News Cowboys Team Notes

[Dallas Cowboys]

Sorting out Cowboys' OL depth could create an interesting dilemma

Chris Jones-Imagn Images

How confident are you in the Cowboys’ offensive line depth?

From the hiring of Klayton Adams and Conor Riley, to the selection of Tyler Booker in the first-round, to other offseason free agent signings, the Dallas Cowboys are clearly putting a priority on upgrading their offensive line from top to bottom under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. It's a good sign they've learned from past mistakes.

With training camp and preseason on the horizon, the Cowboys now have the tough task of determining the overall depth chart on the offensive line, from starters to backups. Dallas typically carries around 10 offensive lineman on their 53-and roster, five obvious starters and five backups. Sorting things out could be an interesting dilemma.

As for the starters go it could look much the same as it did a season ago, minus Zack Martin of course. With Martin's retirement, the Cowboys are ushering in a new era at right guard. As Dallas' first-round pick, this will more than likely be Tyler Booker's job to lose. He may not go unchallenged though.

There team have given Cooper Beebe some reps at guard this offseason, but after finishing his rookie season strong at center last year that may not be in his or the team's best interest. Brock Hoffman could be in play at RG as well as a starter. He played admirably in Zack Martin's place last season and could be asked to do the same in 2025.

As far as the rest of the offensive line is concerned, the other four starting jobs seem to be all but set. Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele will both start at tackle with Tyler Smith at left guard. And odds are Cooper Beebe will remain as Dallas' starting center.

With the starters all but set, the tough part about filling out the OL depth chart in 2025 will come from who they decide to keep as backups. They brought in several free agents who will compete with some young, promising first- and second-year players to earn one of the few remaining roster spots.

Cowboys' 2025 OL depth chart prediction​

1. LT Tyler Guyton
2. LG Tyler Smith
3. C Cooper Beebe
4. RG Tyler Booker (R)
5. RT Terence Steele
6. OT Asim Richards
7. C/G Brock Hoffman
8. G Robert Jones
9. G Saahdiq Charles
10. OT Anaji Cornelius (R)

While this is how we predict the OL depth chart right now for the Cowboys, it's far from set in stone. Second-year player Nathan Thomas could push either Robert Jones or Saahdiq Charles for a roster spot as could T.J. Bass. This could create for an interesting position battle once training camp/preseason finally gets underway in a little over a month from now.

All in all, while the Cowboys have made their job much more difficult, the depth they have right now along the offensive line is encouraging. With the mix of veterans and youth they have created quite the competition. It should be really entertaining to see it unfold before the 2025 NFL season gets underway.

Who do you think will form the backup OL on the roster?

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...yton-tyler-booker-asim-richards-brock-hoffman

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Cowboys news: Dak Prescott speaks about having George Pickens on the team

Chris Jones-Imagn Images

The latest Cowboys news

Dak Prescott nixes narrative about Pickens’, restates endgame: ‘I wanna win a championship’ - Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com​

Dak Prescott feels good about the roster heading into 2025.

As Prescott begins work on wrapping up a full decade in the league, this time with head coach Brian Schottenheimer calling the …ahem … shots … and the organization having made sweeping changes to how they build their roster, e.g., the blockbuster trade for wide receiver George Pickens, Prescott loves the direction of the club following rounds of tectonic shifts.

“It starts with personnel,” said the former MVP runner-up. “The changes we’ve made and not just on offense, but on defense as well — bringing in people, obviously, George really opens up things for all those other receivers [alongside CeeDee Lamb]. I think it just gives them a safety net to go earn, and to play free, and to go make a huge jump. Guys like [Jonathan] Mingo and [Jalen] Tolbert, and the way the [running] backs have approached this thing, I’m super excited.

“… I think Schotty’s done a great job in minicamp of putting guys in places, putting guys in space and allowing guys to see how he’s gonna use them.”

He also had plenty to say about Pickens’ character, something that was under scrutiny before he landed in North Texas.

“I think that’s why you should never really listen to what somebody else says about somebody,” Prescott said of his new, additional superstar receiver. “I think you should find out for yourself who they are and allow them to reveal their character to you. The guy’s been great. He’s been phenomenal.

“It’s a guy that loves football, loves his teammates, and he’s been excited every day that he’s been there. He’s been early, too, so no concerns on the personal matters of G.P. or anything about it. I’m just super excited that he’s on our team. He’s one of us, and he’s our brother, and he’s all about continuing to grow and making sure he’s putting the best out there; and that’s his approach.”

Micah Parsons shows Cowboys commitment in big way at final minicamp session - Josh Sanchez, Cowboys on SI​

Micah Parsons is doing what he can while waiting for a contract.

While he did not participate in drills on Tuesday, instead opting for a lengthy conversation on the field with team owner Jerry Jones, he did go through individual drills on Wednesday, but sat out of team drills.

On Thursday, Parsons took another step forward, proving his commitment to the team by being a full participant in the walkthrough.

