New Cowboys’ OL coach among best in CFB, making way to pros angeltorres The Dallas Cowboys have completed the majority of their coaching hires, but the vacant offensive line coach position has remained a mystery. That is until now as a leading candidate has now been hired. Conor Riley has been the offensive line coach at Kansas State University for the past six seasons and is regarded as one of the best assets in the country. ESPN’s Bruce Feldman was first to identify Riley is who Brian Schottenheimer identified to be in charge of the big uglies, and now the deal has been made. The Cowboys have made it a point to improve their running game and Riley, along with new offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, certainly fit the criteria. Under Riley, the Wildcats recorded three consecutive seasons in which they averaged 200 rushing yards per game. Before his time in Manhattan, Riley coached for six seasons at North Dakota State, where he helped the Bison to five straight National Championships. The team averaged an astounding 235 rush yards per game during his tenure including the 2018 season where the team averaged 286.2 yards a contest. Riley will get to coach his former K-State pupil Cooper Beebe, who the Cowboys drafted last season in the third round. He also gets to reunite with running back Deuce Vaughn, who played three seasons with the Wildcats, all under Riley leading the big boys up front. This will be a big jump for the 22-year college veteran as Riley has never coached in the NFL before. Those concerns may be put to rest as Riley has spent the majority of his coaching career leading the offensive line which began as a graduate assistant in 2003. He also played on the offensive line for Omaha from 1999 through the 2002 season. Dallas still has a few open positions to round out their staff, including receivers coach, but the expected arrival of Riley will go a long way to curing what ailed Dallas in 2024.
Jason Witten, 2 other Cowboys to be eligible for Hall of Fame in 2026
With the Pro Football Hall of Fame shutting out Cowboys legend Darren Woodson once again, it’s time to look ahead to the Class of 2026. And several Cowboys could well be in the mix for legitimate gold jacket talk next year. Players who played their last snap during the 2020 season will be eligible for nomination in 2026, and it’s a stacked class of superstars. Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Frank Gore, LeSean McCoy, Geno Atkins, Maurkice Pouncey, Stephen Gostkowski, Greg Olsen, Todd Gurley, Julian Edelman, and Philip Rivers are just some of the men who’ll be in their first year of eligibility. It will mean tough competition for the three Cowboys who can now make the ballot. (Actually, Dontari Poe and Alfred Morris are also included in the first-year-eligible group, but their short Dallas stints are not what they’ll be best remembered for.) They’ll all be up against Woodson and the other finalists who didn’t quite make the Canton cut in 2025. And don’t forget the larger field of nominees who will be hoping that the committee reviews their careers in a more flattering light next time around. Here’s a look at the Cowboys who could join the sport’s immortal heroes in 2026, starting with the three in their first year of eligibility and followed by those who were among the original 167 under Hall of Fame consideration this year. [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] TE Jason Witten (first-year eligible) Nov 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports On the surface, the Cowboys’ all-time receptions and receiving yards leader would seem to be a lock for reaching Canton on the first ballot. The 11-time Pro Bowler missed exactly one game in his 17 seasons as a player and sits in 20th place all-time among the league’s pass-catchers (second among tight ends) in yards. To be fair, though, DeAndre Hopkins, Mike Evans, and maybe even Travis Kelce should all pass Witten by the time the 2026 Hall of Fame vote comes around. And with the committee permitted to name a maximum of just five modern-era players, it’s difficult to imagine them giving more than two of those spots to guys who are up for the very first time. LB Sean Lee (first-year eligible) PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 30: Sean Lee #50 of the Dallas Cowboys tries to tackle Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 30, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) The story of Lee’s career will, unfortunately, always contain a healthy does of “what if” conjecture. While he ended his incredible 11-year run in Dallas with 802 tackles (in the franchise’s all-time top 10) and two Pro Bowl nods, Lee missed a third of the games played during his tenure due to injury. The cerebral second-round draft pick often acted as an unofficial coach on the sidelines while nursing many of those injuries, and his name still pops up any time there’s an opening on the Cowboys defensive staff. His name will pop up for Hall of Fame consideration for the first time in 2026. WR Dez Bryant (first-year eligible) Nov 20, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) dives for the goal line in the fourth quarter for a touchdown against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tavon Young (36) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Bryant