Filed under: Cowboys plans for roster upgrades still in front of them after Commanders trade for Deebo Samuel The Cowboys appear to have a plan of sorts this offseason. By Sean Martin Mar 8, 2025, 8:00am CST Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images Between last offseason, the 2024 season that saw the Dallas Cowboys finish a distant third to the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders in the NFC East, and the beginning of this current offseason, the Cowboys fan experience hasn’t been the most joyous endeavor for a long period of time now. This is well understood in all of the criticism the franchise has rightfully drawn. Their response to this wave of negativity so far has been shaking up the coaching staff all the way from the top down, replacing Mike McCarthy with Brian Schottenheimer as head coach and hiring new offensive and defensive coordinators Klayton Adams and Matt Eberflus. The Cowboys have also replaced last year’s disingenuous “all in” mantra with a new “selectively aggressive” mindset, something they’ve shown slightly already by getting a new contract done early with defensive cog Osa Odighizuwa, beginning negotiations with Micah Parsons, and restructuring both CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. None of these moves so far have reinvigorated the fanbase entirely, especially not with Kellen Moore and the Eagles being Super Bowl champions and – much more recently – the Dan Quinn led Commanders trading just a fifth-round pick for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The Commanders made this move out of seemingly nowhere and snuck in a subtle jab that teams truly looking to get better can do so at any time, at a moment’s notice. This is a lesson the Cowboys have refused to learn under the current front office. All of their offseason moves so far still point to keeping things relatively status quo and lining things up for the draft to be their lottery draw’s chance at changing fortunes. One look at the amount of holes on the Cowboys current roster is all that’s needed to see that putting more faith than needed in lottery tickets isn’t the best idea. This whole picture created a reaction to the Samuel trade from Cowboys faithful that opened up old wounds and was just the latest opportunity to point out how behind this team is. Wide receiver remains a pressing need for the Cowboys, Samuel was a part of four straight wins for the 49ers against the Cowboys including two in the playoffs starting his rookie season, and now Jayden Daniels has yet another weapon to build on a tremendous rookie season. I’ll be the first to admit that my reaction fell into this same line of thinking when the notification came across that of all teams, a Cowboys rival was the one benefitting from the end of the drama between Samuel and his original team the 49ers. Samuel is a plus scheme fit in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense and needed support for Terry McLaurin in the current Commanders offense. He is capable of lining up all over the field, feasting on the yards after the catch opportunities that made Daniels so dynamic as a rookie, and bringing veteran experience to a team looking to build off a surprise trip to the NFC Championship game. With Washington also only giving up a fifth-round pick for Samuel, the comparison was immediately easy to make back to the Cowboys late season trade for Jonathan Mingo. Dallas traded away this year’s fourth-round pick for a receiver that caught five passes for 46 yards in eight games. He never played more than 50% of the team’s offensive snaps in any of his appearances with the Cowboys, despite being out of the playoff picture and without their starting quarterback. The Cowboys will be counting on bringing Mingo through the offseason program to help grow his role going into his first full season with the team, as well as his scheme fit in Schottenheimer’s offense being more of a positive compared to Mike McCarthy’s. Such is the crux of where the Cowboys should actually be complimented for getting back to the football side of their operation at the start of the Schottenheimer era. In a limited sample size that will need to expand in free agency, the draft, and potentially the trade market, the Cowboys are cutting through the noise and prioritizing specific scheme fits their new coaches are looking for. The prioritization of the Odighizuwa deal can be accredited to the Cowboys being extremely thin elsewhere at defensive tackle, but also how much new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus values the 3-tech position Odighizuwa plays and had a career high 4.5 sacks at last season. Schottenheimer’s vision for more “cut splits” (i.e. tight formations and targeting receivers out of the slot) could be the most beneficial thing for Mingo to actually live up to the fourth-round pick price tag as a big, lanky receiver with an above average catch radius. Somewhere under the avalanche of comparisons that came out after the Super Bowl between the champion Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys, the club is actually resembling one important aspect from the team that reclaimed the division from them and parlayed it into a Lombardi trophy. Where the Eagles know precisely the type of players they are looking for to fit their specific schemes, and are willing to pay nearly anything to get them, the Cowboys are laying this ground work to understand the players their new staff wants and prioritizing it. Schottenheimer’s staff coming together quickly ahead of the Senior Bowl and other key draft process dates was an impressive bit of work here to give the Cowboys some advantage. None of this comes with the guarantee that this will be the staff that gets the Cowboys back to championship glory, but if the Cowboys aren’t at least operating with this goal in mind, it would only confirm the worst possible suspicions about how winning between the lines takes a backseat in Dallas. There are