“Cowboys held a walk-through for their final minicamp availability. Micah Parsons was a full participant,” Jon Machota of The Athletic wrote on X. “Trevon Diggs worked on resistance cords.”

Throughout the entire process, Parsons has proven his loyalty to the Cowboys and made it clear that he wants to remain with the team for the long term. Now, the ball is in Jerry’s court, because Parsons has done his part day after day.

NFL minicamp 2025 live updates: Teams begin mandatory camps Todd Archer, ESPN​

Mandatory minicamp comes to an end.

Brian Schottenheimer’s first offseason program as the coach of the Cowboys came to a close Thursday with a walkthrough. He was pleased with the execution and proud of the effort this spring. And he left them with a message:

“I called the guys up today and I told them, ‘Hey, couple things is: No. 1, take care of yourself, take care of your families, hang with he ones you love.’ And I told them, I love ‘em,” Schottenheimer said. “And I got a little emotional. These guys gave us everything that we’ve asked for this spring. I think they’ll do that when we get started [at training camp] in Oxnard.” — Todd Archer (6/12)

Cowboys’ new workouts include 75-game NFL starter, All-UFL defender, former draft picks - Todd Brock, Cowboys Wire​

The Cowboys are looking for more talent.

Five players are set to come in for a workout with coaches and staffers, per the team website. Four are defensive prospects with varying degrees of pro experience; one is a veteran on the offensive side of the ball.

And, continuing a trend from the past couple years, the Cowboys aren’t shy about looking to the spring league for possible under-the-radar talent. Two of the prospects are hot off the 2025 UFL season, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Brandon Aubrey and KaVontae Turpin from developmental ball to a spot on America’s Team.

The #Cowboys are set to work out five players as minicamp comes to an end:

Perrion Winfrey, DT*
DeVere Levelston, DT*
Jerry Jacobs, CB
Robert Rochell, CB
George Fant, OT

[*denotes a top UFL talent]

Want the science on each? Come get it: https://t.co/lLSuE8rhVn pic.twitter.com/KktZYsYbq0

— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) June 12, 2025​

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...-micah-parsons-mini-camp-brian-schottenheimer

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

NFC East news: Pass rushers aplenty in New York, Eagles defender inks new deal

Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Here is the latest news from around the NFC East.

Giants call three edge rushers for two spots on the defense a good problem to have - Michael David Smith, NBC Sports​

The Giants are preparing to get after quarterbacks.

The Giants already liked the edge-rushing talent they had on their defense with Brian Burns on one side and Kayvon Thibodeaux on the other, before they drafted Abdul Carter with the third overall pick. But there’s no such thing as too many pass rushers on a defense.

Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen says Burns, Thibodeaux and Carter give his defense three starting-caliber edge rushers, and there will be plenty of opportunities to rush the passer for all of them.

“You got three guys for two spots when you look at it from the outside in,” Bowen said, via Jordan Raanan of ESPN. “It’s a really good problem to have.”

Carter may sometimes line up at inside linebacker while Burns and Thibodeaux are on the outside.

“There is some versatility there,” Bowen said. “With Abdul, he did a little bit of that stuff off the ball in college early in his career. So there is some versatility there and some versatility with what we could potentially do with Burns as well. Again, making sure in Abdul’s case that we understand what it takes to be an edge player in this league and all the development that comes with that. But at the same time, making sure we find ways to get the guys that can potentially impact the game for us on the field.”

The Giants hope their good problem to have causes plenty of problems for opposing quarterbacks.

Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore gives positive injury update - Bryan Manning, USA Today​

Everything seems to be headed in the right direction for Washington’s DB.

One of the more positive developments at this week’s minicamp for the Washington Commanders was the health of cornerback Marshon Lattimore. The veteran corner skipped voluntary work this offseason, but was with the team this week for minicamp. When watching Lattimore work out during drills, he didn’t look like a player still bothered by a hamstring injury.

That’s because he’s not. Lattimore said he’s healthy and ready to reward the Commanders for sending multiple draft picks to the New Orleans Saints to acquire him.

“I just wanted to prove that they made the right decision,” Lattimore told reporters Wednesday, via Zach Selby of the team’s official website.

Lattimore acknowledged he pressed after Washington traded for him last season. When the trade occurred, Lattimore was out, dealing with a hamstring injury. He sat for several weeks after the trade, finally returning and playing in two games before reinjuring the hamstring and missing the final two regular-season games.

Lattimore returned for the postseason, but he was clearly never fully healthy. Lattimore discussed how he feels now compared to late last season, saying he feels explosive again.

“Just the burst, just getting all my breaks,” he said. “I was dealing with a hamstring, and that takes a lot out of you. It takes a long time to heal. I was just trying to battle through that, but now, since I got a full offseason, I feel explosive.”

