Author: Todd Archer

Todd ArcherFeb 18, 2026, 07:19 PM ET

CloseTodd Archer is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the Dallas Cowboys. Archer has covered the NFL since 1997 and Dallas since 2003. He joined ESPN in 2010.Open Extended Reactions

FRISCO, Texas — Christian Parker, the Dallas Cowboys‘ new defensive coordinator, is walking into a unit that finished last in the NFL in points per game allowed (30.1) and 30th in the league in yards per game allowed (377).

The Cowboys have needs at every level of their defense that will require additions through free agency and the draft. The rebuild looks daunting

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FRISCO, Texas — Starting Tuesday, NFL teams can begin placing the franchise tag on players.

For the Dallas Cowboys, it is a certainty that they will use the tag, which figures to be around $27-28 million, on wide receiver George Pickens by the deadline at 4 p.m. ET on March 3.

Since there have been zero discussions to this point on a long-term deal, connecting the dots to the franchise tag is easy to do.

Acquired in May from the Pittsburgh Steelers, along with a 2027 sixth-round pick, for a 2026 third-round and 2027 fifth-round pick, Pickens

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FRISCO, Texas — You can’t say the Dallas Cowboys have failed to do their due diligence in filling out their defensive staff.

The Cowboys have interviewed about 20 coaches, if not a little more, according to sources, to join new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Only two of the known candidates have a previous tie to Parker. Ronell Williams was the assistant linebackers coach on the same Philadelphia Eagles staff with Parker, who was their passing game coordinator and secondary coach. Former Minnesota Vikings defensive line coach Marcus Dixon was with the Denver Broncos

Link to Original Article - on ESPN