “We need to have a conversation about…having a more serious candidate as a secondary running back…Javante Blue has basically been a failure to launch.” – Landon (25:25)

• Draft & Free Agency Options are Limited:

  • Few exciting FA backs available; usually, an explosive RB is found on Day 2 of draft. But Dallas lacks those picks.
  • First-round RB? More justifiable this year given the power scheme and OL improvements, but not officially endorsing the move. Marcus: “I could at least get behind it this year more so than in previous years where your offensive line was a mess and it got old really fast.” (28:47)

• Cost & Cap Reality:

  • Javonte is unlikely to break the bank (“I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t even get [6–7M/year]”—Marcus, 29:49)
  • Names to watch: Kenneth Walker (Seattle), Breece Hall (Jets), while expensive, could offer home-run potential.

Notable Quotes

• “This is a real problem that I feel like previous Cowboys offenses in the modern era have run into...DeMarco Murray...he really tapered off at the end of the season.” – Landon (25:17)
• “Usually I’m not in favor of paying these guys, but...2026–2027, that is your window. Go try to win it right now.” – Marcus (31:02)
• “Let Landon like 2026, 2027. That is your window.” – Marcus (30:54)

Key Takeaways & Memorable Moments

• Pragmatic Optimism: The Cowboys can rebuild defensively in one offseason, but only with precision across draft, free agency, and player development.
  • “It does feel like a solid offseason worth of work, but definitely an offseason—not two.” (09:23)
• Contract Extension Woes: Dallas has struggled extending players, often finding themselves stuck with injured or B-tier players. Injury luck, inflexible management, and roster construction strategy are all to blame.
• Running Back Realism: Javonte Williams should be retained, but not as a lone bell cow—sustainability hinges on finding another viable playmaker, even if the pickings are slim.
• Window for Contention: The next two years (2026–27) are identified as critical—push resources in for a title shot rather than worrying about long-term cap pain.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Asset allocation for defensive rebuild: 02:00–10:41
• Extension difficulties, cap dilemmas: 14:15–22:07
• Running back strategy for 2026: 24:37–31:09

For new listeners: This episode is a must-hear if you want the latest on Cowboys roster strategy, including clear-eyed critique of past decisions and realistic, actionable plans for 2025. The honest, conversational tone between Marcus and Landon makes complex cap and roster subjects digestible for fans at all levels.