Eagles All-Pro Feeling ‘Valued’ After Lucrative Extension - Nick Faria, Athlon Sports​

Philly’s linebacker that exploded onto the scene last year gets rewards with a new deal.

Few players in NFL history have gone through the kind of career turnaround that Zack Baun has with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Originally used purely as an edge rusher with the New Orleans Saints, Baun signed a one-year contract with the Eagles during the 2024 offseason. Philadelphia tried him out as an off-ball middle linebacker as a low-risk gamble for their defense.

To say the move worked out would be an understatement.

Baun recorded 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, an interception, and four passes defensed during the 2024 campaign. That was good enough to make him a first-team All-Pro for the champion Eagles.

It also helped him agree to terms on a lucrative three-year, $51 million extension with Philadelphia this offseason.

Now, as one of the highest-paid linebackers in the game, Baun is thrilled to be back with the Eagles.

“Definitely valued,” Baun said during minicamp this week when asked about his feelings after signing his new deal. “Definitely appreciated. And we appreciate that as well. It also comes with a lot of responsibility. There’s a lot of money in our room now.

“And that’s also a standard that was set in that room last year.”

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...commanders-marshon-lattimore-eagles-zack-baun

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Cowboys fans are having a change of heart around head coach Brian Schottenheimer

Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Cowboys fans have really come around on Brian Schottenheimer.

Back in January of this year, when the Dallas Cowboys needed a new head coach after Mike McCarthy’s departure, fans had their own favorites for the job. Suffice it to say, very few fans had Brian Schottenheimer at the top of their list.

When Jerry Jones decided that the Cowboys offensive coordinator was the man for the job, there was a tremendous negative backlash from the fanbase. Many thought the Jones family was just going cheap because Schottenheimer would be a first-time head coach. Others thought Jerry was just hiring a puppet, someone who would carry out his wishes.

In general, it was a time when most thought - what are the Cowboys doing? Fast forward roughly six months, and the feeling is very different.

Schottenheimer came in and immediately sounded like a head coach. His first press conference was a little bit of an eye-opener for the fans as we heard a confident and somewhat inspirational coach speaking. He followed that up by bonding with the players and putting his own stamp on the culture.

That was fine, but what has really moved the needle are the moves the Cowboys have made since his hire. The roster of assistant coaches he put together looks extremely promising. The Cowboys also made more roster acquisitions through free agency and trades, and by all accounts had a strong draft.

The Cowboys under Schottenheimer, seem, dare I say, competent. The head coach seems to have a plan that is being executed, and he seems to have the full buy-in of the players. And maybe the fans, too.

We asked you to grade the job Schottenheimer has done since his appointment as head coach. 88% of respondents gave him either an ‘a’ or ‘b’ grade. That’s high praise.

Obviously none of this will matter once the games begin. That is when we will measure the true impact of Schottenheimer as head coach. Right now, the oddsmakers are still not believers. FanDuel has the Cowboys at +480 to win the NFC East, far behind the Eagles and the Commanders.

Schottenheimer has a lot of work to do to bring the Cowboys back to where they are contenders, but his start seems promising.

For more NFL bets, visit our partners at FanDuel.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...-coach-brian-schottenheimer-bet-odds-gambling

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Donovan Ezeiruaku has faith rookie deal will get done soon

Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Hopefully Donovan Ezeiruaku has his rookie deal taken care of soon.

The Dallas Cowboys have taken care of a lot of business this offseason. They had a productive draft, which was very important since they rely heavily on draft picks. Also, they shocked everyone by trading for wide receiver George Pickens. However, there is one piece of bookkeeping that's unresolved, and that's the rookie deal of edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku who was taken in the second round.

As things currently stand, he's the only member of the Cowboys draft class that remains unsigned. Despite this, Ezeiruaku has been present for all of the OTAs and minicamp practices. On top of that, he's already bonding with All-Pro Micah Parsons.

Ezeiruaku was asked about his rookie deal. The former Boston College Eagle isn't phased at all that he hasn't put pen to paper yet.

I’m here doing what I have to do every single day. That’s between the organization and my agent. I have full faith that they’re gonna get that done. When it’s ready, it’ll be ready and I’ll sign that piece of paper.

This year is a unique one when it comes to second-round picks. Only wide receiver Jayden Higgins of the Houston Texans and linebacker Carson Schwesinger of the Cleveland Browns have signed their rookie deals as second-rounders. That's because both got fully guaranteed contracts. So, it's simply going to take a little longer with agents wanting to get their clients the most money and the teams resisting.

Right now, players are just in shorts and jerseys and there's no tackling, making it hard to get any real analysis of fieldwork. These are critical sessions nonetheless, especially for rookies, and the fact that Ezeiruaku is still able to be present for everything without his deal shows that the kid just wants to play football.

Although it's in a limited fashion, Ezeiruaku is already making an impression according to Cowboys' head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

He’s doin really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really great. You can’t watch the guy and not get excited just watching him do the things that we’re doing out there on the grass, the things that we saw coming out of Boston College. And then the work ethic is elite.

