Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images Combine standouts who could have caught the Cowboys attention. The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone. While some prospects took advantage of this event to boost their draft stock, others either did little to move the needle or saw their draft stock take a hit. Here are some of the top performers from the combine we think probably caught the Dallas Cowboys attention and should now be on the radar for the draft. The prospects listed below all play a position of “need” for the Cowboys and as such are players they should have their eye on. Iowa State WRs Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images Iowa State has a pair of impressive receivers who the Cowboys could have their eye on after testing well in Indianapolis at the combine. Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are both expected to be Day 2 selections and either could upgrade the aerial attack. Higgins was compared to Texans WR Nico Collins after impressing with a 4.47 40-yard dash, a 39 inch vertical, and a 10’9″ broad jump at 6’4″, 214-pounds. Noel was compared to Emmanuel Sanders after recording a 41.5″ vertical, a 11’2″ broad jump, and an impressive 4.39 40-yard dash. Each one would bring something little different to Dallas’ passing game, making them both someone to keep an eye on. Texas WRs Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images The Texas Longhorns have a couple of wide receiver prospects the Cowboys could have their eyes on. Both Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond tested well at the combine and either could be of interest to them to upgrade their aerial attack if paired with CeeDee Lamb. Golden was considered a fringe first-round prospect prior to the combine, but after running a 4.29 second 40-yard dash may have locked himself into a Top 20 pick. While Bond didn’t break the 40-yard dash record time like he predicted, he still put up a very respectable 4.41 time and hit an impressive 24.5 mph on the gauntlet drill. RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images There are rumors some teams have Omarion Hampton as their top-ranked RB in the 2025 draft class and after his performance at the combine you can see why. At 221-pounds, he put up elite testing numbers in nearly every event. He had a 38 inch vertical, a 10’10” broad jump, and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds. Those testing numbers may make him a first-round lock and someone the Cowboys could target in a trade down scenario. RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images Like Omarion Hampton, Quinshon Judkins proved to be one of the better size/speed running backs in Indianapolis. A bigger back at 221-pounds, Judkins impressed with his 4.48 40-yard dash, a 38.5 inch vertical jump, and his 11-foot broad jump. He is a powerful runner who was part of a RB tandem and Ohio State, but has the skill set of a starter at the next level. He’s someone to keep an eye on for the Cowboys in the second or third round. RB Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images Bhayshul Tuten is a compact, explosive running back who really put on a show at the combine, putting up elite testing numbers. He ran the fastest 40-yard dash time among RBs clocking in at 4.32 seconds and recorded the best vertical jump at 40.5 inches. He also ranked fourth with a 10’10” broad jump. His speed and vision would make him a good fit as a potential Day 3 target.

Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images Hopefully the Cowboys are able to bring Rico Dowdle back. The Dallas Cowboys messaging this offseason has centered on returning to being a dominant run-first offense. Most mock drafts have the Cowboys in a prime position to draft running back Ashton Jeanty as their next franchise bell cow. However, the front office could look at drafting a running back that high as a waste of draft capital, given how deep the rookie running back class looks. Before the Cowboys are on the clock, they must figure out where to attack in free agency. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer discussed the importance of evaluating their in-house free agents before looking elsewhere. One of those players is Rico Dowdle, their leading rusher from 2024. The Cowboys do not have the most money to spend in free agency (and the front office would be happy to remind fans of that), but ESPN’s Dan Graziano says it sounds like Dallas hopes to retain Dowdle and pair him with a rookie back. Dallas also will look to add a dynamic player at running back to pair with Rico Dowdle, who finished the season strong for them. From the tea leaves already out there surrounding the Cowboys’ plans for draft weekend, it’s becoming clearer they have every intention of grabbing one of these rookie runners on either the first or second day of the draft. David Moore of The Dallas Morning News also mentioned the team would like to retain Dowdle, but it could all depend on the almighty dollar. The bottom line: the Cowboys would love to pair Dowdle with a draft pick if they can make it work financially. But if it’s one or the other, the scales tip toward a draft pick. The Cowboys have other free agents who could surpass Dowdle in the pecking order for new contracts. Osa Odighizuwa was priority No. 1 and just received a new four-year deal worth $80 million. Dallas hopes to keep DeMarcus Lawrence and Jourdan Lewis as the