Yes — the Cowboys didn't sign a veteran safety in free agency, but they drafted Caleb Downs 11th overall in the 2026 draft, and it could definitely give Dak's outlook a subtle boost.
Here's the connection: Dallas had a historically bad defense in 2025 (30.1 PPG allowed — dead last in the NFL). That forced Dak into negative game scripts constantly. Now with Downs (a day-one starter with elite instincts) plus new DC Christian Parker's overhaul, the defense should be more competent. The Dak Prescott page notes that "more balanced game scripts… could help him maximize his efficiency" in 2026 (from the Dak Prescott page).
Dak himself has already praised Downs, saying his confidence is "contagious" and noting his "sure" approach in OTAs (from the Caleb Downs page). A defense that can get off the field means fewer desperation throws and more controlled drives for Prescott.
On Establish The Run, they called Downs "the kind of safety that can really calm down a defense" — . That's less about Prescott directly and more about the ripple effect: a better defense keeps games closer and lets the offense play with a lead more often, which is exactly where Dak thrives.