Cowboys Officially Part Ways with 7-Year NFL Veteran CB for a Surprising Reason – And the Newcomer Set to Replace Him Will Shock the Entire NFL

Dallas, Texas – January 21, 2026
In a shocking move, the Dallas Cowboys have officially parted ways with Corey Ballentine, a cornerback with 7 years of NFL experience. The reasons behind Ballentine's departure are unexpected, but even more surprising is the name set to replace him — a player who could completely change the Cowboys' defense and leave the entire NFL stunned.

The 2025 season for the Dallas Cowboys has been a tale of two halves. While Dak Prescott and the offense shone, ranking 10th in the NFL for total yards, the defense was a major disappointment. The pass coverage was particularly poor, with the Cowboys finishing at the bottom of the rankings in defending passes, allowing 4,276 passing yards — the worst in the NFL.

Corey Ballentine joined the Cowboys in September 2025 after being released by the New England Patriots. Despite his experience with the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, New York Jets, and Detroit Lions, Ballentine failed to make an impact in Dallas. He only played 23 defensive snaps throughout the season and couldn’t help improve the team’s defensive struggles.

His departure wasn’t a surprise to some within the Cowboys organization. With the defense struggling all season, Ballentine’s inability to meet the team’s needs led to this decision. However, what was shocking was the reason the team gave for not keeping him — a move that highlights the necessity for a complete overhaul of the Cowboys’ defensive system.

One potential replacement for Ballentine is J.C. Jackson, the cornerback from the Los Angeles Chargers. Although Jackson’s 2025 season didn’t meet expectations, he remains one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL due to his ability to create turnovers and his excellent coverage skills. Jackson would bring stability and much-needed experience to the Cowboys' defense, helping restore strength to this key position.

While his departure may have been anticipated, Ballentine did not hide his disappointment. He shared his feelings about the team that let him go:

"I was ready to be a backup just to stay in Dallas, to live and play under the Cowboys’ colors. But now, this team doesn’t need me anymore. And the person they’ve brought in to replace me only disappoints me further, even making me question why I was let go in the first place. I thought I was an important part of this team, but now all I’m left with is regret and uncertainty."

With Ballentine’s exit, the Cowboys will have to restructure their defense. They will need to bring in at least one starting cornerback. Additionally, improving other positions in the defense will be crucial for the new defensive coordinator, especially as the issues with pass coverage remain unresolved.

With this defensive overhaul, the Cowboys hope to improve their performance next season. They will need to add high-quality players and rebuild their defense to compete in the NFC. Specifically, bringing in a top cornerback like J.C. Jackson will be a key step toward achieving that goal.

As Ballentine departs from the Cowboys, he will need to find a new opportunity in the NFL. While his time in Dallas may not have been successful, he still brings significant experience and could have the chance to revive his career with another team. This marks a new chapter for Ballentine, where he can prove his value once again.