Jerry Jones has watched the Dallas Cowboys go three decades without reaching the NFC Championship Game.
However, the team owner’s bold comments on Tuesday raised expectations for the Cowboys’ future, triggering franchise legend Dez Bryant to make an equally confident prediction about Dallas’ outlook for the 2026 season.
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The Cowboys expect all players to be available when training camp opens Wednesday after dealing with several minor health concerns during offseason workouts. As camp gets underway, Jones also admitted that the Los Angeles Rams’ aggressive roster-building strategy has prompted him to rethink aspects of his own approach.
The Cowboys are scheduled to travel to Los Angeles for a joint practice with the Rams on Aug. 11. This is why Jones’ comments about the Rams have also drawn additional attention to the Cowboys as they enter the season following several offseason moves.
Meanwhile, former Cowboys All-Pro Bryant is already imagining a postseason clash between the NFC contenders.
“I love hearing that JJ is willing to go all in. I’m telling you, guys, Cowboys vs. Rams in the NFC Championship,” Bryant tweeted.
I love hearing that JJ is willing to go all in. I’m telling you guys…Cowboys vs. Rams in the NFC Championship.
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) July 28, 2026
In fact, the Rams are one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl this season, as Matthew Stafford nearly led them there before the 31-27 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game in January.
Los Angeles doubled down on its championship aspirations by making blockbuster trades, acquiring cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs and landing pass rusher Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns.
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Garrett set the NFL single-season sack record with his 23rd sack with the Browns last season, taking the No. 1 spot in the PFN EDGE Impact metrics. His addition is seen as the missing puzzle for their championship aspirations, but that’s not all. Aaron Donald could also lace his cleats back on for one last run with this loaded roster, making the Rams the top dogs this year.
While Bryant believes Dallas and Los Angeles could meet in the NFC title game, the Cowboys must first end a lengthy drought.
The franchise has not reached the NFC Championship Game since the 1995 season. After appearing in that game 16 times during the first 30 Super Bowls, Dallas has failed to make it back over the next three decades, which has become a fount of frustration.
The Cowboys are also looking to bounce back after missing the postseason in 2025.
Much of the focus will be on a defense that struggled throughout last season. Dallas addressed that weakness by selecting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs in the draft. Combined with last year’s acquisition of Quinnen Williams, the Cowboys’ defensive adjustments could help them elevate the unit back to at least league average.
With Dak Prescott returning under Brian Schottenheimer’s system and premium targets in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, the passing game also remains one of the most explosive units on paper.