is the Cowboys’ all-time touchdown reception leader, top five in receiving yards, and top three in both catches and targets. And while the three-time Pro Bowler’s place among the franchise’s greats is secure, Bryant topped 1,000 yards in a season only three times in his career and currently ranks just 137th in career receiving yards leaguewide, down near Nat Moore, Michael Crabtree, and Ed McCaffrey. A serious look for a gold jacket may not happen for Bryant, and certainly not in his first year of eligibility. Safety Darren Woodson (Stephen Dunn /Allsport) At this point, there’s nothing else to say about Woodson’s Hall of Fame credentials, which should have gotten him in years ago. The franchise’s all-time leading tackler. Three-time Super Bowl champ. Five-time Pro Bowler. Three-time first-team All-Pro. Cowboys Ring of Honor member since 2015. Woodson has been a finalist for Canton the last three years, but he now has just three years of consideration remaining as a modern-era player. Past that, he’d move to the seniors category, which is statistically an even tougher path to enshrinement. OC Travis Frederick Aug 24, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick (72) signals prior to a snap in the first half against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Frederick was first eligible for Hall discussion this past year. The first-round draft pick started every game over his first five seasons and earned a Pro Bowl nod in the last four of them. A diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome cost him the entire 2018 campaign, but he returned in 2019 to start every game and garner another Pro Bowl trip before announcing his retirement. OT Erik Williams Jan 30, 1994; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Erik Williams (79) in action against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXVIII at the Georgia Dome. The Cowboys defeated the Bills 30-13. Mandatory Credit: James D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports “Big E” was on track to be perhaps one of the greatest offensive linemen in Cowboys history until a serious automobile accident sidelined him for the back half of his fourth NFL season. He returned to the field in 1995 and played another six seasons. Williams helped Dallas’s dynasty teams of the ’90s win three Super Bowls, personally earning four Pro Bowl nods and first-team All-Pro accolades three times. LB Ken Norton Jr. Dec 16, 1989; E. Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys linebacker
Cowboys Headlines: Woodson’s wait goes on, Jerry claims win-now focus, Micah eager to get new deal done
Cowboys legend Darren Woodson comes up short of Hall of Fame status once again: ‘I feel like it’s failure’ :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram Link After 17 years of waiting to hear his name called as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Ring of Honor member was denied once again. “I got to deal with it. It is what it is. It sucks. I wish I could walk in and grab that gold jacket. It’s painful, it really is.” Woodson has three more years to get in as a modern-era player; if induction doesn’t come by then, he’ll move to the more difficult seniors category. “At my core, I’m more competitive than anyone else. It’s being patient, understanding that there are other people that are on that list who have had to be patient as well.” Cowboys’ Darren Woodson waits for Canton call; ‘probably deserves to be in’ :: Cowboys Wire Link Earlier in the day, Woodson was trying to be optimistic about his chances of getting the call to Canton. “I just feel like my body of work probably deserves to be in,” Woodson said. “It’s not up to me. It’s up to the writers if I should be in or if I shouldn’t be in.” Voters could have selected five players for the Class of 2025; they chose just four. Several notable Cowboys eligible for Hall of Fame in 2026 :: Calvin Watkins Ashton Jeanty: ‘It would be special’ to play for Cowboys :: The Mothership Link Jeanty says he would love to come home to Frisco, where he was a high school star. “I think it would be cool to have the star on my helmet again,” the running back said. “Playing for Lone Star, I had a star on my helmet as well, so it would be a dope moment if that were to happen.” He says he’d be excited to help build a new, stronger culture in Dallas under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer. “The culture, the history, the city, everything that comes with playing for the Dallas Cowboys, I think would be special.” Emmitt Smith: Cowboys shouldn’t draft RB Ashton Jeanty for one key reason :: Cowboys Wire Link The all-time rushing king doesn’t believe his former team has a plan when it comes to the offensive stars they already have, so it makes no sense to draft the electrifying Boise State running back with their first-round pick, as most mock drafts are calling for. Explaining that Cowboys ownership has not committed to the kind of balanced attack Smith himself was part of with the Triplets, he thinks there’s too much focus on building the brand of the Cowboys but not enough devoted to actually winning games. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says new coach, other moves made to ‘compete right now’ :: Newsday Link Jones says hiring Brian Schottenheimer as head coach was not a conservative move at all. And he maintains that the team is in “win-now” mode, not a rebuilding mindset. “The decisions I made last year were based on competing now. Now, they didn’t exactly work out. But I think I paid Dak [Prescott] more than anybody’s ever been paid in the NFL. That’s now. That’s not the future,” Jones said on the red carpet at NFL Honors. “We’re excited about our team’s ability to compete right now.” Cowboys Super Bowl drought roasted with Bill Belichick girlfriend joke :: SI.com Link During his opening monologue, Snoop Dogg remembered back to “when the Cowboys was good.” To put the distant memory in perspective for the audience, he helpfully pointed out that “Bill Belichick’s girlfriend wasn’t even born yet.” Cameras cut to 24-year-old Jordon Hudson, who looked shocked that she had suddenly ended up the punch line of a joke while on the arm of the 72-year-old coach. Micah Parsons on Cowboys extension: ‘I don’t think we can afford to keep having things wait out’ :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram Link Parsons has said he’d prefer to get a new deal done sooner rather than later this offseason. It would be better for the team, too. “We have a lot of guys to sign,” he said. “I don’t think we can afford to keep having things wait out.” He also had an interesting take on missing games due to injury for the first time ever, calling it “the best thing that could have ever happened to me,” since it forced him to change his perspective on being a leader when things are going poorly. Mike McCarthy helped Brian Schottenheimer prepare for his interview :: Blogging the Boys Link Fox NFL insider Jay Glazer reports that McCarthy helped his former offensive coordinator prepare for the interview to take the job he himself had just lost in Dallas. Glazer said McCarthy’s parting was “really amicable,” but despite the coach’s longstanding loyalty to the Schottenheimer family, giving him pointers on meeting with Jerry and Stephen Jones was “selfless” on McCarthy’s part. 2 free agent successes provide affordable blueprint for Cowboys in 2025 :: Cowboys Wire Link Despite a reputation for free agency failure, things worked out quite well with both Dante Fowler in 2022 and Carl Lawson in 2024. In both instances, the Cowboys received quality snaps from a player who cost them relatively very little. Fowler is gone now, but if the team can bring back Lawson, Matt Eberflus could get some of that veteran production in his first year running the defense. If not, Dallas may look at someone like Matthew Judon, Dennis Gardeck, Poona Ford, or Teair Tart. NFLPA boss Lloyd Howell: ‘No one wants to play an 18th game’ in regular season :: Dallas Morning News Link NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has openly talked about it like it’s inevitable, but the players aren’t nearly excited about adding a game to the regular season. The league and the players union have not had formal talks about it, but the NFL would no doubt be expected to make some concessions
Emmitt Smith: Cowboys shouldn’t draft RB Ashton Jeanty for one key reason
Emmitt Smith: Cowboys shouldn’t draft RB Ashton Jeanty for one key reason Todd Brock The NFL’s all-time rushing king has seen some impressive ballcarriers come and go since he last wore the star in 2002. And while the Hall of Famer has never been shy about calling for his former team to get back to establishing a smashmouth run game like the one that got him over 17,000 yards in Dallas, Smith doesn’t believe the Cowboys should be too quick to select Boise State phenom Ashton Jeanty with their first-round pick in the upcoming draft. It’s a surprising stance from one of the greatest running backs the sport has ever seen. But his reason for saying so is even more of an eye-opener. In New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl LIX, Smith sat down with the crew from All DLLS. Talk naturally turned to the Cowboys’ current need to find a rushing attack after a season in which they placed at or near the bottom of the league in total rushing yardage, yards per carry, and rushing touchdowns. The most popular fix in the mock draft world is Jeanty, who logged an incredible 2,601 yards in 2024 (just 27 yards shy of the collegiate single-season record) and scored 29 touchdowns on the ground (almost five times what the entire Cowboys ground attack tallied in three more games). But when asked if the Cowboys should select Jeanty with the 12th overall pick, Smith was blunt. “I don’t think so.” It’s not, Smith went on to explain, because he doesn’t think the Frisco native is a talented young star in the making. In fact, that’s exactly why Smith says he hopes this current iteration of the Dallas organization steers clear. “I don’t think the Cowboys clearly understand what they really want,” the three-time Super Bowl winner said. “They’re after excitement and thrills and stuff, and they don’t have a plan. First of all, they don’t even have a plan, truly, for Dak Prescott, let alone CeeDee Lamb. Where’s the plan? The plan they have right now has not made sense over the last couple years, so all of a sudden you’re going to wake up and come up with a plan for a new kid?” Smith- and other former Cowboys players- have been increasingly vocal about the Cowboys’ apparent lack of direction in recent years: playing games with