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images The latest and greatest news surrounding the Dallas Cowboys is here. Getting deal for Micah early ‘was always the goal’ – Nick Eatman, DallasCowboys.com This is exactly what the Cowboys should do. The narrative surrounding the Cowboys’ ability to re-sign their own players in a timely matter was magnified last season. And rightfully so, considering CeeDee Lamb missed all of training camp with a contract holdout and Dak Prescott didn’t sign his deal until minutes before the Week 1 game in Cleveland. While the Cowboys’ front office has taken plenty of criticism, both Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones have tried to point out – respectfully of course – that it’s a two-way street and that the initial asking prices from Dak and CeeDee caused there to be plenty of back-and-forth negotiations that took plenty of time. All of that is pointed out now as the Cowboys have turned their attentions to signing Micah Parsons to a long-term contract, something both sides have said is a priority for this offseason. And let’s not forget, the Cowboys did prevent Osa Odighizuwa from getting to free agency next week by signing him to a four-year, $80 million deal last week. Parsons is on the fifth-year option of his deal, awarded to first-round picks. The Cowboys issued the option for Parsons, which stands at $24.007 million for this season. However, the Cowboys could give Parsons a new deal, which would likely lower his 2025 salary cap as much as $11-12 million. Stephen Jones categorized the talks with Micah as “preliminary” last week when asked about where things stand with Micah. He was then asked if the goal is to get him done early, meaning before the start of free agency next week. “That’s always the goal. The goal was to get CeeDee done early,” Jones said with a smile. “The goal is to get it done when you can get it. How tightfisted Dallas Cowboys evolved from big spenders to bit players in NFL free agency – Calvin Watkins, Dallas Morning News The Cowboys have done a complete 180 from decades past. The Cowboys used to play the role of Evil Empire in free agency. Remember? You may have forgotten they spent $32 million in signing bonus money in 2005 on four players for coach Bill Parcells, which included starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Did you forget there was a wide receiver (Terrell Owens) who showed up in 2006 saying “Get your popcorn ready!” because it was going to be a show? Jerry Jones signed a cornerback (Deion Sanders) in September 1995 to the largest contract for a defensive player in league history. Sanders was playing for a Major League Baseball team as a part-time job, by the way. The Cowboys spent the money. It worked for three Super Bowl titles in the Jones era. Major free agent signings and drafting elite players propelled the Cowboys to those titles. Now, the Cowboys are bit players in free agency, with little evidence it will change. Open Market: Jourdan Lewis headlines free agency options at cornerback for Cowboys – Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com Lewis is a big in-house priority considering the state of the cornerback position in Dallas. What’s Here: Jourdan Lewis: Snubbed. That is exactly what it feels like when discussing the fact Lewis was named to neither the Pro Bowl nor the All-Pro list, not even as a second-teamer, after the season he produced in 2024. Nonetheless, he was not only one of the best players in the building, but in the NFL, consistently grading out as the best nickel corner in the entire league; and it bears mentioning it wasn’t so long ago that he thought his career was over with a shattered foot that now requires a custom cleat — still playing at the highest level of his career while vocally pushing the locker room to do better on the field. Sign him yesterday to a multi-year deal, seeing how the prove-it deal last time around featured lots and lots of proof, or rather a reminder of what he’s capable of. (P.S. Matt Eberflus and Lewis have a great relationship from their first stint together in Dallas, so…. get’er done.) Israel Mukuamu: OK, I realize I said there wouldn’t need to be any safeties on this list but, technically, Mukuamu is [still] listed as one by the Cowboys, so here we are. Technicalities aside, the versatile defensive back made his way to the NFL as mostly a cornerback at South Carolina before being shoehorned into the safety room for depth reasons. But with the emergence of Markquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas behind contract-extended talent, i.e., Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker, Mukuamu has found his way onto the field as a cornerback for Dallas and been more than serviceable in doing so. A fiery, capable backup who should come at a reasonable price makes this potential keep a hell yes for me. Former Cowboys wide receiver plotting a comeback for 2025 season after recent retirement – Bryan DeArdo, CBS Sports The former third-round pick for the Cowboys wants to get back on the gridiron. Less than a year after abruptly retiring, Michael Gallup is plotting a comeback. Gallup, a veteran wideout who spent his first six NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, intends to resume his career in 2025, according to his agent (via NFL Media). Gallup, who recently turned 29, retired just before the start of training camp last summer. He hung up his cleats less than two months after signing a one-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. Gallup had been released by the Cowboys last March in a cost-cutting move. A 2018 third-round pick, Gallup’s career appeared to be on the fast lane after he eclipsed 1,100 yards receiving during his second season in Dallas. But after having another productive campaign in 2020, Gallup suffered through injuries in 2021 that included a season-ending ACL tear in Week 17. A huge opportunity just came up for the

Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images There are a number of veterans on the market who could help the Cowboys. The term “selectively aggressive” from Stephen Jones took the world be storm at the NFL combine. While Cowboys fans have become very familiar with the Cowboys lackluster use of free agency, the recent reports and whispers suggest we could see a slight change in their approach in 2025. With that being said, no one expects the Cowboys to go out and spend major money in free agency, but could signing one of these recently released vets help get the Cowboys back to playoff contention in 2025? Joey Bosa Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images Let me start off by saying this is a big name, which likely means his price tag will take the Cowboys out of the running for pursuing the former Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher. But we are mentioning him due to how highly the Cowboys viewed him coming out of Ohio State in the 2016 NFL draft. Joey Bosa, when healthy, is still one of the better defensive ends in the NFL, but staying healthy has been the main issue for Bosa over the last few years. Since 2022, Bosa has played in just 28 games, racking up 18 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Bosa primarily plays on the left side which is where DeMarcus Lawrence spent most of his time since Micah Parsons arrived in Dallas. Depending on the money here, the Cowboys could very well make an aggressive push for Bosa, based on his success in the NFL so far, and how they felt about him coming out of Ohio State back in 2016. Dre’Mont Jones Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images Fresh off the new contract for Osa Odighizuwa, the Cowboys would be wise to add another versatile defensive lineman prior to the NFL draft. Dre’Mont Jones is a very intriguing option for Dallas due to his ability to play both defensive tackle and defensive end. Jones signed a nice contract with the Seattle Seahawks in 2023, but was released on March 4th as the Seahawks are looking to clear cap space before the start of the league year. Jones had a very strong 2024 season, finishing with four sacks, seven tackles for loss, 13 QB hits, and 45 pressures. Those 45 pressures would have ranked fourth on the Cowboys last year behind Micah Parsons, Osa Odighizuwa, and DeMarvion Overshown. Tyler Lockett Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images This is one that just makes a lot of sense for both parties. The Cowboys have a big need at wide receiver with Brandin Cooks likely leaving in free agency, and even though Tyler Lockett is on the wrong side of 32, he has plenty of familiarity with Brian Schottenheimer. While Lockett is on the decline at this point in his career, he still has enough left in the tank to be a nice complement to CeeDee Lamb and bridge to a young receiver the Cowboys could draft this April to develop into an eventual WR2. Lockett played 762 snaps in 2024, 545 coming on the outside with 215 coming from the slot. That split matches up well with CeeDee Lamb’s role in the offense and would be a great replacement for Brandin Cooks who had a similar percentage of snaps on the outside in 2024. At this point in his career, Lockett will likely be pretty affordable and could look to return to his familiarity with Schottenheimer to close out his NFL career. While he should not be viewed as the solution for the Cowboys wide receiver issues, he can be a major part of the fix moving forward. Preston Smith Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images Last but not least, we have Preston Smith. Smith, a former Green Bay Packer and Pittsburgh Steeler, was released by the Steelers in February after trading for him at the deadline last season. Smith, now 32, finished with just 4.5 sacks in 2024, but reached eight sacks in 2023 (8), 2022 (8.5), and 2021 (9) with the Green Bay Packers. While Smith may not be the pressure player he was in his younger days, he remains a very good player against the run, receiving run defense grades of 64.3 (2024), 74.3 (2023), 64.1 (2022), and 72.1 (2021). If the Cowboys are unable to bring back DeMarcus Lawrence, finding a reliable run defender to play opposite Micah Parsons will be a key need for the Cowboys coming out of this offseason. With Smith’s age and natural decline, he could be a player that falls in the Cowboys price range, which would bring some value to Matt Eberflus as the team’s first-year defensive coordinator.

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images Michael Gallup is reportedly looking to return to the NFL after a year away. Next week will bring free agency across the NFL and the Dallas Cowboys would be wise to pick up a wide receiver when it all begins. Names like Tyler Lockett make a lot of sense for Dallas, especially given his familiarity with new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, having worked together with the Seattle Seahawks. In the theme of reunions, Amari Cooper is also set to be a free agent and that would certainly be interesting. What’s more is that it was reported on Friday afternoon that Cooper is not the only former Cowboys wideout looking for a new team. Michael Gallup is eyeing a return to the NFL. Veteran WR Michael Gallup, whom the #Raiders released from the reserve/retired list today, wants to return to the NFL in 2025, per source. Gallup had 266 career catches in 86 career games with Dallas before signing with Las Vegas last year. He just turned 29. pic.twitter.com/5RL5HW4odA — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 7, 2025 The Cowboys released Gallup last offseason after a down 2023 season from him. You will recall that Dallas extended him two years prior to that, shortly before trading Cooper to the Cleveland Browns. Unfortunately, Gallup never lived up to that extension, but in his defense he was coming off of a torn ACL when the Cowboys gave it to him. Taken in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Gallup was an extremely serviceable player for the Cowboys, but in the end it was best for Dallas to move on. Tom Pelissero noted that the Las Vegas Raiders released Gallup from the Reserved/Retired list on Friday. You may have forgotten that Gallup signed with them ahead of last season. He did not play at all. In his last season with Dallas, Gallup played in all 17 games and had 34 receptions for 418 yards and two touchdowns. For context, that was CeeDee Lamb’s huge 2023 year, but again, it was time for the Cowboys to move on. Maybe the Cowboys will be looking at one of these vets in the next week or so.

Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images What do you think will be the main focus for the Cowboys in the NFL Draft? While Jerry Jones may not have spoken at the scouting combine for the first time in a long time, Dallas Cowboys fans got plenty of Jerry Jones content from Zack Martin’s retirement press conference on Wednesday. After the Martin retirement press conference, Jones spoke to reporters about the team and their plans heading into free agency and the draft. In doing so, he may have given away some of the Cowboys plans for the draft. When asked about how the Cowboys could spend the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, Jones mentioned the team has “a lot of options”, but specifically mentioned running back, defensive line, and “outside pressure players” as potential candidates with the 12th overall pick in the first round. Jerry Jones on picking 12th in the draft: “We’ve got a lot of options. The combine emphasized that there are key players at key areas — RB, DL, outside pressure players. So frankly, this is good time to be where we are.” — Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) March 5, 2025 Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty has received most of the first-round running back hype, but people should not overlook North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton as a potential option in the first round as well. As far as the defensive line goes, that list looks a lot larger. Michigan’s Mason Graham headlines the list, but Oregon’s Derrick Harmon, Michigan’s Kenneth Grant, Ole Miss’s Walter Nolen, and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart should also be mentioned as potential candidates in the first round for the Cowboys. For those that do not know, “outside pressure players” means defensive end or edge rushers who will primarily rush “from the outside.” The first round names that fit that criteria should include, Penn State’s Abdul Carter (who is a betting favorite to be the first-overall pick in April), Georgia’s Mykel Williams, Georgia’s Jalon Walker, Tennessee’s James Pierce Jr., Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku, Marshall’s Mike Green, and a name we have not mentioned, but maybe need to start talking more about, Arkansas’ Landon Jackson. While it should be known the Cowboys could go in a different route with their first-round pick (wide receiver, cornerback, or offensive line), it would be wise for us to get very familiar with the names mentioned about, because according to the general manager, those are the positions they are zoning in on in early March as they continue to build their draft board.

Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images Previewing multiple ways the Cowboys could go about addressing their biggest needs this offseason. Just one week into March, the Dallas Cowboys have already had a more productive offseason than they did during the spring of 2024. Dallas signed their biggest impending free agent, Osa Odighizuwa, to a multi-year deal and are rumored to be looking into locking up more of their own players. While the Cowboys have gotten off to a relatively good start, there is still plenty of work to be done to become a playoff-caliber team. With that in mind, today, we play an offseason version of this or that, picking between two possible paths for Dallas this spring. Let us know if you agree with our selections in the comments section. Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images This – Re-sign Jourdan Lewis AND Cooper Rush or That – Re-Sign Rico Dowdle AND Chauncey Golston Our verdict… Jess Haynie I’ll take the Lewis/Rush scenario because of all four players listed, Lewis is the best and hardest to replace. We may already have the next Golston in Marshawn Kneeland, and while Dowdle is dear to my heart he’s an average back in a very saturated market. Rush is a nice bonus in the deal because I do think he’s in the upper half of backup QBs. But the big swing factor here is Lewis, who pushes the secondary to another level of security and brings veteran leadership with it. David Howman Give me JLew coming back to the team. I really would miss Chauncey and Rico, but this is a deep draft class at both spots. Jourdan Lewis has quietly been one of the most consistent slot corners in the NFL throughout his career and he brings elite leadership to the locker room. Also, Cooper Rush just proved why he’s one of the top backup QBs out there, so bringing him back is a plus Matt Holleran As tempting as the package of Dowdle and Golston is, I’m taking Lewis and Rush on this one. Cornerback is sneakily one of the weakest position groups on Dallas’ entire roster, and letting their best cover corner from last year walk in free agency seems like a terrible idea. Lewis means so much to the Cowboys, not just on the field but in the locker room, that you must bring him back. While retaining Cooper Rush isn’t a sexy move, he did prove last season that he’s one of the best backup QBs in the league, making him valuable. Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images This – Trade a 2025 fifth-round + 2026 fourth-round pick for veteran WR Cooper Kupp or That – Select a wide receiver with the 12th overall pick Our verdict… Jess Haynie I’m not giving up two draft assets, especially the fourth, for a guy who hasn’t played more than 12 games since 2021. A healthy Kupp would be a killer complement to Lamb, but I don’t think he can give you that anymore. We were able to get Stephon Gilmore and Brandin Cooks for less in those trades. I’d much rather hope that a Tet McMillan or Luther Burden (assuming that’s who we’d take in the 1st) lives up to the hype and gives you an inexpensive WR2 for the next 4-5 years while you’re paying Lamb’s big contract. David Howman I struggled with this one, but ultimately I’ll take the first-round receiver over Kupp. I think that’s where Dallas should go regardless, and either Tetairoa McMillan or Luther Burden would be excellent additions to this offense for the foreseeable future. While I want Kupp, his age and injury history came into play here; in a vacuum I’d be fine with that price tag, but a rookie WR at 12 is going to offer similar production in 2025 with a much higher ceiling. Matt Holleran This is a very close call in my mind. In the end, I’d take sending the trade package for Cooper Kupp over selecting a wide receiver with the 12th overall pick. The Cowboys need an instant impact on their offense. As good as the wide receiver options are in the first round of this draft, there’s no guarantee they will be able to come into the league and produce tight away. While Kupp does come with some serious health concerns, if he is on the field he’s going to produce at a high level. I’d rather acquire a veteran wide receiver, like Kupp, who can serve as your number two and then select a high-upside wideout in the third round than pick one with your first-round selection. Kara Durrette/Getty Images This – Sign a Pro Bowl-caliber offensive player in free agency or That – Sign a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive player in free agency Our verdict… Jess Haynie Well, Dallas kind of already did “That” when they re-signed Osa Odighizuwa. He’s a borderline Pro Bowler at DT if you look at numbers compared to those who did get recognized. But that aside, I’d be happy if they made a big move at either WR or O-Line to take more pressure off the draft. Barring a trade down for more picks, it’s going to be hard for Dallas to address all of its needs. I’d hate to see them pass on a superior talent at a position so they can fill a roster need elsewhere, which often leads to reaching. David Howman ¿Por que no los dos? In an ideal world, the Cowboys do both. After all, they have enough cap space now. But since I have to pick one, give me a Pro Bowl offensive player. This is still an offense first league and the best way to win is to score more points. Plus, Micah Parsons alone is worth three Pro Bowl players in my mind. Matt Holleran With the restructures of CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott, the Cowboys have the cap space and flexibility to sign Pro Bowl-caliber players on both sides of the ball.

Photo by Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images What is your favorite mock draft so far? Many of the top prospects for the upcoming draft met with potential suitors around the league, and competed in different drills, at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. The event is yet another tool to help with the evaluation process and gives us insight into potential prospects the Dallas Cowboys could be targeting. With a little bit of more information at our disposal, we thought it would be a good time to predict who the Cowboys could select in the 2025 NFL Draft with their premium picks. Today, with the help of the Pro Football Focus simulator, we predicted one way the draft could go for the Cowboys in the early rounds. *TRADE* Steelers receive 1.12, 6.190; Cowboys receive 1.21, 2.53, 4.122 1.21 – RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina Omarion Hampton put on a show at the combine over the weekend and proved why he is one of the best, if not the best, running backs in the 2025 draft class. Drafting RBs in the first round is usually not the best strategy, but Hampton is an exception to the rule. Not only does he have the prototypical size to be a RB1 for the Cowboys, but he’s an elite athlete capable of carrying workload as a complete three-down back. He’d be a tremendous upgrade in Dallas. Omarion Hampton is a RB prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.93 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 14 out of 1909 RB from 1987 to 2025. Splits projected, times unofficial. https://t.co/BvtORFYopS pic.twitter.com/8Q7SRqnAgv — Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 1, 2025 2.44 – WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State Jayden Higgins was somewhat underrated heading into the combine this past weekend, but proved he’s one of the top wide receivers in the 2025 draft class. Due to his size/speed combination and his ability as a route runner, he compares favorably to Texans WR Nico Collins. He would be a perfect pairing playing on the outside as an “X” WR with CeeDee Lamb and give Dak Prescott another much-needed go-to receiving weapon. I made the comp of Jayden Higgins to Nico Collins and after his combine performance, everyone seems to be on board Higgins is my WR4 and may end up even higher than that. pic.twitter.com/wfBFJ8vemj — NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) March 1, 2025 2.53 – DT Alfred Collins, Texas Alfred Collins is one of the best run defenders in the entire 2025 draft class and has upside as a pass rusher as well. With his size and length, he easily anchors down against the run and sheds blocks as a nearly immovable force in the middle of defensive line. He could