team strives to maintain continuity while their third defensive coordinator in three years, Matt Eberflus, gets settled in. On the toss play that got Rico Dowdle over 100 yards for the first time in his career, the left side of the o-line opened like the Seven Seas #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/ARl6k7miMO — Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) November 29, 2024 Dowdle has earned every chance to assess his value on the open market. Several injuries affected the early stages of his career, but 2023 and 2024 marked the first healthy periods of his NFL journey. Last season was the best of Dowdle’s career, rushing for 1,079 yards despite spending the early part of the year in a rotating committee at the position. If his price tag exceeds what the front office is willing to pay, they will look to the draft to try and replace his value. Dallas held formal meetings at the NFL combine with Kaleb Johnson, Omarion Hampton, Jordan James, and Dylan Sampson. All four are projected to be picked as early as the late first round or could be day-three selections. Any day-three pick would cost less money than Dowdle and more team control for four years of a rookie contract. The coaches must decide whether Dowdle’s breakout season was a sign of things to come or merely a flash in the pan like Darren McFadden’s 2015 season. His strong finish to the 2024 season suggests that it aligns with the first possibility, but like everything in Dallas, the price has to be right.

Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images The Dallas Cowboys news is delivered CeeDee Lamb on Cowboys Potentially Adding Receiver Through NFL Draft: “Just Looking For a Great Complement” – RG.org CeeDee Lamb weighs in on some of the receivers in the draft. Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is high on several receivers in this year’s NFL Draft. The Cowboys hold the No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and while they have a number of positions that they can fill, wide receiver seems to be the most pressing. Outside of Lamb, Dallas lacks proven viable receivers with veteran Brandin Cooks entering free agency. Jalen Tolbert is the next-best receiver flanked by a bunch of unprovens at the position. Lamb recognizes the talent in this draft, mentioning names such as Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan – a Consensus All-American in 2024 – and Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka, who is known for elite straight-line speed. “I like a lot of them actually,” says Lamb in a one-on-one interview with RG on behalf of BodyArmor when asked about this year’s draft prospects. “There’s a bunch of pieces that stood out. I like T-Mac [McMillan] from Arizona for one. I like Luther [Burden III] from Missouri. The list could go on. I like Emeka from Ohio State and Tez Johnson [from Oregon].” The 25-year-old Lamb is known for being elusive and powerful after the catch and has superb route-running skills. When asked if there’s any receiver that reminds him most of him from this draft, he says he doesn’t focus on that trait – he focuses on what makes them great. “Not necessarily,” says Lamb when asked if there’s a receiver that reminds him of his style of play. Cowboys, DT Osa Odighizuwa reach 4-year $80M deal – ESPN, Todd Archer The Cowboys are making early moves this year. With free agency closing in and the deadline to use the franchise tag coming Tuesday, the Dallas Cowboys were able to keep one of their own off the market, agreeing to a four-year, $80 million deal with defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. The deal includes $58 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus, Odighizuwa’s agent, Sam Leaf Ireifej, told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Odighizuwa’s salary-cap number in 2025 will be $6.25 million. The Cowboys had discussions with Odighizuwa’s agent over the past few weeks and were able to reach a deal before Odighizuwa could hit the open market as well as avoid using the franchise tag. […] The Cowboys have a number of defensive players set to hit free agency in Lawrence, cornerback Jourdan Lewis, defensive end Chauncey Golston and linebacker Eric Kendricks. The club met with their agents during the combine to see if more deals can be made. So far, Odighizuwa is the only one to come to fruition. Osa Odighizuwa reacts to contract extension with Cowboys: ‘It doesn’t feel real’ – Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com Odighizuwa is thrilled to be back with the Cowboys. Speaking only minutes after putting pen to paper on his new multi-year deal, flanked by his agent and his mother, Odighizuwa was wearing the biggest possible smile on his big day. “It’s awesome, you know what I mean?” said the former UCLA star turned cornerstone player for teh Cowboys. “I love Dallas, love playing for this organization, love being a Cowboy — so the fact that I get to do it for another four years, and I get a very, very large pay increase to do it. “It’s not that I wasn’t already happy doing the work, but I’m just going to have an even bigger smile on my face when I come to the building [everyday].” […] “I feel like it just speaks to the hard work that’s paid off consistently, working in day and day out, and just making those deposits finally paying off,” he said, pausing for a moment to try and absorb the magnitude of the moment. “I can now look at my mom and be like, ‘You never have to work again.’ “That’s really what this has all been about, you know? So being able to do that, man, it’s still kind of registering. It doesn’t even feel real at this point. I’m just kind of soaking it in.” Cowboys K Brandon Aubrey undergoes shoulder surgery – Charean Williams, PFT Cowboys’ stud kicker had a surgery, but nothing to do with his leg. Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey underwent minor shoulder surgery, Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News reports. He will be ready for the offseason program. In two seasons, Aubrey has made two Pro Bowls and was first-team All-Pro and second-team All-Pro. He has made 89.4 percent of his field goals, including 24-of-27 from 50 yards or longer with a long of 65. Entering the final year of a three-year contract, Aubrey is in line for a record-setting extension for his position. Three kickers have contracts that average at least $6 million a season, with Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s $6.4 million average at the top.

Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images Here are some ways the Cowboys could create salary cap space. We are in the final days before the new NFL league year begins at 4 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, March 12, and the Dallas Cowboys are sitting in a relatively good spot when it comes to the salary cap. Per OverTheCap.com Dallas had roughly $3.5M of space available on the $279.2M cap before we get contract details from the massive Osa Odighizuwa contract agreed to on Tuesday and the relief from CeeDee Lamb’s contract restructure. Of course, in the coming months there will certainly be a need to create space to sign the 2025 draft class, build out a practice squad and set aside an injured reserve pool. Now with the Lamb restructure, the Cowboys won’t be required to make moves in order to be cap compliant when the new league year begins. The most obvious way to create cap space is to restructure QB Dak Prescott’s massive 2025 compensation, but another avenue worth exploring are cap casualties. The pickings are rather slim when it comes to members of the roster who could be moved in order to free up cap space. The front office could create a few million dollars of cap space by releasing or waiving any of a number of players, but the majority of those players are young contributors whose salary has increased under the Proven Performance Escalators of the CBA. The team isn’t going to move on from either DaRon Bland or Jake Ferguson, both of whom made the Pro Bowl in 2023, to free up a few million dollars worth of cap space. An argument could be made for the release of fourth-year linebacker Damone Clark who started just two games during the 2024 season, but given Clark’s role as a core member of the Cowboys’ special teams units, his $3.467M cap hit is not unreasonably large. With all that in mind, the list of players Dallas could release or waive and save $3.5M of cap space or more is very short and is comprised of just: Terence Steele Trevon Diggs Donovan Wilson Malik Hooker DaRon Bland From that list, moving on from Steele at this time seems unlikely, and while Diggs is expected to miss at least a significant portion of the 2025 season, the two-time Pro Bowler is under contract for three years past this upcoming season. Bland can be crossed off the list for the reasons listed above, which leaves just Wilson and Hooker. Safety Donovan Wilson Potential cap savings: $5.35M or $7M with a post-June 1 designation With the Cowboys not in a situation where they are desperate for cap space, this is a move that could be made if Dallas feels there is a must-have free agent for which the team needs the cap space. However, given how quiet Jerry Jones has been in free agency in recent years, moving on from a starting safety who logged over a thousand snaps during the 2024 season in order to free up barely enough cap space to sign their upcoming 2025 draft class might not be a great move. Thus, the move remains a possibility, though not one that is guaranteed. Safety Malik Hooker Potential cap savings: $3.75M or $5.75M with a post-June 1 designation If the Cowboys don’t move on from Wilson because it doesn’t make sense to release a starting safety to save a few million dollars, then it would seem to make even less sense to move on from Hooker, who is also a starting safety, a year younger and whose release would create even less cap space. On the flip side, if Dallas does move on from Wilson, they almost assuredly will not opt to release both starting safeties. Linebacker Damone Clark Potential cap savings: $3.406M Clark has been name elsewhere as the top potential cap casualty for the Cowboys, but creating $3.406M of cap space by releasing someone who finished the 2024 season in the top five of special teams snaps played while also having started 19 games at linebacker the last two seasons, and who won’t turn 25 until June, doesn’t seem like the best way to build a roster. A more likely way to create cap space with Clark’s contract would be to sign him to a small extension that converted some of his $3.406M 2025 salary to signing bonus and keeps him in Dallas as a key contributor on special teams, while also providing inexpensive depth for the defense. Putting it all together, there aren’t any members of the roster who are all but guaranteed to be released for cap purposes, but Jerry is Jerry, so surprises could easily happen.

