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Josh Butler has high hopes for the Cowboys' defense in 2026

The Dallas Cowboys have been operating with an increased sense of urgency this offseason after missing the playoffs entirely in 2025. While the front office still has to figure things out when it comes to George Pickens‘ contract situation, the main goal for the team over the past few months has involved getting better on the defensive side of the ball.

That was evident during the 2026 NFL Draft, as five of the Cowboys’ seven picks were used on defense. Of course, the team has some players returning to town next season looking to make a big impact, with one guy who is part of that group being cornerback Josh Butler. In an exclusive interview with Heavy on Cowboys, Butler opened up on Dallas’ defensive additions, while also discussing the team’s new partnership with WorldSprings.

Josh Butler Has High Hopes for Cowboys’ Defense in 2026

Butler’s path to the NFL hasn’t exactly been a straight line. After going undrafted in 2020, Butler spent time in The Spring League and the USFL before eventually latching on with Dallas in 2023. A torn ACL suffered in 2024 has limited Butler to just six games over the first three seasons of his career, but he managed to get back on the field for the Cowboys’ final game of the 2025 campaign. Now that he’s fully healthy, Butler has his eyes set on a big season in 2026.

“I’m focused on staying healthy and staying consistent,” Butler told Heavy on Cowboys. “I’ve spent a lot of time this offseason working on my movement—my burst, change of direction, and playing fast without hesitation. I’ve also studied the details of Coach Parker’s system—understanding leverage, communication, and where I need to be on every snap. Coming off an injury like that, you don’t take anything for granted. I’m focused on stacking good days.”

Butler’s return to action late last season has flown a bit under the radar, especially now that new guys like Caleb Downs have joined the team’s secondary. With Trevon Diggs no longer around, though, there are a lot of snaps up for grabs, particularly at the cornerback position. Butler knows he will be competing to earn a share of those snaps during training camp, and that sounds like something he is looking forward to.

“I feel really good about this group,” Butler admitted. “There’s a lot of talent and competition, which is exactly what you want. The new guys bring energy, and I think the mix we have will push everyone to improve. We’re building chemistry every day, and if we keep doing that, I think we’ve got the pieces to be a strong unit.”

There’s no doubt that Butler has the talent to be a key contributor for the Cowboys, but his injury woes have made life difficult for him to this point. While Butler has goals for the upcoming season, he ultimately just wants to be able to stay on the field. “The biggest thing for me is just being available and consistent,” Butler revealed. “I want to be out there every day, doing my job at a high level and helping the team however I can.”

Josh Butler Discusses Cowboys’ Partnership with WorldSprings

GettyJosh Butler has high hopes for the Cowboys’ defense in 2026

Butler has spent a lot of time working on his injury rehab over the past few years, and one spot he has visited frequently is WorldSprings, a wellness destination that focuses on relaxation, recovery, and restoration. Recently, the Cowboys announced WorldSprings as their official wellness destination, and having spent time at their facilities in the past, Butler revealed that he is a big fan of this new deal.

“I think it’s a great move,” Butler said when discussing the team’s new partnership. “Recovery is such a big part of what we do, especially over a long season, so having a partner like WorldSprings just adds another resource for guys to take care of their bodies.”

WorldSprings features an array of different amenities, such as mineral soaking pools, saunas, cold plunges, and contrast therapy circuits. For athletes like Butler who are looking to stay in peak physical condition, it’s been a great spot to receive important work on his body, especially during his rehab process. While Butler revealed he’s a big fan of contrast therapy, he’s always experimenting with the different treatment options offered at WorldSprings.

“It’s been a solid part of my routine at times,” Butler shared. “The season is long … Taking that time to reset—physically and mentally- is critical during a long season. You’re always looking for ways to stay ready, and having options like that can help you stay consistent with your recovery.”

As part of this partnership, WorldSprings will begin introducing new programming that will help the Cowboys and their players stay in tip-top shape throughout the 2026 campaign. And for a guy like Butler, who is looking to stay healthy so that he can make a big impact on the field next season, that could be precisely what this team needs in order to find its way back to the postseason.