Cowboys open training camp in Oxnard with a rebuilt defense and renewed expectations

OXNARD, Calif. — After a busy offseason of player acquisitions and coaching changes, the Dallas Cowboys have arrived in Oxnard with a high-powered offense, a revamped defense and a fully healthy roster. This marks the 20th time "America's Team" has traveled west for training camp.

For an organization accustomed to constant headlines, the offseason has been unusually quiet. There have been no contract disputes, no trade demands and few distractions.

“I like the perception that it’s been a quiet offseason,” Cowboys Hall of Fame owner Jerry Jones said at yesterday’s press conference. “I like the mood.”

The optimism is understandable, despite last season’s results.

Under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, they finished 7-9-1 and missed the playoffs. The offense ranked among the best in the NFL, led by veteran quarterback Dak Prescott, while the defense unraveled.

Prescott celebrated his 33rd birthday back on the field today. He, along with his teammates and coaches, has not shied away from their championship aspirations. He arrived in Oxnard wearing a Super Bowl XXX shirt—the team’s last title game appearance 30 years ago.

Dallas rewarded RB Javonte Williams with a three-year, $24 million deal after his breakout season, and the front office franchise tagged WR George Pickens, who had a career year with 1,429 yards on 93 receptions and nine touchdowns. Players who receive the tag tend to hold out for long-term deals, but that’s not the case for the 25-year-old receiver.

The entire starting offense is back, and expectations remain high entering Schottenheimer's second season alongside offensive coordinator Klayton Adams. The more significant changes, however, came on the other side of the ball.

Last year’s defense was historically bad. Matt Eberflus’ unit allowed the third-most yards in the league (6,409) and the most points (511). The team parted ways with the defensive coordinator at the end of the season as expected.

After an extensive search, they landed on 34-year-old Christian Parker, who was with division rival Philadelphia Eagles as a secondary coach and passing game coordinator. During his young career, Parker has developed and worked with the following defensive backs: Patrick Surtain II, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Justin Simmons, and Jaire Alexander.

The coach wasn’t the only problem on the defensive side of the ball—the personnel underperformed at all three levels. Will McClay, Cowboys Vice President of Player Personnel, and the Jones family made it a point of emphasis this offseason to improve the defense through free agency, trades, and the draft.

After years of neglecting the safety position, the Cowboys signed Jalen Thompson (three-year, $33 million) and P.J. Locke (one-year, $5 million) before selecting Caleb Downs with the 11th overall pick in the draft. They also added former Los Angeles Rams CB Cobie Durant in free agency and selected Devin Moore in the fourth round.

Locke suffered a non-contact injury when breaking towards the ball on a run play. He went to the medical tent and did not return to practice. There’s no update on his status. 

Downs was the focus of attention. The versatile defensive back from Ohio State was considered one of the top prospects in this year's draft, and early indications are they made the right selection. He has drawn praise since being drafted, and that wasn’t any different as camp kicked off.

Ahead of today’s practice, Schottenheimer mentioned they have high expectations for the rookie, saying, “I don’t think we can put anything on Caleb Downs that is above what he expects for himself.”

He lined up in multiple spots, including the slot, safety, and in the box at times. The most notable play was his fumble recovery after Gary punched the ball away from second-year RB Phil Mafah.

Moments later, Jaydon Blue provided one of the day's biggest highlights.

Blue took advantage of his teammate's miscue, housing a 45-yard touchdown immediately after. The 2025 5th-round pick had an underwhelming year one and was a healthy scratch for the majority of the season. He showcased his speed on the long run.

Blue, Mafah and Malik Davis are competing for the opportunity to serve as Williams' primary backup.

TE Brevyn Spann-Ford and WR Jonathan Mingo flashed multiple times during the team’s 45-minute team session.

The front seven also saw a major shakeup. They sent a 5th-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for LB Dee Winters, and drafted LB Jaishawn Barham in the 3rd round—the pick they acquired in the Osa Odighizuwa trade. Cowboys sent a 2027 4th-round pick to the Packers for veteran edge rusher Rashan Gary, and drafted UCF DE Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd overall pick in the draft.

These are among the flurry of moves over the past couple of months. It’s no surprise that the focus on the first day of practice was on the defense. 

There were no significant takeaways from the non-padded practice as they begin their ramp-up period. The players are expected to wear pads starting next week. Schottenheimer noted that they aimed to incorporate some conditioning, which they accomplished at the end of practice.

During 11-on-11 work, Prescott connected with Pickens on a short pass that quickly turned into a long touchdown. Pickens celebrated by falling backward into the end zone as the crowd erupted.

Schottenheimer also announced the team's leadership council for the upcoming season: Prescott, Williams, CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson, Tyler Smith, Tyler Booker, Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Gary, Thompson and Bryan Anger.

Another point of discussion centered around Quinnen Williams.

Philadelphia recently signed defensive tackle Jalen Carter to a four-year, $152 million contract extension, further increasing the market for elite interior defenders. Williams acknowledged the growing value of the position, saying it’s "phenomenal to see the impact" across the league.

When Dallas acquired Williams at the trade deadline, it became clear the organization viewed him as a foundational piece—investing a 1st- and 2nd-round pick to acquire him. He said he “definitely want to be here for the long haul,” but the extension isn’t a priority at this moment.

Cowboys will practice again tomorrow, July 30, then resume on Saturday, Aug. 1.