The Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads, still searching for their next deep playoff run while trying to reframe the narrative around a franchise long accustomed to success.
After finishing the 2025 season with a disappointing 7-9-1 record and missing the playoffs, optimism might seem scarce in Cowboys Nation. However, not everyone is ready to write off America’s Team just yet.
Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, one of the most iconic figures in Cowboys history, recently made a bold prediction: he believes the Cowboys can be playing in the Super Bowl following the 2026 season.
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Speaking with Fox News Digital, Irvin confidently asserted that the team’s trajectory under head coach Brian Schottenheimer points upward. He challenged fans to hold him accountable if the Cowboys reach the pinnacle of the sport, emphasizing that the team has all the building blocks to turn a promising future into reality.
“The Cowboys can be in this game next year,” said Irvin. “We could be sitting here talking about the Cowboys in this game next year. And I want you to find me and make sure you say to me, ‘You said this. You said, Michael, you said, they could be here.’ They will be here. I want you to find me.”
He pointed to improvements along the defensive front, citing the additions of Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark as forces that could reshape the team’s interior defense. With the right balance of offense and defense, Irvin sees the Cowboys as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Turning potential into reality
Behind the scenes, the franchise has been actively reshaping its roster to match this vision. In a move that shocked many fans, owner and general manager Jerry Jones traded star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for draft capital and defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
While Parsons‘ departure initially weakened the Cowboys’ pass rush, Jones attempted to fill the gap by acquiring Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson before the trade deadline, creating a more well-rounded defensive unit.
Still, questions remain. A significant concern heading into 2026 is whether star wide receiver George Pickens, quarterback Dak Prescott’s favorite target in 2025, will return.
Pickens is nearing the end of his contract and has yet to finalize a new deal, though the franchise tag could keep him in Dallas. Irvin believes retaining him, along with continuing to develop young talent, could be the key to the Cowboys realizing their Super Bowl aspirations.
The Cowboys’ path back to contention will depend on consistency and smart roster management. Irvin insists the blueprint is there and the pieces are in place.
With a strong offseason, a high-powered offense, and a reinforced defense, Dallas may finally be ready to break one of the NFL’s longest Super Bowl droughts.