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Brock Hoffman isn’t going anywhere. The Dallas Cowboys have been busy today. Earlier, they announced many transactions, including agreeing with Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year contract ahead of unrestricted free agency. Focusing on the trenches, Dallas keeps another one of their interior players in the fold. Interior offensive lineman Brock Hoffman signed his exclusive rights tender to stay with the Cowboys. Hoffman joined the Cowboys in 2022 after being released from the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad. And EVEN MORE roster news from Tuesday: ✅ Brock Hoffman, an ERFA, has also had his contract option picked up by the #Cowboys for the 2025 season. The Bully remains for Schottenheimer, Adams and Riley. More from @nickeatman: https://t.co/5mG0DRmi6S https://t.co/Bv7Bjkcsmd pic.twitter.com/6aT5HomYzF — Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) March 5, 2025 Hoffman made his first start for the Cowboys in 2023, starting in place of Tyler Biadasz and also in the 2023 season finale at Washington. In his brief time as a starter, Hoffman has exhibited a mean streak on the field to finish plays as a run blocker and has proven to be effective. Entering 2024, it was believed that Hoffman could have competed for the starting job at center, but ultimately yielded the position to rookie Cooper Beebe. However, Hoffman started seven games at right guard last year, replacing Zack Martin and played well in Martin’s absence. With Martin set to retire, Hoffman looks primed to be the team’s starting right guard next season, and the team’s renewed commitment to running the football suits Hoffman just fine. @dallascowboys.com has team signing exclusive rights free agents, safety Juanyeh Thomas and guard/center Brock Hoffman, to their tenders. Thomas will make $1.03 million, Hoffman will make $1.1 million. — Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 5, 2025

Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images Malik Hooker has a history with Matt Eberflus. When a new defensive coordinator comes to town, we’ve seen how they like to bring some of “their guys” with them to the roster. These veterans give the coach some comfort in terms of already knowing how to perform in his scheme, as well as the role they can play in helping their new teammates make the transition. With Matt Eberflus’ arrival in the Cowboys, he may already have a guy in safety Malik Hooker. When Dan Quinn was hired in 2021, he brought LB/S Keanu Neal and S Damontae Kazee with him from the Falcons. In 2022, Dante Fowler was also signed after getting released by Atlanta. Last season with Mike Zimmer replacing Quinn, LB Eric Kendricks and DT Linval Joseph soon followed based on previously working with him in Minnesota. We’ll have to wait until next week, at the earliest, to see what free agents might be lured to the Cowboys by Eberflus. He’s certainly got his own pool of guys from the last three years as the Bears’ head coach, and four years as the Colts’ defensive coordinator before that. But there may already be one in-house “Eberflus guy” with Hooker, who played under him from 2018-2020 in Indianapolis. The 15th-overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Hooker was already in place when Eberflus left his job as linebackers coach in Dallas and became Colts DC in 2018. Hooker, who fell in the draft due to injury issues, suffered another bad one that year after just seven games. Already at three interceptions and four deflections when he went down, Hooker was on pace to challenge for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Medical issues continued to keep Hooker from being a consistent impact player with the Colts. He missed six games from 2018-2019, one of them a playoff loss, and then nearly all of the 2020 season with an Achilles tear. Even before that next major injury, Indy had decided to decline Hooker’s fifth-year option for 2021. His reputation for poor health was why he remained untouched in free agency that year until the Cowboys finally signed him just ahead of training camp. Since then, Hooker has only missed four games in as many seasons. After rotating with Jayron Kearse and Donovan Wilson in the