Ezeiruaku won't be asked to shoulder any huge load with guys like Parsons, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams, and Marshawn Kneeland on the roster. However, the natural skills of Ezeiruaku when it comes to getting to the quarterback give him a shot to make an impact as a situational pass rusher in his first year as he develops.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...okie-deal-contract-pta-minicamp-micah-parsons

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Kaiir Elam, Israel Mukuamu making the case against Cowboys adding another CB

Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

The Cowboys cornerback room underwent an interesting makeover across the offseason.

The Dallas Cowboys entered this offseason with questions at the cornerback position. Jourdan Lewis got a well-deserved bag from the Jaguars in free agency, leaving a hole in the slot in Dallas. That, combined with Trevon Diggs’ unclear timeline for recovery from a season-ending knee injury, left the Cowboys needing to find potentially two starters for Week 1 at least.

In a reversal of their usual tactics, Dallas was aggressive in trying to fill the void. They traded for Kaiir Elam, a former first-round pick of the Bills, and re-signed Israel Mukuamu, a college corner who has mostly played safety with the Cowboys. Then they drafted Shavon Revel Jr., who likely would’ve been a first-round pick if not for tearing his ACL at the start of last season.

On top of those three additions, the Cowboys still have Caelen Carson, Andrew Booth Jr., Josh Butler (injury recovery), Kemon Hall, and Troy Pride as well. Carson flashed last preseason but struggled in the regular season, similar to Booth. Butler had a successful stint playing until he had his own ACL injury. Hall showed some flash in preseason and Pride is a former standout at Notre Dame who once was a starter for the Panthers before an injury derailed his career.

In short, the Cowboys have options, though none could be considered overwhelmingly obvious answers. That’s why some have connected the dots on potential interest in veteran cornerbacks like Jalen Ramsey, Jaire Alexander, and others.

However, with mandatory minicamp now in the books, any conversation of going after other players should be put on hold until further notice. That’s largely due to the way these defensive backs, notably Elam and Mukuamu, have looked so far.

Elam, whose skillset always felt like a better fit for the schemes Matt Eberflus runs, seemingly turned heads every day of minicamp. According to those who have been in attendance for all the practices open to the media, Elam has consistently been working with the first team defense and has come away with at least one pass breakup every day.

** CB Kaiir Elam dropped an interception of a seam ball from Dak Prescott to KaVontae Turpin, but Prescott had a free play with a defender jumping offside. Still, Elam, did some pushups as a penalty. Elam has had a good offseason.

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) June 10, 2025​

Elam has also demonstrated the right kind of mentality in his interviews with the media. In a recent interview, he made some statements that sound like exactly the kind of thing Brian Schottenheimer has spoke about wanting from his players.

“When I got the call to come here I was just blessed and super grateful,” Elam said. “When [the Cowboys] told me I would have a fair chance and a clean cut chance to go out and show what I could do, that’s something that almost damn near brought tears to my eyes. I was just so happy and that’s something I would never take for granted.”

“I just want to be a consistent dog every day,” Elam said. “My coaches, when they talk about me and about my performance on the field, or my performance in the weight room, or my performance in my ability to catch onto the plays fast, I just want them to say Kaiir is super consistent and he gave it all he could every single time and I’ll be happy with that.”

Elam isn’t the only one showing up and showing out, though. With Diggs and Revel still both primarily working with the rehab group, Israel Mukuamu has received ample opportunities to show what he can do at cornerback.

Mukuamu played cornerback at South Carolina, opposite of one time Cowboys draft target Jaycee Horn, but when he was drafted to Dallas Mukuamu was transitioned to safety by Dan Quinn. He played spot duty as the nickel corner for the Cowboys’ first playoff game in 2022, a win over the Buccaneers in Tom Brady’s last game ever, but has since seen minimal snaps on the field.

Now, though, Mukuamu is getting his shot and not wasting it. Outside of one highlight catch given up to George Pickens (who has also been killing it this offseason), Mukuamu has frequently been noted as one of the more impressive defenders thus far.

Could the #Cowboys be zeroing in on their starting three corners for Week 1? I’ve heard positive things around Mukuamu to this point.

Still a long way to opening night, but this is a start.#DallasCowboys https://t.co/57kfXep3Pa

— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) June 10, 2025​

Mukuamu has taken most of his snaps at outside corner, with Bland seeing plenty of work in the slot when the Cowboys go to their nickel package, but Mukuamu has also gotten some reps in the slot as well. It seems as if the coaching staff is handing Mukuamu every opportunity to prove he belongs on the field, and he’s making the most of it.

Of course, the long-term plan in Dallas is for both Diggs and Revel to be the starters outside (assuming Bland is the designated nickel corner), so both Elam and Mukuamu may just be competing for a temp job right now.

