The Dallas Cowboys are actively preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft with focused evaluations at the NFL Scouting Combine. On a busy Wednesday night in Indianapolis, the organization held three formal meetings with top defensive prospects—Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, Oklahoma linebacker Kendal Daniels, and UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence—signaling a clear strategy to strengthen their defense after last season’s shortfalls.
Arvell Reese, regarded as the standout among the trio, boasts a compelling athletic profile at 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds. The consensus All-American finished the 2025 college season with 69 tackles, including 10 for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Analysts rank Reese among the top defenders in the draft class, positioning him as a potential game-changer for Dallas, especially after the team parted ways with Micah Parsons, leaving a significant void in the linebacker corps.
Reports suggest the meeting between Reese and Cowboys representatives went very well, with Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram confirming the discussions were positive. This reflects a strong interest in Reese as a cornerstone for the defense’s rebuild.
Versatile Linebacker Kendal Daniels Draws Attention
Kendal Daniels offers a unique skill set as a safety-turned-linebacker known for his versatility across defensive alignments. In 2025, Daniels amassed 64 tackles and a pass-rush grade of 71.6 from Pro Football Focus, while leading Oklahoma with 715 defensive snaps. His adaptability and competitive mindset came through during one key question from Dallas reps, who asked about his ability to handle high-pressure rushing lanes—specifically,
“Week 15, Saquon Barkley in the A gap, who wins?”
Daniels responded confidently without hesitation.
“I’m gonna show them the first day I get there,”
Daniels said with a smile.
You don’t just hit somebody in the 15, people, without hitting them the first day.
– Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma LB
His attitude and positional flexibility highlight why he ranks as an intriguing candidate to help bolster Dallas’s defense post-Parsons era.
Edge Rusher Malachi Lawrence’s Potential Stands Out
The third prospect, UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, concluded last season with 7.0 sacks and earned an impressive 83.1 PFF grade—the highest on his team. Lawrence’s 22.7% pressure rate is nearly on par with potential top overall pick Rueben Bain Jr. Should Lawrence’s draft stock decline slightly, the Cowboys appear positioned to act swiftly to add him to their defensive lineup.
Ongoing Uncertainty Surrounding Brandon Aubrey’s Contract with Dallas
Amid these defensive discussions, a prevailing source of tension persists off the field regarding kicking specialist Brandon Aubrey’s contract negotiations. Aubrey, acknowledged broadly as the most productive kicker in the NFL last season—accountable for scoring 155 points—remains in contract talks with the Cowboys that have reached a standstill.
Dallas reportedly extended an offer to Aubrey exceeding Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s $6.4 million-per-year salary. However, Aubrey’s agent, Todd France, countered by requesting a $10 million annual salary, creating a significant gap between the sides that neither seems willing to bridge. This gridlock places future contract resolution in question as the free agency window approaches.
“The Cowboys don’t plan to up their offer and are comfortable placing the second round tender on him, which could result in a restricted free agent deal of $5.5 – $5.8 million and take their chances on getting a second round pick if he signs elsewhere,”
Clarence Hill Jr. reported on X.
Meanwhile, Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones has maintained diplomatic discretion, acknowledging ongoing discussions without revealing specifics.
“We’ve been in talks with Aubrey [since] before the season started,”
Jones said.
“It’s been a journey, but we haven’t been able to get to a point where we can all agree, so it hasn’t gotten done, but we’d love to get him done.”
– Stephen Jones, Cowboys EVP
Brandon Aubrey Addresses Contract Speculation Directly
As rumors swirl regarding Dallas’s possible intent to make Aubrey the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, the kicker himself has publicly challenged such narratives. Responding to reports under a 105.3 The Fan recap, Aubrey succinctly labeled the salary speculations as “Fake.” His wife, Jenn, reinforced the stance by also calling them “False.” Both dismissals left little room for ambiguity, reflecting frustration at the ongoing media-generated speculation amid contract talks.
Upcoming Decisions Critical for Cowboys’ Season Outlook
With the free agency period beginning on March 11, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones faces dual high-stakes decisions. On one hand, the team aims to secure a defensive centerpiece through the upcoming draft to address clear vulnerabilities. On the other, the front office confronts a tense contract negotiation with Brandon Aubrey that could determine the retention of a vital specialist.
How these situations resolve will significantly impact Dallas’s prospects for the coming season, as they seek to maintain their competitive edge despite internal challenges and high expectations from fans and analysts alike.
Ohio State OLB Arvell Reese had a formal meeting with the Dallas Cowboys last night. Said the meeting went well. pic.twitter.com/mejaZCOtmT
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) February 25, 2026
