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NFL players all face a ton of pressure to perform under the bright lights and scrutiny of being in the league. All pressure isn't created equal, however. The make up of the player is a huge determining factor in how the pressure affects performance, as well as the circumstances the player, or even coach, find themselves in. That's no different than the 2026 Dallas Cowboys and what they are faced with as the calendar turns to July.
Who is under the most pressure to get in the playoffs? Which young player is under the most pressure to take a developmental leap? Who is under the most pressure to have a bounce-back season?
Bland was paid to be the team's top corner just last offseason, but belief in him being a cornerstone of the franchise has wavered do to injuries. Despite this being the first year of his new deal, Bland's guaranteed money ends after the 2026 season, so if he doesn’t play up to his contract, he could be on his way out of Dallas.
It's a lot of pressure because the Cowboys need a true top corner for the 2026 season, or Christian Parker might have more rookie struggles than he expects.
Another option was Terrence Steele, who didn’t have a down year but has pass-protection issues that have plagued him throughout his career. Tight end Jake Ferguson is also in this boat due to bringing zero after-the-catch playmaking ability, along with some costly fumbles.
A first-round talent who fell to Round 3 due to an injury, corner Shavon Revel Jr. wasn’t able to be the player the team hoped for, and he needs to show the ability to be that high-end corner option. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown looks like a possible game-changer if he can stay healthy, but over three seasons, that hasn't happened.
Left tackle Tyler Guyton was a first-round pick at a premium position, and he is teetering on being a bust entering his third season. If Guyton can play as even an average left tackle at 25 years old, he could stem the tide because of his potential. Guyton’s development could be the key to the Cowboys' offense taking another step forward after their successful 2025 run, but the team has a late-round replacement option (Nate Thomas) and a mid-round replacement (Drew Shelton) already on the roster.
Quinnen Williams has a little pressure here as a great player who has never played in a playoff game, but as a defensive tackle who does his job at the highest level, the levels only go so far. Dak Prescott feels plenty of pressure as the Cowboys' quarterback and face of the franchise.
However head coach Brian Schottenheimer could be coaching for his job in 2026. After interviewing to keep his job as OC, the Cowboys shocked the world and named him head coach, buying what he was selling. But the club missed the playoffs in 2025 and back-to-back non-playoff seasons with a healthy franchise QB are a death knell for most HCs, especially with a wunderkind in Parker already in house.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 3 Cowboys under most pressure in '26 include All-Pro, 1st-round pick
Continue reading...
Who is under the most pressure to get in the playoffs? Which young player is under the most pressure to take a developmental leap? Who is under the most pressure to have a bounce-back season?
Under the most pressure to have a bounce-back season: CB DaRon Bland
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Bland was paid to be the team's top corner just last offseason, but belief in him being a cornerstone of the franchise has wavered do to injuries. Despite this being the first year of his new deal, Bland's guaranteed money ends after the 2026 season, so if he doesn’t play up to his contract, he could be on his way out of Dallas.
It's a lot of pressure because the Cowboys need a true top corner for the 2026 season, or Christian Parker might have more rookie struggles than he expects.
Another option was Terrence Steele, who didn’t have a down year but has pass-protection issues that have plagued him throughout his career. Tight end Jake Ferguson is also in this boat due to bringing zero after-the-catch playmaking ability, along with some costly fumbles.
Under the most pressure to step up in 2026: OT Tyler Guyton
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A first-round talent who fell to Round 3 due to an injury, corner Shavon Revel Jr. wasn’t able to be the player the team hoped for, and he needs to show the ability to be that high-end corner option. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown looks like a possible game-changer if he can stay healthy, but over three seasons, that hasn't happened.
Left tackle Tyler Guyton was a first-round pick at a premium position, and he is teetering on being a bust entering his third season. If Guyton can play as even an average left tackle at 25 years old, he could stem the tide because of his potential. Guyton’s development could be the key to the Cowboys' offense taking another step forward after their successful 2025 run, but the team has a late-round replacement option (Nate Thomas) and a mid-round replacement (Drew Shelton) already on the roster.
Under the most pressure to make the playoffs: HC Brian Schottenheimer
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Quinnen Williams has a little pressure here as a great player who has never played in a playoff game, but as a defensive tackle who does his job at the highest level, the levels only go so far. Dak Prescott feels plenty of pressure as the Cowboys' quarterback and face of the franchise.
However head coach Brian Schottenheimer could be coaching for his job in 2026. After interviewing to keep his job as OC, the Cowboys shocked the world and named him head coach, buying what he was selling. But the club missed the playoffs in 2025 and back-to-back non-playoff seasons with a healthy franchise QB are a death knell for most HCs, especially with a wunderkind in Parker already in house.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 3 Cowboys under most pressure in '26 include All-Pro, 1st-round pick
Continue reading...