Regardless of what the long-term plans are, though, the play of both Elam and Mukuamu up to this point should give the Cowboys pause on adding any other veteran defensive backs into the mix right now.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...ukuamu-cornerback-additions-free-agents-trade

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Cowboys news: Myles Garrett backs Micah Parsons in contract negotiation with Cowboys

Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

All the Dallas Cowboys news that’s fit to print.

Myles Garrett: Micah Parsons ‘should get every penny he’s owed’ - Kevin Patra, NFL.com​

Game respect game when it comes to two of the best edge rushers in the NFL.

While the club has dragged its feet, if previous deals are an indicator, Dallas will eventually pay Parsons top dollar before the season starts. The question lingering is how high the number might reach.

Myles Garrett set the bar for pass rushers with his $40 million-per-year contract earlier this offseason. After throwing out the first pitch at a Texas Rangers game on Sunday, Garrett said Parsons deserves his eventual payday.

“I think he deserves whatever he’s earned,” Garrett told Abby Jones of DLLS Sports. “I mean, the guy is special. Once I got the chance to train with him, I’ve seen his work ethic, I’ve seen how he attacks the weights, running. He’s 100% committed to his craft and getting better every day, and [he’s] someone who produces on the field and has that dedication to the game. He should get every penny he’s owed.”

Parsons is slated to earn $24.007 million in base salary on the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. That figure is expected to leap significantly with a new extension. Parsons could leapfrog Garrett as the top-paid defender. With fellow star pass rusher T.J. Watt also looking for a new deal, the top of the market could get pushed even higher if the Cowboys continue to delay paying Parsons.

Last week, Parsons was hopeful that a deal could be finalized by training camp.

“I’m pretty hopeful. I’m still hanging tight,” Parsons said at the time. “I understand it’s up to [owner Jerry Jones]. He gives the green light on everything, so hopefully something is done by next month.”

Parsons had previously said he didn’t need to make $40 million per year. However, that came before Garrett’s record-setting deal.

5 Dallas Cowboys predictions that will come true before the 2025 NFL season kicks off including All-Pro reunion - Mauricio Rodriguez, A to Z Sports​

Just like every time in the past, the Cowboys are only costing themselves by waiting to pay Micah Parsons.

1. Micah Parsons becomes the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history

This is the easiest one, isn’t it? Sure the Parsons negotiations are getting dramatic lately but let’s be honest: This is how the Cowboys do business.

They did it with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb last year. I find it exhausting but part of that is that I know the ending to the movie. The final scene of this one will be Parsons smiling wide and putting ink to paper.

My prediction for the numbers: 5-year deal, $210 million, $42 million average per year.

How Matt Eberflus Will Transform the Dallas Cowboys Defense in 2025 - Cody Warren, Inside The Star​

There was a lot of buzz about what Cowboys DC Matt Eberflus is doing with this defense out of OTAs and minicamp.

The Dallas Cowboys defense in 2025 isn’t just looking for improvement—it’s looking for a total transformation. After finishing near the bottom of the league in most key defensive categories in 2024, the team parted ways with coordinator Mike Zimmer and brought in Matt Eberflus.

Known for building disciplined and aggressive units in Indianapolis and Chicago, Eberflus will bring the same mindset to Dallas.

With a new scheme, fresh faces, and returning talent like Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland, the Cowboys are betting on a defensive reset.

Here’s a full breakdown of the roster, key additions, stats from last season, and projected impact in 2025.

Eberflus Brings Discipline to Chaos

The hiring of Matt Eberflus is more than cosmetic. His defensive philosophy focuses on:

Speed and pursuit angles

Attacking defensive front

Turnover generation through rally tackling

Mixes of zone and man to disguise coverages

The 2025 defense will emphasize swarming the football and limiting explosive plays, something Dallas failed to do consistently last year.

UFL star Ajene Harris could help Cowboys CB problem - Jess Haynie, Blogging The Boys​

The Cowboys may add at CB between now and training camp, and looking to the UFL has helped them before.

If we weren’t worried about medical issues, things would feel a lot better at corner. You’d have Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland as returning starters, Shavon Revel as an exciting rookie addition, Israel Mukuamu as veteran depth, and several intriguing young prospects like Caelen Carson, Kairr Elam, Josh Butler, and Andrew Booth. Even undrafted rookie Alijah Clark is starting to garner support and praise during spring practices.

Unfortunately, medical concerns are at work with much of the group. Diggs is highly questionable to be ready for Week 1 as he continues to work on knee issues. Butler is still recovering from a torn ACL in Week 13, putting part if not all of 2025 in jeopardy. Revel fell to the third round because of a 2024 knee injury, which will slow his development and availability as a rookie. Plus, Bland and Carson, while healed up from previous issues, still have to prove they’re all the way back in their performance. And we haven’t even gotten to whatever injuries are sure to come during training camp and preseason games.