potentially challenge Mazi Smith from Day 1 as a rookie for the starting 1-tech job or at the very least provide some much-needed depth and mass on the interior of Dallas’ DL. Texas DL Alfred Collins played all over the Longhorn front but his future home lies at NT. His length (34.75-inch arms) allows him to establish first contact on blockers with the power to drive opponents backwards when his hands latch on inside. Day 1 impact run defender. pic.twitter.com/3GRDLEUB0V — Derrick (@Steelers_DB) February 14, 2025 3.76 – C Jared Wilson, Georgia Jared Wilson missed an opportunity to prove his worth at the Senior Bowl when he unfortunately had to withdraw from the event, but more than made up for it with his performance at the combine. He was just a one year starter at Georgia, but his talent/movement skills are as good as any iOL prospect in the 2025 draft class. He could challenge to start in Dallas, allowing Cooper Beebe to kick over and replace Zack Martin. Jared Wilson is a OC prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.98 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 2 out of 622 OC from 1987 to 2025. Splits projected, times unofficial.https://t.co/ZIdrLsm28H pic.twitter.com/51vQHCQo7M — Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 2, 2025 *TRADE* Cowboys received 4.108; Bills receive 4.122, 5.150 4.108 – CB Jacob Parrish, Kansas State Jacob Parrish will get knocked a little for his size, but he checks all of the other boxes teams look for in a cornerback prospect and more than proved his skill set/talent at the combine over the weekend. He’s tough in coverage and run support, is smooth with fast feet in his transition to click and close on the ball, and is one of the most athletic prospects at his position in the 2025 draft class. He could be a plug-and-play starter as a rookie in Dallas. Jacob Parrish is a CB prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.27 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 182 out of 2480 CB from 1987 to 2025. Splits projected, times unofficial.https://t.co/tAtrKRDuj8 pic.twitter.com/icQxfDZoeV — Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) February 28, 2025

Kara Durrette/Getty Images The latest headlines surrounding the Dallas Cowboys all in one place. Cowboys’ offseason needs to be judged on actions, not slogans and catchphrases – Saad Yousuf, The Athletic After last season’s “all-in” comments and this season’s “selectively aggressive” comments, it’s time for the Cowboys’ front office to show it. Speaking last week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, executive vice president Stephen Jones described the 2025 offseason approach as “selectively aggressive.” Again, there was a strong reaction. Anger. Disappointment. Annoyance. Wednesday, after Zack Martin’s retirement news conference at The Star, the Dallas front office spoke more words into the ether, and that led to more reactions. Jones contradicted his son’s comments, saying “I don’t think aggressive is the right word.” The vibes during Cowboys offseasons too often have gone the way of the words. They need to be reserved for actions… …Words in the offseason, whether they come from Jerry, Stephen, Prescott or anybody else in the organization should be viewed in the same light as regular-season wins. It might sound good; it might not. The real barometer is: What are you doing in the playoffs? Actions are the offseason’s playoffs. Open Market: Eric Kendricks atop list of LB options for Cowboys in free agency – Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com What will the linebacker room look like for the Dallas Cowboys next season? What’s Here: Eric Kendricks: The former First-Team All-Pro linebacker was a stabilizing force for the Cowboys in 2024, and served as a sensational mentor to young talent like Marist Liufau and DeMarvion Overshown as well. Having poached him away from the 49ers in last year’s free agency, the headline outside signing for Dallas, Kendricks deserves a second round with the same ask: play at a high level and stabilize a unit that will be without Overshown for a while; and his potential asking price of $7 million (per Spotrac) isn’t entirely different from others I’ll mention in a moment. Darius Harris, Nick Vigil: Both were solid rotational pieces when called upon, though it was Vigil who left the biggest footprint on the 2024 season — especially as a special teamer (even if someone else forgot to not touch the ball after a blocked punt). Neither Harris nor Vigil would cost much, think veteran minimum, and let’s face it: the Cowboys need as much insurance at the linebacker position as they can possibly get. What’s Out There: Note: These players will be unrestricted on March 13, barring a newly-signed deal with their incumbent team prior to that date. Jamien Sherwood: The good news for the Cowboys is there isn’t much to figure out as far as pricing goes for most of the players I’m mentioning on this list. Kendricks, Wagner and Greenlaw (see below) are all being valued at around $7 million annually, per Spotrac, so losing out on one still gives Dallas an opportunity to pivot to another impact linebacker for the same cost. Sherwood is on the younger end of the spectrum though, a 25-year-old who went from being a fifth-round pick of the Jets in 2021 to being the league’s reigning tackles champion in 2024 and, wouldn’t you know it, he did it for/with Aaron Whitecotton, the newest Cowboys’ defensive line coach (hint, hint, wink, wink). Cowboys owner Jerry Jones ‘not looking at free agency as a place to fill voids’ on roster – Kevin Patra, NFL.com The Cowboys have freed up a big chunk of change for next season. How will they decide to spend it? “I’m not looking at free agency as a place to fill voids,” Jones said on Wednesday, via ESPN. The Cowboys created $56.6 million in salary cap space with the Prescott and Lamb restructures. The moves pushed cap dollars to future years, opening up space in the current market. Any cap space left by the end of the season can be rolled over into next year. Dallas could use some of the cap space to keep its own, as they did with the Osa Odighizuwa extension, and the Cowboys certainly have needs, including on the offensive line, at running back and throughout the defense. After last year’s “all-in” comment from Jones got skewered following another year of free agency inactivity, the owner is taking the opposite approach, downplaying Dallas’ plan when the market opens next week. A new contract for Parsons would open up additional cap space for the Cowboys to use — or not — in free agency. Jones dismissed the Cowboys’ penchant for waiting until much later in the process to get big deals done in recent seasons. Last year, Lamb signed at the end of training camp and Prescott hours before the season opened. “We get criticized because we wait until the end or what you would call the end, and that is lining up for the first game,” Jones said. “It just happens that way. I’ve been one of the earliest out there on several contracts in my 35 years.” 2025 NFL free agency: Underrated players who could be steals – Ben Solak, ESPN ESPN listed players who could be a great addition through free agency. Rico Dowdle made that list. RB Rico Dowdle 2024 team: Dallas Cowboys | Age entering 2025 season: 27 A lightbulb went on for Dowdle late last season. From Weeks 1 through 12, he had minus-24 rushing yards over expectation in what was largely a timeshare with Ezekiel Elliott. After that, Dowdle had plus-85 rushing yards over expectation, in a role in which he consistently had 15 or more carries. He isn’t the most explosive back and won’t break tackles the way elite runners do, but on the season, he ranked eighth among all running backs in success rate. He is a grinder who only got to become that grinder late, both in the 2024 season and in his contract with the Cowboys, as he spent much of his first few years on the bench behind Elliott and Tony Pollard. That developing role, along with only

Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images Here is our scouting report on Jahdae Barron from Texas We continue our 2025 NFL Draft preview of draft prospects that could interest the Dallas Cowboys. Today we are looking at cornerback Jahdae Barron from Texas. Jahdae Barron CBTexas Longhorns Senior4-star recruit 5’11”194 lbs Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images History: Jahdae Barron was born and raised in Austin, Texas, making him a hometown talent for the Longhorns. He attended Pflugerville Connally High School in a suburb just north of Austin. During his high school career, Barron emerged as a versatile and highly-recruited athlete. He played multiple positions, including quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back, showcasing his athleticism and football IQ. Despite being versatile and a two-way player, his future at the collegiate level was clearly on defense, where his skills as a cornerback stood out. He was rated as a four-star recruit and committed to the University of Texas over offers from other powerhouse programs like Baylor, LSU, and Oklahoma, choosing to stay close to home and play for the Longhorns. Barron enrolled at the University of Texas in 2020 and saw limited action as a true freshman, appearing in eight games primarily on special teams and as a reserve defensive back. He recorded six tackles, laying the groundwork for future opportunities. He began to carve out a bigger role in 2021, playing in nine games and starting two. Barron tallied 18 tackles, one tackle for loss, and three pass breakups, showing promise as a reliable depth piece in the secondary. 2022 saw a breakout for Barron. He played in all 13 games, starting nine, and recorded 78 tackles, two interceptions, three pass breakups, a fumble recovery for a touchdown, and a pick-six. His versatility allowed him to play both cornerback and the “star” position (a hybrid nickel role) in Texas’ defensive scheme. Barron solidified his status as a key starter in 2023, playing in all 14 games and earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors. He registered 60 tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles, and six pass breakups. His performance helped Texas win the Big 12 Championship and reach the College Football Playoff, though they lost to Washington in their first playoff game. Barron’s fifth and final season was his best. With Texas transitioning to the SEC, he elevated his game, starting 16 games played through the regular season and into the CFP. He recorded 67 tackles, five interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and a blocked punt. His stellar play earned him the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, First-Team All-SEC honors, and First-Team All-American, cementing his legacy as one of Texas’ all-time greats in the secondary. 