Adam Schefter backs Cowboys whereas backtracking on difficult First Take host

Adam Schefter believes the Dallas Cowboys can have a powerful 2026 season, however he additionally acknowledged that Stephen A. Smith may very well be proper concerning the crew.

On his podcast launched Wednesday alongside co-host Michelle Smallmon, Schefter defined why he had referred to as out Smith days earlier on ESPN’s “Get Up.” Smith, who had been watching that phase, fired again on social media earlier than Schefter doubled down on the podcast.

“I acquired unhealthy information for Stephen A. Smith: The Dallas Cowboys are coming,” Schefter stated. “They usually’re coming as a result of, if you consider it, the final couple of summers, there was all that drama. … This summer season, Michelle: drama-free Dallas.”

Discussing the back-and-forth, he acknowledged the percentages nonetheless favor Smith in relation to a championship.

“And he could also be proper once more. The probabilities are Stephen A. goes to be proper, as a result of to get to the Tremendous Bowl may be very onerous,” Schefter stated.

He nonetheless expects the Cowboys, who open their season on Sept. 13 on the New York Giants, to be one of many higher groups within the NFL and among the many high groups within the NFC.

Schefter cited the dearth of main offseason points as one cause for his confidence in Dallas. Latest Cowboys offseasons included contract conditions involving CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons. This 12 months, Prescott and Lamb are underneath contract, whereas George Pickens signed his franchise tender.

Learn extra: “There isn’t any succession plan”: Cowboys insider makes emotions recognized on Dak Prescott’s future in Dallas forward of 2026 season

Learn extra: “Omar Khan is in love with Jerry Jones”: NFL followers react as Steelers commerce former first-round choose to Cowboys

What’s totally different about this Cowboys camp

Two years in the past, CeeDee Lamb’s contract dispute continued by coaching camp earlier than he signed a brand new deal.

Dak Prescott additionally didn’t finalize his contract till hours earlier than the season opener in opposition to the Cleveland Browns, changing into the NFL’s highest-paid participant on the time. Final offseason, Micah Parsons’ contract dispute ended with the Cowboys buying and selling him to the Inexperienced Bay Packers.