So yes, Dallas needs bodies to get through the summer. But Ajene Harris could potentially more than that. The 29-year-old veteran just led the UFL in interceptions this spring, two years after leading the XFL in picks in 2023. He’s been a consistent standout in these spring leagues for several years as a playmaker and willing tackler. He’s on the smaller side at just 5’10” and 180 lbs. but could be competitive among Dallas CB options, particularly in the much-needed role of slot corner.

Losing Jourdan Lewis to free agency this offseason, the Cowboys could use some more options in the slot. While Bland started his career there and is an excellent option, he may be needed more outside this year.

Cowboys’ 1st-round rookie working to flatten learning curve of life in NFL - Todd Brock, The Cowboys Wire​

Tyler Booker understands the standard of offensive line play in Dallas, and was drafted to uphold it.

“The more you know football,” the just-turned-21-year-old said this week, “the slower the game becomes.”

Booker is getting crash-course tutoring these days from his offensive linemates in Dallas.

“I couldn’t ask for a better room of vets,” he explained. “We’re a younger room, but there’s still a lot of experience within there.”

That part is debatable. The presumed starting five all obviously have more playing time under their belts than Booker, but the overall youth clearly stands out.

Undrafted right tackle Terence Steele is 28 years old and suddenly the group’s elder statesman, with 74 career starts. Tyler Smith, Tyler Guyton, and Cooper Beebe are all 24 and have 47, 11, and 16 starts, respectively.

Put another way, the front five’s combined 148 starts (to date) are still shy of the just-retired Zack Martin’s 162.

The Cowboys O-line is indeed a young bunch, and they’re still very much figuring out how they’ll gel. Booker may be the fresh-faced rookie, but he’s making sure he’s not the weak link.

“We’re building great chemistry,” he said. “If I ever have a question right before the snap, they’re able to help me out and lead me in the right direction. But I’m trying to make sure that that doesn’t become a habit. I’m very prideful in knowing the offense, and I want to make sure I’m not holding this room back by any means.”

The 2025 Dallas Cowboys are officially being overlooked - Marcus Mosher, The Landry Hat​

All aboard the Scotty express.

For the first time in the Dak Prescott era, the Dallas Cowboys are not expected to make the playoffs. Most sportsbooks have the Cowboys’ win total set at 7.5, with a few moving that number up to 8.5 over the last months. After finishing 7-10 during the 2024 season, most national experts believe Dallas could be one of the league’s worst teams this year.

The expectations are low for the Cowboys, and there are some valid reasons, including a first-time head coach and several major injuries on defense to star players (Trevon Diggs, DeMarvion Overshown). The lack of a star running back and a young offensive line could all be reasons why they fail to make it back to the postseason this year.

However, there are still a lot of reasons to be excited about this team going into 2025. The main reason is that Dak Prescott is healthy again, and the addition of George Pickens could give Dallas one of the league’s best passing attacks.

In a recent article by Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus, he explained why the Cowboys are one of the most overlooked teams this season, pointing to the passing game as a reason for optimism.

The Cowboys are being slept on ahead of the 2025 NFL season

“The primary issue for the Cowboys’ passing game is that there wasn’t a legitimate complementary receiving threat to CeeDee Lamb. They may have solved that problem recently by acquiring former Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. Pickens was one of five qualified receivers who posted a perfect 99.9 deep PFF receiving grade last season. That makes him a perfect pairing with Lamb’s ability to create explosive plays underneath.”

Dalton Wasserman, Pro Football Focus

While it’s fair to say that Prescott isn’t Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, or Joe Burrow, it’s hard to deny that the Cowboys have always been an elite offense with him under center. That’s been the case for most of his career, and now that he has an adequate number of weapons in the passing game, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if this were one of the league’s highest-scoring units during the 2025 season.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...ntract-negotiation-matt-eberflus-tyler-booker

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Cowboys news: Dallas adds two and releases two players from the roster

Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/UFL/Getty Images

The latest news surrounding the Dallas Cowboys.

Cowboys making roster moves before training camp - Tommy Yarrish, DallasCowboys.com​

The Cowboys brought in a couple of free agent defenders for the upcoming training camp.

The Cowboys are expected to sign two players that participated in workouts last week for the team in former Packers CB Robert Rochell and former UFL Birmingham Stallions DT Perrion Winfrey, who are in the process of being signed.

The corresponding moves the Cowboys made in order to sign Rochell and Winfrey were waiving DT Justin Rogers and CB Luq Barcoo.

Rochell, 27, is entering his fifth year in the league and will now join his sixth different team. The Los Angeles Rams selected Rochell out of Central Arkansas in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, where he spent the first two years of his career.

In his rookie season, Rochell played in 11 games and tallied 14 tackles, four pass defenses and an interception before being placed on injured reserve in December of 2021, just months before the Rams won Super Bowl LVI making him a Super Bowl champion. In 2022, he played in all 17 games for the Rams, primarily on special teams.

[...]

In his two seasons playing in the NFL, Winfrey appeared in 14 games and tallied 25 tackles, a tackle for loss and half a sack to go along with two pass deflections.