2024 Statistics 971 Defensive Snaps941 Coverage Snaps5 Total Pressures1 Sack67 Total Tackles3 Tackle for Loss11 Pass Breakups 5 INT1 Fumble Recovery 0 TD Allowed34.2 Passer RTG Allowed2 Penalties NFL Combine/Pro Day 10-Yard Split- 1.50s (86%)40-Yard Dash- 4.39s (86%)Vert- 35” (36%)Broad- 123” (56%) Awards All-America (2024)Jim Thorpe Award (2024)First-Team All-SEC (2024)Second-Team All-Big 12 (2023) Scorecard Overall- 85.8Speed- 84Acceleration- 85Agility- 90Strength- 80Tackling- 90Zone Coverage- 92Man Coverage- 82Press- 77Discipline- 94 THE GOOD Barron’s ability to play multiple positions makes him a Swiss Army knife in the secondary. Very comfortable in man coverage, zone, and even as a blitzer off the edge. He has a knack for locating and attacking the ball. Has elite instincts and awareness. He reads quarterbacks well, anticipates routes, and positions himself to disrupt plays. He tackles well in open space and isn’t afraid to mix it up with bigger receivers or support in run defense. He faced some top-tier talent over the years and managed to keep pace. Has experience on special teams, adding to his roster appeal. TAPE TIME CB Jahdae BarronTexas ✅ THE GOOD✅#scouting #NFLDraft #Longhorns pic.twitter.com/n5n8y9eiD6 — Mike Poland (@kenfigkowboy) March 3, 2025 THE BAD He can get beat by pure speedsters and struggles to stay engaged if not on his A-game to cover deep threats. He’s slightly undersized for an outside corner and will struggle against more physical receivers in the NFL. This could push him inside to nickel in the pros, where his frame is better suited. Barron excels in zone and off-coverage but struggles with quick-twitch receivers in press-man situations. His technique can get grabby, risking penalties at the NFL level. Entering the NFL at 23, he’s older than some prospects due to his five-year college tenure, potentially limiting his developmental ceiling and coaching appeal. TAPE TIME CB Jahdae BarronTexas ❌THE BAD❌#scouting #NFLDraft #Longhorns pic.twitter.com/2aC1h5mgNM — Mike Poland (@kenfigkowboy) March 3, 2025 THE FIT Jahdae Barron is a polished, instinctive defensive back with a proven track record against top college competition. His versatility, ball production, and tackling make him a safe bet to contribute early in the NFL, likely as a starting nickelback with upside to develop into a full-time starter. While he won’t wow with some of his athletic measurables, his tape and intangibles suggest a long, productive career, think a reliable CB2 or elite slot defender rather than a lockdown No. 1 corner. He is limited due to his size and high-point ability, meaning in the NFL he will best serve as a nickleback defender in a zone-heavy scheme (Cover 3 or Tampa 2) where his instincts and tackling can shine. This means some teams will pass in the draft on Barron given how some scouts will value him. For a player with limited to slot only, is a Day 1 pick too rich? The Cowboys’ secondary is talented but could use depth and youth, especially at nickel, where Jourdan Lewis is set to become a free agent. Outside corner depth is also a concern if injuries strike again like last season when Trevor Diggs and DaRon Bland both missed time. Barron’s best fit with Dallas would be as a slot corner, replacing or complementing Jourdan Lewis. The team’s defense would love a cornerback who can tackle and play the ball, this aligns perfectly with Barron’s skill set. While Diggs and Bland are

Photo by Patrick Mulligan/Getty Images Tetairoa McMillan could be Dallas’ ideal target in the first-round. With the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine now in the books, more information is out there to help further evaluate top prospects available in this year’s draft. This event has also shaken up some of the draft rankings, which is why we will see more mock drafts start to pop up around the Internet. One that could be of particular interest to the Dallas Cowboys is from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, who predicted them landing the top wide receiver in the 2025 draft class with their first-round pick (12th overall) in his post-combine mock draft. 12. Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona Outside of CeeDee Lamb, where is the juice coming from in the Cowboys’ offense? McMillan could provide some. With his rangy catch radius and ball skills, he is a quarterback-friendly target who is open even when covered. Tetairoa McMillan sliding into the Dallas Cowboys lap at No. 12 could possibly be a dream come true. The 6’5″, 210-pound WR would be a perfect pairing for CeeDee Lamb and give Dak Prescott another go-to target in the passing game. But, this scenario also presents the perfect trade down opportunity if they want to acquire more draft capital. McMillan is probably one of the few players teams would be willing to trade up for this year. In a weak WR draft class, the former Arizona WR is still considered the top-ranked player at the position despite not competing at the combine. For teams looking for a new WR1, he’s one of the few players in this draft class who fits the bill. Depending on how for Dallas would be willing to trade down, they could acquire anything from a fourth-round to a second-round draft pick, or some combination in that pick range. This could create an interesting dilemma for the Cowboys. On one hand, McMillan would give the Cowboys another receiving weapon with a WR1 ceiling. On the other, Dallas could choose to trade down in order to acquire more draft capital to fill more of their roster needs. An argument could be made for either scenario.