Our latest BTB Roundtable looks to answer the biggest questions surrounding the team
Every week, we gather the latest news about the Dallas Cowboys and seek our writer’s perspective on each headline. Welcome back to the roundtable. This week we have Jess Haynie, David Howman, Tom Ryle, and Brian Martin.
What position is still a weakness for the Cowboys?
It’s been quite the dramatic offseason for Dallas this year, but there are still some obvious weaknesses for the team. The team lacks depth at cornerback, creating concerns about pass defense and consistency to stop receivers. At linebacker, depth and top-end talent are both issues, especially with recent injuries and inconsistent play from younger players. Meanwhile, at defensive tackle, the Cowboys have struggled to stop the run up the middle, something that existed for as long time. The team is still lacking a true interior disruptor who can anchor against power-running teams. There are opportunities for additions on all three of these positions, and hopefully training camp will expose who these players will be and put rest to any concerns (hopefully).
Brian: For me, it’s without a doubt defensive tackle. After finishing ranked 29th in the league in run defense last year, allowing 137.1 yards per game, the Cowboys didn’t little to upgrade this glaring concern this offseason. Right now they are depending on Mazi Smith suddenly having a breakout season and Jay Toia, a seventh-round pick this year, to be their run stuffers. That sadly doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence.
Howman: I’ll say the offensive line. Tyler Booker has rightfully generated excitement, but he’s still a rookie trying to replace a Hall of Famer. Tyler Guyton looks improved, but it’s hard to judge this early in the process, and Terence Steele has always toed the line between reliability and liability. The depth of this group also comes with plenty of question marks that won’t be answered for another two months or so.
Tom: Howman makes a good argument, but don’t overlook the thin cornerback group. Trevon Diggs is coming off knee surgery. We have no idea how ready he will be to start the season. Jourdan Lewis is gone and DaRon Bland took a big step back after his breakout rookie season. Add in a new defensive coordinator and scheme, and this could be a weakness other teams will exploit.
Jess: There’s more than one potential weakness, and my colleagues did a good job hitting on some. I’m going to add backup QB to the discussion. Dak Prescott has missed 25 games over the last five seasons. Say what you will about the limitations in Cooper Rush’s game, he provided stability and executed well enough to go 9-5 as a starter since 2021. We’re all excited by Joe Milton’s physical gifts, but Dallas is taking a big risk making either him or Will Grier the next man up if Prescott misses time again. It’s not so much about the season-ending injury, but what about the ankle sprain that only knocks Dak out for 4-5 games? You want a QB2 who can keep the season going, and right now, we don’t know if that guy is on the roster.
When do you predict Micah Parsons contract gets completed?
The delay on Micah Parsons getting a long-term contract continues, and the issue at the moment likely stems from the magnitude of the deal he’s expected to command and exactly what his agent is demanding. Both Jerry Jones and Parsons have confirmed they are ready to make a deal so that leaves the problem to finalizing a deal coming down to the agent. It’s worth noting that Dallas has a recent history of finalizing major long-term extensions during training camp in Oxnard, having locked up other stars there in past years. With that precedent in mind, fans shouldn’t panic yet, as Oxnard could once again be the backdrop for a blockbuster Parsons extension.
Brian: I honestly have no idea when Micah Parsons will finally be paid. There doesn’t seem to be any urgency from Jerry Jones and Company to get their superstar pass rusher inked to a new contract extension. I personally hoping everything is finalized before training camp gets underway so that this question quits popping up all the time.
Howman: My guess is before training camp, because Jerry Jones wants to milk this for as long as he can but also wants his star player there learning the new defense. That said, I still won’t be surprised if this goes as far as the Cowboys using the franchise tag after the season.
Tom: I hate the way this team turns what should be routine negotiations into yet one more source of drama and headlines. Will this turn into a Parsons holdout? It wouldn’t surprise me at all, with Jerry finally caving and paying Parsons two or three weeks into camp.
Jess: I figure sometime between the start of training camp and the first preseason game, but I’m not surprised if it happens before the team leaves for Oxnard. Once the spring practices are over, there’s a lull that should allow both sides to focus and get something done. It’s really not the story people are making it out to be; we’ve been here numerous times and the player is always good to go for Week 1.
Which player do you think will win the WR3 position for Dallas?
The wide receiver position is quite an interesting watch this year in Dallas with the addition of George Pickens. He now secures the WR2 position and opens the third receiver spot wide to competition, and there’s no shortage of contenders.
First up for discussion, Jonathan Mingo. Acquired mid‑2024 via trade and using a fourth-round pick, Mingo brings size and youth with a respectable college career while at Ole Miss. He’s currently listed as the fourth wideout but he’s certainly exposed his talents recently at minicamp and has started to turn heads. He may have disappointed in Carolina, but could this fresh start turn something on for Mingo and be the outside surprise fans were all hoping for?
Of course in order to get there, Mingo needs to surpass the familiar face of Jalen Tolbert. On the depth chart currently, Tolbert is listed as the third receiver and remains in the rotation as a potential X‑receiver. But Tolbert has coaches and fans patience running thin and the pressure is high for him to play to his potential, or risk being run out of town.
There’s also Ryan Flournoy, the speedster waiting for his chance. A sixth‑round pick in 2024, Flournoy had chemistry in camp last season with the QBs. He’s listed down the depth chart further than Mingo and Tolbert, but coaches really want to see this guy succeed. What he does again in Oxnard will be important on figuring out where Flournoy lands on the depth chart to start the season.
Finally there’s a guy everyone loves and wants to see more snaps on offense, and that’s KaVontae Turpin. He’s proven to be elusive and a great ball carrier when given the chance and he combines that with electric speed. Could Turpin’s elite ball skills as a returner translate to the WR3 position, or is he better utilized as a gadget guy and sprinkled into the offense as and when required?
Brian: I don’t see anybody unseating Jalen Tolbert for the WR3 job. He has Dak Prescott in his corner and their bond/chemistry gives him a leg up on all of his competitors. I think we would all be thrilled if Jonathan Mingo or Ryan Flournoy played well enough throughout training camp and preseason to push for the job, however, I don’t think either can be as reliable as Tolbert right now.
Howman: Jalen Tolbert has already won it. He was the most consistent skill player not named CeeDee Lamb last year, including running backs and tight ends. Dak Prescott also has a ton of confidence in Tolbert – see: all the 50/50 balls he’s thrown Tolbert over the years – so it would take an enormous crash out in training camp for anyone else to be WR3.
Tom: I would more say it is Tolbert’s to lose. With the typical giddy reports of how George Pickens is lighting things up at minicamp, Tolbert will be able to focus on being a true 3 and not trying to be a defacto 2. I think it will be very good for him and he could have his best season to date.
Jess: Honestly, nobody. I expect Jake Ferguson to bounce back and be the true third option after our new dynamic WR duo. Guys like Tolbert, Mingo, and Turpin will get worked in depending on the matchups and plays. As has been said, Tolbert has the edge to get more snaps and especially if there’s a need to replace an injured starter. But barring that, I could see the snap counts between all three guys being fairly close by the end of the year.
