The Cowboys Just Shook Up the NFC East — But Did Their Bold Trades Go Too Far or Not Far Enough?.QQ
In one Google search, you can see that the odds of a Dallas divisional championship this winter are slim to none. The Philadelphia Eagles’ lead grows by the week, but this week’s Cowboys’ trades may have set them up to topple the Birds in 2026.
Quinnien Williams and Logan Wilson, in all likelihood, are here to stay beyond just this season, and the offense has shown us they should have long-term success.
All this organization really needs to do to get back on top of the NFC East mountain is create a legitimate defense; with these moves, they have made one big step toward making that a reality.
The Eagles are strong, there’s no denying that, but when you look ahead to what Dallas could become, and what their divisional foes will be in 2026, the pathway to a first-place finish opens up.
Let me show you what I mean with a rundown of all four squads and their futures in 2026.
Cowboys Ascension: Offense & Defense On The Rise In 2026
The negativity in Dallas is obviously rampant right now, but the deadline deals did help, and the on-field impact will be even larger.
For the Cowboys to win the NFC East in 2026, on their own merit, they really don’t need to pull off that many tricks. The foundation is already set for that to happen.
Offensively, Dallas has their franchise quarterback —a true RB1 if extended — and the money to replace him if not; a young, improving offensive line; and deadly weaponry if they are willing to spend to keep it.
Defensively, the basis of your defensive line is formed. Donovan Ezeriruaku looks like a hit with each week. Williams, Osa Odighizuwa, and Kenny Clark are the dominant DT room. All they need is enhancements to the linebacking corps and secondary.
If guys like DeMarvion Overshown and Shavon Revel are healthy to start 2026, and they use their picks and cap space to aid those two, this roster could be nasty.
Eagles Fighting History: 3 Straight Titles Haven’t Happened In 2 Decades
The argument against the Eagles is more about history than anything.
No team has won three consecutive NFC East titles since Philadelphia did it back in the early 2000s, and with the level of in-division talent and parity in the NFL, it seems unlikely they could do it again.
If the Eagles go out and win the division this year as they seem poised to do, they’ll go into next year with history against them, and guys like Saquon Barkley continuing to age. Not to mention, the A.J. Brown situation seems ready to pop at any given moment.
In short, it is just flat-out hard to win, and win, and win, in this league, and that fact helps Dallas’s divisional chances in 2026.
Commanders’ Age Problem: League’s Oldest Roster Faces Regression
Washington, on the other hand, has an age problem; it’s a pretty big one, too.
They are the oldest team in the NFL, based on the average age of their roster. Their front office bought in on chasing a ring this year, and it didn’t work. Now, the foundation of their roster is aging and declining.