first two years, he’s been the Cowboy’s full-time free safety for the last two seasons. He’s now one of the veteran leaders on defense and one of the few stable presences in a secondary that’s had plenty of other injury woes the last few years. We might quickly assume that Eberflus and Hooker will be happy to see each other again in Dallas. But should we? Remember, Eberflus wasn’t part of the Colts’ staff when Hooker was drafted. He was part of it when they declined his option year and chose to let him walk in 2021, but we can’t say how much influence Eberflus had on those decisions. What we do know is that even after they declined the option year, the Colts still named Hooker as a Week 1 starter in 2020. Here’s what Eberflus was saying about him going into that training camp: Matt Eberflus was just on the @MorningShow1075. And he was asked about Malik Hooker (by @HolderStephen): pic.twitter.com/2Q5qKGreJ2 — Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) July 30, 2020 Eberflus also said the following after Hooker’s season-ending injury in 2020: Matt Eberflus says the example Malik Hooker set in terms of work ethic and positive attitude is what they’ll miss most about having him. — Jim Ayello (@jimayello) September 22, 2020 It sounds like Eberflus still had plenty of respect for Hooker even though their time together ended. So as long as that goes both ways, it’s not wild to guess that the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator is looking forward to working with the now-veteran safety again. Hooker may be very important to Eberflus this year as he probably won’t get much opportunity to bring in external free agents. If the Cowboys are as focused on keeping their own like Osa Odighizuwa, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Jourdan Lewis as reports indicate, plus the Micah Parsons extension, that’s not leaving much for outside hires. So in terms of having someone who’s played in his scheme and can help teammates, Hooker may wind up being Eberflus’ best and perhaps only translator. While already an established starter with job security in 2025, Malik Hooker’s value to the Cowboys may have just gone up after Matt Eberflus’ return. If he can help make the transition to a new defensive scheme even smoother, it will only help Dallas to be playing their best ball sooner rather than later. The defense took time to get going under Mike Zimmer last year, so hopefully we can avoid the same delay next season.

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images The Cowboys keep another promising member of their defense. The Dallas Cowboys have been making business moves left and right on Tuesday. After signing defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year deal, restructuring the contract of wide receiver CeeDee, and re-signing special teams ace C.J. Goodwin to a one-year deal, the Cowboys have picked up the contract option of safety Juanyeh Thomas, who was an exclusive rights free agent. And even more roster news… Juanyeh Thomas, an ERFA, is having his contract option picked up by the #Cowboys in 2025 — he revealed to @nhutchisontv. The talented young safety is, as expected, staying put. pic.twitter.com/2G9rlm2AjY — Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) March 4, 2025 Thomas went undrafted in 2022 before signing with the Cowboys. After he failed to make the final roster, Thomas was added to the practice squad. In 2023, Thomas was able to make a name for himself after he was impressive in the preseason. This time, he would make the final roster and log 190 snaps. He would produce 22 tackles and four pass breakups in 16 games with one start. Thomas saw his snaps reduced to 90 in 2024 as he would finish with 14 tackles, one pass breakup, and a forced fumble. Although he hasn’t played a ton, Thomas has shown that he has the ability to cover and play against the run. The problem has been that the Cowboys have invested quite a bit in Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker. However, the safety position wasn’t a strong suit last season, so the depth chart could look a little different in 2025. No matter the players the Cowboys have at safety, Thomas should be given plenty of opportunities to make an even bigger impact next season.