The UFL’s Birmingham Stallions signed Winfrey in October of 2024, and he was named to the 2025 All-UFL team after tallying 29 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack last season. Winfrey is the third player the Cowboys have signed from the UFL in recent years, joining KaVontae Turpin and another former Birmingham Stallion in Brandon Aubrey.

Cowboys among 6 offenses ready for a breakout - Ted Nguyen, The Athletic​

Will the Cowboys return to the upper echelon of offenses this season?

In 2023, the Cowboys ranked second in expected points added (EPA) per play, eighth in explosive play rate, and first in points per drive. In 2024, quarterback Dak Prescott was injured in Week 9, but before that, the Cowboys’ offense floundered, ranking 22nd in EPA per play. They couldn’t run the ball effectively and struggled to find a consistent option outside of receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Though it’ll be difficult for the offense to put up the same numbers they did a couple of seasons ago, there’s a chance it could be one of the best this season and have better answers against good defenses than the 2023 team, which funneled targets to Lamb. Lamb had 79 more targets that season than the next leading receiver, tight end Jake Ferguson. The offense was built on timing and precision but needed another explosive option. In the playoffs that season, the Green Bay Packers’ defense doubled Lamb, and the Cowboys’ other receivers struggled to get open. The offense only scored 16 points in the first three quarters before making a late push when the game was mostly out of hand.

This offseason, the Cowboys traded for George Pickens. Pickens has a very siloed skill set — he’s a deep-ball winner. But he’s elite at it, and he perfectly complements Lamb, who excels at winning inside and in the intermediate parts of the field. If teams double Lamb, Pickens can punish them deep and Ferguson can eat underneath.

The skeleton key for the Cowboys’ offense is the development of left tackle Tyler Guyton, last year’s first-round draft pick. Guyton was relatively new to playing offensive line, having converted from defense in college, but he’s a physical freak who understandably had a rough rookie season. If he lives up to his vast potential, the Cowboys will have a dominant left side with Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith. They also committed more resources to building upfront, drafting right guard Tyler Booker in the first round this year. The line has the potential to be a real strength for the Cowboys to go with their talented receiver duo. With Prescott’s return, the stars could be aligning for the Cowboys’ offense.

NFL execs, scouts pick their favorite offseason moves: Where George Pickens rates - Jeremy Fowler, ESPN​

The Pickens trade is ranked as one of the top eight offseason moves in the NFL.

Staying with Pittsburgh-related matters, the Steelers moved on from Pickens for a few reasons. His maturity issues were well-known within Pittsburgh’s locker room and front office. So, the Steelers made the evaluation that Pickens and Rodgers probably would not hit it off.

But Dallas has leaned into a certain strategy more than any other team. The Cowboys are willing to relinquish draft capital for high-upside talent on rookie contracts. The Cowboys executed three trades in this realm, acquiring Buffalo Bills cornerback Kaiir Elam, New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III and now Pickens, who has the talent to become a top-10 receiver. You know the Pickens trade might be a winner when people in the NFC East mention, unprompted, that the acquisition might just shift the dynamic of the Cowboys’ offense.

“Dealing with CeeDee [Lamb] and him opens things up for them,” a coach in the division said.

Added an AFC personnel man: “He’ll be a big piece there. When he’s covered, he’s really open. I know the concerns are there, but I think having an already established passing game with veterans to help him along, and the fact he’s in a contract year, will help keep him in line. If you can tap into what he can do fully, his major ability will shine through.”

Ranking the NFL’s Best Cornerback Duos Ahead of the 2025 Season - Mo Moton, Bleacher Report​

If healthy, there’s no reason why Daron Bland and Trevon Diggs should not be considered a Top 10 duo.

7. Dallas Cowboys: Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland

When Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland are healthy, they have All-Pro potential.

In 2021, Diggs recorded 21 pass breakups and 11 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns in an All-Pro season. He followed up with 14 pass breakups and three interceptions in a 2022 Pro Bowl campaign, though Bland led the Dallas Cowboys in interceptions with five that year.

During the 2023 term, Bland etched his name in NFL history books when he set the record for pick-sixes in a single season, converting five of his nine interceptions into touchdowns.

Diggs and Bland would be much higher on this list if not for injuries. Last season, they missed 16 games combined.

If this was before the 2023 season, Diggs and Bland would be a top-three cornerback duo, but the Cowboys cover men must prove they can stay healthy and return to ball-hawking form.

---

NFL All Quarter Century team: Best 53-man roster, coaches - Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder, ESPN​

In total, four former Cowboys make the list, including Terrell Owens and Wade Philips, who both spent parts of their careers in Dallas. In terms of homegrown talent, Zack Martin and DeMarcus Ware make this list.