superstars’ contracts, refusing to spend on high-quality free agents, and paying nothing more than lip service to the idea of assembling a roster designed to contend for championships on a regular basis. Adding another playmaker to an offense that is already fumbling about with Prescott and Lamb in the huddle is not the answer, according to Smith. “Plan for what you already have and allow things to fit that plan and be committed to that plan,” Smith said, “and I think that’s been the problem.” He pointed to the Cowboys team that drafted him 17th overall in 1990. With head coach Jimmy Johnson firmly in control of all football operations, the team improved from 1-15 the year before Smith’s arrival to 7-9 in his rookie season to a playoff berth the following year and a Super Bowl win the next. (And then two more over the next three years.) [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Cowboys fans can guess what “problem” Smith is really alluding to: the team’s ownership. For too many years, owner Jerry Jones has treated the football team as just one product line offered by the larger $10 billion brand of the Dallas Cowboys. Victories on the field are great, and titles would boost the bottom line. But win or lose, there are headlines to make and jerseys to sell and season tickets to hawk and corporate sponsorships to negotiate and a stadium to fill with high-priced events the other 355 days a year. The Cowboys brand can succeed- and is clearly doing so- even if the team is losing. Smith clearly believes too much effort is being placed on the former… and not nearly enough is being done to address the latter. And not even the addition of Jeanty would be enough. At least not all by itself. “There’s been a commitment to excellence on the brand side, but on the operations, when it comes down to the football side, there’s no commitment to who we are and the brand that was built,” Smith offered. “And the brand that was built was balance: Troy, Michael, myself. That’s why you call us the Triplets. You cannot have one without the other; you’ve got to have it all. You’ve got to have a ground attack as well as an air attack. “Now, Ashton Jeanty could be good for us under the right plan and under the right commitment and under the right vision. Right now, I think these things are bifurcated, and that’s why you’re getting all this disjointedness throughout the last 25, 30 years.”
2 free agent successes provide affordable blueprint for Cowboys in 2025
2 free agent successes provide affordable blueprint for Cowboys in 2025 reidhanson The Dallas Cowboys have many questionable processes when team building. They shy away from top commodities in free agency. They draft high-risk players who bring an abnormal degree of projection. They push veterans out the door without clear replacements in place and they drag their feet with their own fairly obvious contract extensions. As one might imagine, those don’t always turn out so well for the Cowboys franchise. But one of Dallas’ oft-critiqued processes has been working out for them as of late. Waiting for the market to cool and targeting veteran defensive linemen to team-friendly deals has been a trademark move the Cowboys. They did it with Dante Fowler in 2022 and they did it again with Carl Lawson in 2024. In both instances they received quality snaps from a player who cost them relatively very little. Going this route in roster building doesn’t typically provide elite results but it does offer tremendous bang for the buck. It’s allowed the Cowboys to maintain a healthy rotation on their defensive line and use the money saved at defensive end on other areas of the team where veteran bargains aren’t so easily found. In 2025 the Cowboys will likely try to get Lawson to come back for a second season. He’s coming off a five-sack year while contributing 401 snaps on defense. A similar role can be expected under Matt Eberflus if Lawson is willing to accept similar short-term deal with a modest bump from his $1,125,000 rate (per OTC). If Lawson doesn’t come back to Dallas, the Cowboys have options to look at in free agency again this season. Matthew Judon, 32, is coming off a tumultuous season. Pro Football Focus estimates his value to be a one year, $4,500,000 deal this offseason. If the Cowboys play it patiently, he may come cheaper. Arizona’s underrated DE, Dennis Gardeck, is coming off an early 2024 ACL injury. At 30-years-old he may not strike up very much interest around the league and could possibly be had for half the cost of Judon. Even interior defensive linemen like Teair Tart and Poona Ford could be had for a song this offseason. Tart comes with baggage, but he finished last season as the 12th-highest graded DT and is predicted to cost just $2,500,000 in free agency. Ford is predicted to demand just $3,500,000 and he’s coming off a season where he graded as the fifth best DT. It’s important the Cowboys invest properly in their frontline starters but rotations at key positions can be built with low-demand veterans who slip through the cracks. Dallas has a track record of success in this area and while the wait may be painful, patience has repeatedly paid off for the Cowboys. Related articles [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]
Cowboys Headlines: Bears pipeline grows, OC endorsement, Aubrey extension?
