The Cowboys Secondary Will Have to Prove Its Worth in 2026

After looking at the Cowboys’ 2026 schedule, I have come to the conclusion that this rebuilt secondary better be the real deal.

Dallas is going to see these receivers:

Malik Nabers x2

Terry McLaurin x2

DeVonta Smith x2

Zay Flowers

Nico Collins

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Puka Nacua

Brian Thomas Jr

Michael Wilson

Mike Evans

I want everyone to know that it is four months, or so, of receivers who can turn this defense upside down in a hurry. Those receivers can turn one busted coverage into six points before we’ve had time to settle into our favorite recliner.

Don’t get me wrong, I like what Dallas has done in the secondary. I just can’t give out credit before they’ve had time to earn it.

The Division is a Gauntlet of Top Receivers

The NFC East will be tough by itself and enough for me not to get too carried away with this secondary.

Nabers, McLaurin, and Smith showing up a cumulative total of six times is six chances for an iffy corner to get targeted until Dallas proves they can stop one of these guys.

Malik Nabers can take a short throw and make a corner look stupid as he dances into the end zone. Terry McLaurin has spent years beating good coverage with subpar quarterback play. DeVonta Smith doesn’t need double-digit receptions, give him a couple clean opportunities and bye-bye.

The upcoming training camp highlights we will all see doesn’t do it for me. I want to see this secondary hold up when anyone of those three receivers start moving around the formation.

Dallas Has Options, Not a Finished Product

What I like most about this secondary on paper is not one player, but that Dallas finally has different ways to match up.

Bland can still take the football away, Revel has upside, Durant brings experience, and Downs can play just about anywhere and not be locked into one position. Christian Parker will have the freedom to adjust.

Why does versatility matter? Each one of the receivers the Cowboys face brings a different type of problem and having depth and versatility allows the defense options to take things away from opposing offenses.

The only question will be can those pieces form some cohesion and work together if things seem like they are getting out of hand. No one wins games because the names on their roster look good. They have to prove they belong during the season.

No More Excuses

I am much more optimistic about this secondary than I was a year ago, but that doesn’t mean I’m sold.

The Cowboys have added talent, hired a whiz kid defensive coordinator, and built a deep group in the secondary.

That’s all well and good, but now go prove it.

This schedule is packed with receivers who can embarrass a defense and if Dallas has put together the secondary they think they have, we will know long before we can even dream about the playoffs.