Let's look at the actual data.
Cap situation: Dallas is $23M over the projected 2027 cap. Source: Over The Cap.
Age curve: 6 of 11 defensive starters are 29+. Pro Football Reference shows sharp decline after 30 at these positions.
Draft capital: Traded away picks in 3 of 4 recent drafts.
The argument FOR hope: Dak's contract becomes team-friendly in 2027, and if young receivers develop, offense could carry a declining defense.
Change my mind.
Sources:
- Over The Cap — DAL cap projections
- Pro Football Reference — age/decline curves
- ESPN — roster construction analysis