Cowboys add 4th former Bears assistant to defensive coaching staff under Eberflus :: Cowboys Wire Link: New Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus appears to have full control over the assistants he wants on his side of the ball as a fourth member has now followed him from Chicago to Dallas as the assistant defensive line coach. New Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams gets ringing endorsement from former player :: Blogging the Boys Link: Cardinals soon-to-be free agent guard Will Hernandez had nothing but glowing things to say about new Cowboys offensive coordinator Klyaton Adams leading to speculation that the former UTEP alum could be a possible replacement for guard Zack Martin. Cowboys Wire previously looked at the group of four Cardinals OL who are hitting free agency in March. Former Cowboy offers pinpoint, fair critique of org as he preps for Super Bowl :: Cowboys Wire Link: For the second time in recent years, a former Cowboys tight end, who will be playing for the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, takes a fair yet true critique of the circus surrounding the distractions in Dallas. Brandon Aubrey talks John Fassel departure, Nick Sorensen hire, potential contract extension :: The Mothership Link: Cowboys All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey spoke about various topics including the departure of John Fassell who is now in Tennessee, working with new special teams coach Nick Sorensen, and a potential contract extension with Dallas this offseason. Cowboys take two offensive weapons not named Ashton Jeanty in new ESPN mock draft :: Dallas Morning News Link: Texas wideout Matthew Golden and Miami tight end Elijah Arroyo have become the newest one-two punch in the upcoming draft for the Cowboys despite the overwhelming consensus that Boise State rusher Ashton Jeanty will be the pick. Kellen Moore reflects on interview with Dallas Cowboys, comments on Schottenheimer hire :: Fort Worth Star Telegram Link: Former Dallas quarterback and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore offered his thoughts on the Cowboys opting to go in a different direction and hiring Brian Schottenheimer as the team’s 10th head coach in franchise history. Cowboys unrestricted free-agent tiers: Who do they need to bring back most? :: The Athletic Link: Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and slot cornerback Jourdan Lewis headline the list of the top-tier free agents Dallas should bring back while future Hall of Fame guard Zack Martin remains in limbo as to what Dallas should do about his situation. NFL Free Agents Who Could Become Superstars on New Teams in 2025 :: Bleacher Report Link: The Cowboys are not in the business of letting talent walk out the door yet defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and running back Rico Dowdle have been named as two free agents who could become superstars on new teams which could complicate offseason negotiations. Cowboys’ Cooper Kupp trade might not be possible thanks to recent Jerry Jones gaffe :: The Landry Hat Link: The price to trade for Rams wideout Cooper Kupp is reportedly hovering around the fourth-round pick neighborhood. Dallas would benefit from having the former Offensive Player of the Year but the team traded this year’s fourth rounder for reserve receiver Jonathan Mingo during the season. Cowboys predicted to sign irreplaceable star to record-breaking contract :: SI Link: Despite Cowboys superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons publicly stating that he doesn’t need $30 million per season on his contract extension, experts predict that he will eclipse the current record holder Nick Bosa and average over $40 million per season. Micah Parsons: We struggled so much, I don’t think Derrick Henry would have helped us :: Pro Football Talk Link: Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons revealed the team was in such a bad spot in 2024 and despite their lack of interest, Ravens running back Derrick Henry wouldn’t have solved what plagued Dallas last season. Division rival lays into Cowboys amid beef with former All-Pro :: SI Despite having a career 0-6 record agaisnt the Cowboys, Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux had some not-safe-for-work remarks about Dallas and former All-Pro wideout Dez Bryant on radio row at the Super Bowl.
