It’s been a crazy offseason for the Dallas Cowboys. There has been a lot of activity from a new coaching staff to some big player shake-ups, making the upcoming season a giant unknown. Expectations aren’t as high for this team as they have been in the past, and quite honestly, it’s really difficult to get a feel for how things might go. There is definitely some quality talent on the roster, to where it wouldn’t be shocking to see this team back in the playoffs this year, but at the same time, if the new coaches struggle, this could be a bumpy season.
Before the new year gets underway, let’s recap this tumultuous offseason and run through every element to get a better sense of what this new-look Cowboys team might offer us in 2025.
COACHING STAFF
Brian Schottenheimer – The team moved on from Mike McCarthy and promoted his offensive coordinator over the past two years. Schottenheimer is a first-year head coach whose experience as OC has shown his commitment to a ground attack. He promotes physicality and team unity, recognizing that it takes all 69 guys to make a winning football team.
Matt Eberflus – After a failed stint as head coach in Chicago, Eberflus returns to defensive coordinator, a role he flourished in during his time in Indianapolis. He has a good track record of stopping the run and taking the ball away. Eberflus’ specialty is at linebacker, and he spent seven years as the Cowboys’ LB coach before taking the DC job in Indy.
Klayton Adams – The team was able to poach one of the league’s better offensive line coaches by promoting him to offensive coordinator. Schotty will call the plays, but Adams will help scheme the offense, with a strong track record of success running the ball in both Indianapolis and Arizona. He will also receive help from former Kansas State coach Conor Riley, who dominated the run-game ranks in college.
OFFSEASON MOVES
Extensions – The Cowboys were active in retaining their own this season. Key signings include DT Osa Odighizuwa (four years, $80 million), CB DaRon Bland (four years, $90 million), TE Jake Ferguson (four years, $50 million), and WR/KR KaVontae Turpin (three years, $13.5 million).
Free Agency – True to form, the Cowboys didn’t spend much money here. Their most expensive investment was DE Dante Fowler, who cost them $6 million. They also added other depth pieces like DT Solomon Thomas, DE Payton Turner, and LB Jack Sanborn on defense, while adding RBs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders on offense.
Trades – The team was extremely active in making trades this offseason. They made five trades this year to acquire players from other teams. This includes WR George Pickens, DT Kenny Clark, LB Kenneth Murray, CB Kaiir Elam, and QB Joe Milton. Of course, this also included shipping off their star edge rusher Micah Parsons. The Cowboys will also receive two first-round picks from the Parsons deal, but no longer have their third-round pick next year from the Pickens trade.
Draft – The team surprised everyone by taking a guard with their 12th overall pick when they selected Tyler Booker. In the second round, they took edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku. They got a discounted price on CB Shavon Revel Jr. in the third round because he is recovering from a knee injury. They didn’t have a fourth-round pick because of the Jonathan Mingo trade last year, but they landed RB Jaydon Blue and traded up for LB Shemar James in the fifth round. Rounding out the draft, they selected OT Ajani Cornelius, DT Jay Toia, RB Phil Mafah, and DT Tommy Akingbesote. Their final selection, Akingbesote, is the only draft pick who didn’t make the team.
ROSTER OUTLOOK
Offense – As it does every year, everything revolves around Dak Prescott. Hopefully, a healthy season and better coaching can help him return to his strong level of play. The added weapon of Pickens should also help as the team features a dynamic WR trio of Lamb, Pickens, and Turpin. The offensive line is a young group, featuring four players who are still on their rookie deals, three of whom are first-round investments. The running back room is a bit of a mystery as they lack any high-upside talent, but the speed of the rookie Blue adds a little excitement to the mix. If the new coaches can scheme up an effective run game and keep Prescott upright, the offense has the potential to make some noise this season.
Defense – This group will be under the microscope all year as we hold our breath things work out. They have some promising potential. Even without Parsons in the mix, they feature a deep edge-rushing group with Fowler, Marshawn Kneeland, Sam Williams, the rookie Ezeiruaku, and pre-season standout James Houston. They improved in the interior thanks to the addition of Clark. Between him, Odighizuwa, and Thomas, they are solid at DT. We are all hoping that the Eberflus effect helps make their LB group strong, led by new acquisitions Murray and Sanborn, as well as second-year player Marist Liufau. If DeMarvion Overshown can make his return this season, that will be a big boost. Cornerback could be a mixed bag, as they have several guys recovering from injury. If Trevon Diggs returns to form, the trio of him, Bland, and Elam could be solid. The safeties consist of the usual suspects led by Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson.
Special Teams – The Cowboys should feature a strong group here thanks to the big and precise leg of kicker Brandon Aubrey. Punter Bryan Anger is also quietly very efficient, and the team hung on to return specialist Turpin, who is always fun to watch.
0 CommentsSee More:
