FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys are entering the preseason with a chip on their shoulder, determined to shake off the disappointment of last year’s dismal campaign. Head Coach Mike McCarthy is setting the tone early, vowing to fans and players alike that this year will be different.

“We know we let a lot of people down last season,” McCarthy said in a press conference at The Star. “That’s not what this franchise is about, and I can promise you, we’ve learned from it. We’re coming back stronger. We have new talent, new energy, and the same expectations: winning.”

The Cowboys made a big splash in the offseason by selecting quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the 9th overall pick in the 2025-26 NFL Draft. Sanders, the highly-touted signal caller out of Colorado, is seen as the heir apparent to Dak Prescott—a move that has only added fuel to trade speculation surrounding the franchise’s long-time QB.

Trade Rumors and Locker Room Tension

Behind the scenes, whispers are circulating that the Cowboys have explored the trade market for Prescott, despite recently extending his contract. Sources close to the situation also suggest that Micah Parsons, the team’s defensive cornerstone, has been quietly shopped to gauge interest from other teams. Both moves signal that Dallas is in the middle of a potential overhaul, though no deals have been finalized.

However, trades won’t come easy this season. The Trash Talk League, known for its competitiveness and off-field drama, has imposed stricter trade restrictions. Commissioner Dutch Johnson didn’t mince words when he commented on the Cowboys’ trade rumors. “It doesn’t matter who y’all trade,” Johnson said with a smirk. “Y’all will still suck.”

While some fans have taken the commissioner’s jab personally, others feel it hits a little too close to home after the team’s disappointing performance last season.

McCarthy’s Job on the Line?

With Shedeur Sanders waiting in the wings and the franchise exploring all avenues to improve the roster, this season could very well be a make-or-break campaign for McCarthy. Rumors of internal tension and a possible QB controversy are swirling, with the clock ticking on the head coach’s tenure if the team doesn’t show marked improvement.

McCarthy remains unfazed by the speculation. “This is football. There’s always noise,” he said. “Our job is to block it out and go to work. We have the right pieces. It’s on us to put it together.”

All Eyes on Preseason Performance

The Cowboys’ preseason will be closely watched, as fans look for signs of life from both Sanders and Prescott. With Sanders bringing excitement and Prescott trying to prove his worth amid trade rumors, every snap will be magnified. Parsons, who has remained silent amid rumors about his future, will also have plenty to prove as he looks to reassert himself as one of the league’s premier defenders.

As the Cowboys enter a crucial season, it’s clear that the stakes have never been higher. Whether they can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—McCarthy knows he’s running out of time to make good on his promises.

“We’ll be better,” McCarthy said. “This is still Dallas. The expectations don’t change. We know what we’re capable of, and it’s time to prove it.”

With limited trades allowed and no guarantees on who will remain in the locker room, all eyes are on Week 1 to see if the Cowboys can deliver on McCarthy’s promise—or if it’s just more of the same for America’s team.