Cowboys legends not enthusiastic about state of the organization, NFL overall
Cowboys legends not enthusiastic about state of the organization, NFL overall K.D. Drummond One of the best things to be able to witness is when two friends, who might otherwise not be as forthcoming with their truest feelings, get together and start shooting the breeze. Oftentimes they are able to elicit responses and commentary from each other because of their familiarity. That might have been the case this week as Deion Sanders and Troy Aikman, integral pieces to the Cowboys’ dynasty of the 1990s. met on Sanders’ talk show. Aikman was a guest and the conversation turned to the Cowboys’ coaching search. Deion Sanders was quickly and publicly floated as someone the organization met with, once Mike McCarthy walked away from negotiations with Jerry Jones to return to the head coach position. Sanders revealed why he didn’t want to coach in the NFL and Aikman laid into how disappointed he was that Sanders didn’t get a formal interview, going so far as to hint that owner Jerry Jones is at fault for the club’s situation. “For Dallas, Deion would have been a really good fit because he would have commanded the room, and his personality is such that people would have known that he was in charge,” Aikman said (via ESPN transcription). “And I think that’s important for [the] organization to know that the head coach is the one who’s calling the shots and that he’s in charge.” That’s clearly a shot at Jones without calling him out by name. The Cowboys have hired Brian Schottenheimer, and Jones has admitted the risk of the selection. McCarthy, it’s been reported, had issue with the length of the contract offered, but also Jones’ insistence that Jason Witten be added to the staff. Jones insisted that Kellen Moore be retained when McCarthy was hired, and did the same with Wade Phillips by pre-hiring Jason Garrett to be his OC. Jones had to be talked out of doing the same to the next head coach of Dallas by saddling him with Schottenheimer. Instead, he just made Schottenheimer the head coach. Aikman went on to say even perennial cheerleader Michael Irvin is now disillusioned with the franchise for not interviewing their former teammate Sanders. For his part, Sanders reiterated that coaching in the NFL doesn’t interest him because he would expect too much of the players and doesn’t think those currently in the NFL would be willing to hear his message of what it takes to win. “I couldn’t coach pro ball,” Sanders said on his show, which streamed Tuesday. “That’s why I say, I couldn’t coach — I know it was cute. But I couldn’t coach pro ball, because the way they practice, the way they go about it, I couldn’t take it. As a man, and as a football enthusiast, and I care about the game. The game is still providing for Troy and I, so there is no way I could allow that to happen on my watch. That would be tough.”
2025 Free Agency: Cowboys defender projected as $100 million signing for 1st-year AFC coach
2025 Free Agency: Cowboys defender projected as $100 million signing for 1st-year AFC coach K.D. Drummond The Dallas Cowboys have a lengthy list of free-agent players who could be just as attractive to other organizations as they are to Dallas. The biggest name on the list might just be defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. The 2021 third-round pick doesn’t have a huge number of career sacks, but he’s been a effective disruptor and teams always thirsty for a player with his skillset. Odighizuwa set his career high in sacks in 2024 with 4.5. His strength has always been in disruption, consistently ranking among the best defensive tackles in advanced analytics. And that will likely make him a top target for at least a handful of teams. Pro Football Focus thinks one of those should be the New England Patriots under new head coach Mike Vrabel. Mike Vrabel inherits a roster that needs a boost at nearly every position group, and New England holds the cap space to do so this offseason. New England’s interior was especially ineffective in 2024, totaling the lowest pressure rate from defensive tackles (7.6%) in 2024. Odighizuwa would be an instant upgrade, having recorded two consecutive seasons with a 78.0-plus PFF pass-rush grade and a 14%-plus win rate. After a year away from the game, Vrabel landed back in New England where he spent much of his playing career. The former Tennessee Titan head coach took over after Bob Kraft dismissed Jerod Mayo after just one season. Earlier in this offseason, Odighizuwa ranked No. 30 on Pro Football Focus’ list of top pending free agents. As part of their exercise, PFF finds a previous free agent to compare to. Odighizuwa’s comp is Nnamdi Madubuike, who signed with Baltimore last offseason on a four year, $98 million contract. Per PFF, Madubuike signed for 9.6% of the 2024 cap. With NFL teams preparing for a 2025 salary cap between $265 million and $275 million, that percentage would put a four-year deal for Odighizuwa’s north of $100 million. It would also put Dallas in line for a third-round compensatory pick in 2026 if they came out on the plus side of the ledger in free agents lost vs signed.