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images The Dallas Cowboys lock up their best defensive tackle for the foreseeable future. The Dallas Cowboys have taken care of one of their biggest offseason priorities. After much speculation that they might be priced out due to his elevated play, the Cowboys signed defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year, $80M deal that includes $58M guaranteed and has a $20M signing bonus. Cowboys and DT Osa Odighizuwa reached agreement today on a four-year, $80 million deal that includes $58 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus. Odighizuwa’s agent Sam Leaf Ireifej negotiated and confirmed the deal. pic.twitter.com/G96RihxqFQ — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2025 Odighizuwa is coming off of his best season yet on the NFL level. He set career highs in tackles (47), sacks (4.5), and quarterback hits (23). Per Pro Football Focus, Odighizuwa ranked third in pressures (60) and fifth in hurries (39) amongst defensive lineman in 2024. Also, his 78.5 pass-rush grade ranked 11th (second-best of his career). With Odighizuwa locked in, the Cowboys have a guy that can be very solid against the run and provide a good pass rush help in the middle of the defensive line. It was also important to secure a talented player to play alongside Mazi Smith while he continues to develop. Of course, the Cowboys should certainly look for another addition or two on the defensive line in April’s NFL draft because they simply need more quality players in that area. Dallas is now in a position to turn their efforts into getting something long-term done with All-Pro linebacker/edge Micah Parsons, and preferably sooner rather than later so that the Cowboys can get more wiggle room to hopefully add more quality players in free agency.

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jayden Higgins time in Dallas? The Dallas Cowboys need more juice on offense opposite of CeeDee Lamb. With Deebo Samuel now in Washington, the Cowboys will be looking to match the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders wide receiver duo’s with a strong pairing of their own. There have been plenty of discussions around taking a receiver in round one, but with needs littered throughout the roster, could waiting out the wide receiver pay off for the Cowboys? With the wide receiver class in 2025 being an interesting one, there are a few options available outside of the top 50 to come in and make a difference right away. One name to become familiar with is Jayden Higgins out of Iowa State. In looking for a complement for CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys need a wideout that can win on the outside consistently with Lamb dominating in the slot. Higgins can do just that. At 6-foot-4, 215-lbs, Higgins has the size needed at the “X-receiver” position to be a consistent outside threat. He had a good week in Indianapolis at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, running a 4.47 40-yard dash, jumping 39” in the vertical, and a 10’ 8” mark in the broad jump. Jayden Higgins gauntlet pic.twitter.com/3Wq3COAbPV — Billy M (@BillyM_91) March 1, 2025 It was not reported that the Cowboys met with Higgins in any fashion at the combine, but that should not mean they are no interested in the former Iowa State receiver. Higgins put up impressive numbers at Iowa State, posting 28 touchdowns and 3,317 receiving yards on 227 receptions. Higgins proved along with his productive career, that he is a very good athlete at his size to win against man-coverage in all three levels of the field. Higgins has similar size and straight line speed that Seattle Seahawks D.K. Metcalf possessed coming out of Ole Miss in 2019. Brian Schottenheimer had a big hand in drafting Metcalf from his days in Seattle. Higgins possesses all the traits the Cowboys need in a receiver in 2025 and could be a perfect complement to CeeDee Lamb and a friendly target for Dak Prescott.

Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images The latest and greatest Dallas Cowboys offseason news. NFL Combine: 3 takeaways involving the Dallas Cowboys – Shane Taylor, Inside The Star The combine came and went without the Jerry visit on the bus in Indy. Not Like Jerry Cowboys owner Jerry Jones loves to talk about his team, because the more he talks about the Cowboys, the more the media talks about the Cowboys. Most General Managers speak to reporters from one of the various podiums in Indy. Jones typically holds court on his touring bus. This year, he did neither. He noted that he would talk when he got back to Dallas, but regardless of why, this is not like Jerry Jones at all. This dude can’t wait to have the microphone in front of him and talk about whatever, even if it means nothing important about the football team. It seems like this offseason is going to be an interesting one for the Dallas Cowboys, and my first takeaway from the combine that might not mean much to some, but Jerry Jones not saying anything at all is not like him. Maybe the pressure is finally starting to get to him, and instead of talking, he is actually trying to get some important work done to make the team better? 2025 All-Combine Team, Offense: Quinshon Judkins, Luther Burden III among standouts in Indianapolis – Nick Shook, NFL.com Even more running back options stood out at the combine for the Cowboys. RUNNING BACKS Bhayshul Tuten Virginia Tech · RB Best team fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings I typically select two running backs for this team, but I must mention Tuten beyond honorable status because of how well he tested. The former Hokies runner posted the fastest 40 of any running back at 4.32 seconds, had a 40.5-inch vertical and logged a 10-foot-10 broad that gave us statistical proof of his explosiveness. His drills weren’t perfect, but he’s incredibly light on his feet, dancing around bags swiftly and darting through them in a subsequent drill like he was sifting through hallway traffic on his way to his next class. He’s not a supremely polished player, but the physical potential is absolutely there and should intrigue some personnel executives in April. HONORABLE MENTION: Donovan Edwards, Michigan; RJ Harvey, UCF; Dylan Sampson, Tennessee; Jaydon Blue, Texas. Cowboys seem to have learned valuable offseason, free agent lessons – Ben Grimaldi, The Cowboys Wire This is a small but encouraging step in the right direction. Last year the braintrust for the Cowboys waited forever to start working on new deals for their priority free agents. Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb were the two extensions the team needed to get done quickly in order to participate in free agency, but there wasn’t a sense of urgency to get either completed. Lamb’s deal wasn’t done until training camp, which caused the All-Pro WR sit out all team activities in the offseason, and Prescott didn’t get his extension until the just before Week 1 of the regular season. By waiting so long to work on, and agree to deals, the team wasn’t able to use free agency to upgrade the roster since the Cowboys were up against the salary cap. The Joneses slept through free agency while watching the majority of the league find players to improve for the upcoming campaign. That isn’t happening again. This offseason, things are trending in a much different direction as the organization is actively working on deals before the start of free agency. Stephen Jones said the team would look at what went wrong last offseason, and he’s going about fixing it in 2025. The two biggest deals the Cowboys need to get done this offseason are with key members of the defensive line, and there are active talks to retain both players. Dallas has already been talking with free agent defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa about getting a long-term deal done before free agency opens. If that doesn’t happen, the Cowboys are expected to use the franchise tag on their blossoming DT, something that must be announced before March 4th at 4:00 PM EST. Utilizing the tag shows how badly the Cowboys want to keep Odighizuwa and how aggressively they’re trying to get a deal done before using issuing the tactic demonstrates how the team has learned about getting things done quickly. If they two sides can agree before applying the tag, they could focus on using their cap space in free agency to get better. If they can’t, that $25.1 million earmarked for Odighizuwa could hold up some of their free agency plans. The Cowboys have also begun preliminary talks with edge rusher Micah Parsons on an extension. Parsons falls more in line with the mega deals the team had to get done last offseason, and the type of contract the team has trouble completing in a timely fashion. It feels like the discussions between the two sides are in the early stages, but it’s still lightyears ahead of where the Cowboys were with their two All-Pro players last spring. Report: Cowboys to tender KaVontae Turpin at second-round level – Josh Alper, Pro Football Talk The Cowboys’ new coaching staff on offense seems to want KaVontae Turpin to remain a part of it. Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News reports that the Cowboys will tender Turpin as a restricted free agent. They are expected to use a second-round tender in their move to hold onto him. That would come with a salary of $5.346 million for the 2025 season and it would require a team to fork over a second-round pick if they successfully sign Turpin away. Turpin was a first-team All-Pro as a returner in 2024 after returning one punt and one kickoff for touchdowns during the regular season. He’s also made a pair of Pro Bowls as a returner in his first three seasons and he’s caught 44 passes for 556