Jerry Jones Says Cowboys Can Contend for Super Bowl After NFL Draft, Cites Seahawks and Patriots

Despite missing the playoffs in each of the last two years, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is confident that the team can contend for a spot in the Super Bowl during the upcoming season.

While speaking to reporters following the completion of the 2026 NFL draft, Jones declared that the Cowboys can make a swift turnaround this year, similar to the rises of the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots in 2025.

"We can put it together," Jones said, per The Athletic's Jon Machota. "(The) two teams in the Super Bowl, they didn't make the playoffs the year before. I know it can happen, because I've done it when it didn't work and I've done it when it worked. You just keep (swinging) that pick."

The Cowboys selected safety Caleb Downs and edge rusher Malachi Lawrence with the 11th and 23rd picks in the first round, respectively. Five of their seven draft picks were used on the defensive side of the ball, including their first three. B/R's Kristopher Knox graded Dallas' draft class at a B, while ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. gave the team an A.

The Seahawks went 10-7 in their first season under head coach Mike Macdonald in 2024 before finishing at 14-3 last season and winning their second Super Bowl title in franchise history. Jones is certainly hoping that the Cowboys can make a similar improvement in their second year under head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who led them to a 7-9-1 record in his first year at the helm.