Former Cowboy offers pinpoint, fair critique of org as he preps for Super Bowl
Former Cowboy offers pinpoint, fair critique of org as he preps for Super Bowl reidhanson It’s media week at the Super Bowl, with journalists and media personalities from across the globe descending upon the last two NFL teams standing. Players get questions ranging from politics to food during this headline-seeking media circus. And every once in a while, a good question gets asked and answered along the way. Former Dallas Cowboys tight end, Peyton Hendershot, recently fielded one of these questions. With his ties to Dallas, he was asked about the differences between playing for the Kansas City Chiefs and playing for the Cowboys. His answer was neither surprising nor unfair. “This is throwing no strays…but I just feel like when I came to Kansas City…my first experience in the NFL was the Cowboys, that’s all I knew,” Hendershot sincerely stated. “I just feel like here it is strictly football and winning. Nothing else but just football and winning.” Hendershot’s comments echoed, albeit in a less malicious manner, what another former Cowboys TE said about the split focus in Dallas as well. Last season it was Dalton Schultz discussing the distracting tours at The Star, with fans tapping on the glass, and eventually calling Dallas a “zoo.” Few will deny the bright lights of Dallas are the most blinding in the NFL. Many have stated one way or another, the different sideshows, media coverage and constant off-field distractions are more prevalent with the Cowboys than with most franchises. It’s not just football in Dallas; it’s America’s Team and everything that comes with it. To act like that’s breaking news or even some form of shade is ignoring the obvious. To play for the Cowboys is to do something bigger than just football. The Cowboys are sport’s biggest brand. They are a media powerhouse situated in a major metropolitan area and surrounded by all the expected trappings. It can be, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It’s like comparing a small, remote college to NYU. The college doesn’t have many distractions, outside attention, or outside trappings. A student there is focused solely on the task at hand – education. NYU is a university located in the heart of New York City. Every distraction conceivable is an arm length away. An experience there is comprised of more than just the education received. It may not be for everyone, but for those that can handle it, NYU is an unrivaled experience. In the same way, playing for the Cowboys may not be for everyone. Some people can’t handle the bright lights, the media attention and all the other glamorous distractions that come with playing for America’s Team. But to those who can hack it, the experience is unrivaled. The Cowboys teams of the 1990s embraced all aspects of the experience. For better or for worse, they burned the candles at both ends, leaving no meat on the bone while taking advantage of every experience on and off the field. And they won. The idea Dallas is too hard to play at and the Cowboys are too focused on other things to win, is an invalid excuse. Arguing ownership is more committed to making money than winning? That may be more valid but that’s a different conversation entirely. When it comes to the distractions that come with playing for America’s Team and if that’s something that really prevents winning. Of course it doesn’t. Related articles [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]
Cowboys Headlines: Zack Martin mulling future, KC owner praises Schotty, Irvin and T.O. beefing
Zack Martin still mulling over his football future: ‘I want to try to get healthy’ :: The Mothership Link In New Orleans for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award announcement, the 11-year veteran talks like his window for playing in a Super Bowl may have already closed. “I mean, it’ll be cool to experience it as a fan, but [I] obviously wish we could have played in it at some point in my career.” Martin said. He estimates he’s still four to six weeks away from declaring his plans for next year, but he admits that retirement and playing for another team are both realistic options. “Still trying to figure out what the next chapter in my life looks like, whether that be playing football here in Dallas, playing football somewhere else, retiring, whatever that may be, that’s what I’m trying to figure out.” Cowboys defender with two years left on $21 million deal may no longer fit :: Cowboys Wire Link Dan Quinn and Mike Zimmer both used a lot of stunts, blitzes, and disguises from the Cowboys’ defensive personnel. But under Matt Eberflus, veteran Malik Hooker probably won’t be able to play centerfield as a single-high safety with the same regularity. He (along with Donovan Wilson) posted the lowest-graded qualifying season of his career this past season. He’s an expensive player coming off a down year; in a new scheme, that three-year, $21 million extension he signed with Dallas in 2023 suddenly may not be worth the investment anymore. 2025 NFL Free Agency: 1 player each team should sign this offseason :: The 33rd Team Link With DeMarvion Overshown likely rehabbing for most of 2025, Eric Kendricks likely gone, and Marist Liufau in just his second season, the Cowboys need linebacker help. Robert Spillane is coming off back-to-back strong seasons in Las Vegas. A never-miss tackler and a player who doesn’t come off the field would serve the Dallas defense well. And a bonus for the budget-conscious Joneses? He could probably be had at a not-astronomical price. One offseason move for each NFC team: Seahawks should extend Geno Smith; Cowboys need RB help :: NFL.com Link Just because it’s obvious doesn’t mean it’s not absolutely true. Of all the issues for Dallas in 2025, the Cowboys simply must go double-barrel at running back. Rico Dowdle made major headway last year once he was treated as a starter, so bring him back. But give him help; of the eleventy-billion mock drafts done this offseason, about 10.9999 billion will peg Ashton Jeanty to the Cowboys. If not the Boise State star, it has to be an explosive talent to replace what the team lost in Tony Pollard. Cowboys coaching hire shows them once again putting cart ahead of horse :: Cowboys Wire Link The team has hired former NFL player and ex-Patriots staffer Tiquan Underwood as assistant wide receivers coach… except they haven’t yet named an actual wide receivers coach. It’s not the first time the Cowboys have filled an underling slot before bringing on the superior. It’s a risky move from a personnel and chemistry standpoint, to be sure, but there were reports that Underwood was being actively wooed by Florida State. Brandon Aubrey: Cowboys’ new emergency QB? :: Tommy Yarrish Shawne Merriman shares football journey, Chargers & Dallas Cowboys stories with Jesse Holley :: Unfiltered with Jesse Holley Link The three-time Pro Bowl linebacker shared how he was very nearly drafted by the Cowboys in 2005. He says in a meeting with Jerry Jones, the owner told him the team might take him if he fell to the 11th pick. He says he got nervous, though, when head coach Bill Parcells promised, “We’re going to work the [expletive] out of you. I can’t wait to work your [expletive].” Dallas ended up selecting DeMarcus Ware; Merriman went to the Chargers one pick later. Hometown Hero: Arp honors favorite son DeMarvion Overshown with sign :: Tyler Morning Telegraph Link He’s played in just 13 games over two years, but Overshown is already the best thing to ever come out of tiny Arp, Tex. And the city wants to make sure visitors know it; they’ve erected a sign honoring the former Longhorn and current Cowboy right on Highway 64 as drivers enter town. Chiefs’ Clark Hunt praises Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer: ‘I think he’ll do a great job’ :: Dallas Morning News Link The Chiefs owner, hoping to win his third straight Super Bowl and his fourth Lombardi Trophy in six seasons, remembers the 25-year-old who was once an assistant in Kansas City in his dad’s final year as the team’s head coach. “I’m so glad that Brian Schottenheimer is getting a chance to lead that organization,” Hunt said of Schottenheimer’s new role as Cowboys head coach. “He’s somebody we thought quite a bit about as a young man. I’m glad he’s getting that opportunity.” Michael Irvin, Terrell Owens beefing over who was better :: Terrell Owens Former Steeler thinks Pittsburgh could’ve beaten Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX with ‘another quarter’ :: Steelers Depot Link Kendall Gammon claims that, despite three second-half picks thrown by QB Neil O’Donnell, the Steelers “might have been” just another 15 minutes away from pulling off a come-from-behind win over Dallas in Super Bowl XXX. They did score 10 points in the fourth quarter, but they also allowed a late Emmitt Smith dagger of a touchdown. And given the costly turnovers, it’s hard to imagine that Pittsburgh would have had that kind of comeback in them… no matter what the Steelers’ long snapper now says 29 years after the fact. Tunnel of Darkness: Nightmarish Cowboys season is about to come to a close :: Cowboys Wire Link The Cowboys have been done for a month, but Super Bowl LIX will mercifully bring the official end to an embarrassing season for the franchise. But the mess of a year wasn’t a surprise to those who had been paying attention. From an all-too-passive offseason