Zack Martin. Résumé since 2000: 162 starts, nine-time All-Pro

Martin’s number of first-team All-Pro selections (seven) is the highest total for any guard since 2000. Former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo once said Martin didn’t have a weakness and had everything required of an offensive lineman at an elite level: footwork, base, punch, athleticism, strength and mind.

Demarcus Ware. Résumé since 2000: 138.5 sacks, 35 forced fumbles, one-time Super Bowl Champion, seven-time All-Pro

There are so many great edge rushers to choose from, but they generally come in two categories: great career totals or great peaks with a high ratio of sacks to games played. Ware had the best balance between the two. He had the third-most sacks out of all players since 2000, while his 0.78 sacks per game rank fourth among edge rushers.

Cowboys All-Quarter Century Team: Tony Romo, Dak Prescott, DeMarcus Ware, Jason Witten lead the way - Garrett Podell, CBS Sports​

CBS builds its own Cowboys All-Quarter Century Team. Here’s a peek at three positions.

The Cowboys have been responsible for fielding plenty of exciting teams over the last 25 seasons. That’s why we’re going to dig through Dallas’ last two-and-a-half decades and build their All-Quarter 21st Century team. Enjoy the trip down memory lane.

Quarterback (2)

Tony Romo

Dak Prescott

Tony Romo leads off this list as the Cowboys’ all-time passing yards (34,183) and passing touchdowns (248) leader. He captivated Dallas’ fans with artistic footwork in the pocket before uncorking deep shots downfield like the play below against three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt and the Houston Texans. Watt beat eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith off the line of scrimmage, and Romo somehow spun out of his clutches to deliver a 43-yard scoring strike to wide receiver Terrance Williams in Week 5 of the 2014 season.

Running back (4)

Ezekiel Elliott

DeMarco Murray

Marion Barber III

Tony Pollard

Like Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott dominated as a rookie in 2016. He produced the only first-team All-Pro selection of his career as a rookie, leading the NFL in yards rushing (1,631), rushing yards per game (108.7) and carries (322). His 15 rushing touchdowns ranked as the third-most in the league. Elliott led the NFL in rushing yards per game in each of his first three seasons and in total rushing yards twice in his first three years (2016 and 2018). His production dipped in the 2020’s, but he is far and away the best Cowboys running back of the 21st century. Elliott ranks third all-time in Cowboys history in both yards rushing (8,488) and rushing touchdowns (71), trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett in both categories.

Special teams (4)

Dan Bailey (kicker)

Mat McBriar (punter)

L.P. Ladouceur (long snapper)

KaVontae Turpin (returner)

Brandon Aubrey (kicker)

Dan Bailey is Dallas’ all-time made field goals leader with 186 makes in seven seasons from 2011 to 2017 while hitting them at an 88.2% rate, the second-best percentage in team history among those with at least 15 field goal attempts.

Current Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey’s 89.4% field goal percentage (76-85) is the best in team history, minimum 15 field goal attempts. Aubrey has been named either the first team (2023) or second team (2024) All-Pro kicker in each of his first two NFL seasons. He led the NFL with 36 made field goals in Year 1 after making his first 35 to start his career — an NFL record. Aubrey’s kicking range and endurance is prolific: he is also the first kicker in NFL history to make at least 10 field goals of 50 yards or deeper in consecutive seasons. Punter Mat McBriar’s 202 punts downed inside the 20 are the most by a Cowboys punter this century across his eight seasons in Dallas (2004-2011).

Long snapper L.P. Ladouceur worked as the Cowboys’ long snapper for the vast majority of the century, playing 16 seasons, and he earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2014.

Donovan Ezeiruaku aims to shatter Cowboys’ second-round curse with his All-American prowess - Diogo Branco, MotorcycleSports.com​

Ezeiruaku hopes to make an impact from the jump.

In a bold move during the NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Donovan Ezeiruaku, an edge rusher from Boston College, in the second round. This decision resonated positively among fans and analysts alike, with many viewing Ezeiruaku as a hidden gem, potentially deserving of a first-round selection. The Cowboys’ acquisition at No. 44 is being hailed as a significant coup, especially given the player’s impressive collegiate track record.

However, the excitement surrounding Ezeiruaku comes with a caveat: the Cowboys have a storied history of struggling with their second-round picks. This trend has raised questions about whether Ezeiruaku can defy the odds. The franchise’s past failures in this round loom large, creating a narrative that the young athlete must navigate as he embarks on his professional career. RJ Ochoa, a keen observer of the team’s drafting history, has highlighted this ongoing dilemma, prompting fans to wonder if Ezeiruaku might be the exception to the rule.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...players-roster-robert-rochell-perrion-winfrey

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

A look back at backup quarterbacks who have brought excitement to preseason football for the Cowboys

Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

When August rolls around, Milton should spice up exhibition football for the Cowboys.

It’s nice to have a backup quarterback. For the Dallas Cowboys, we won’t know if they fall into that category or not until we get a good glimpse of second-year player Joe Milton III. In April, the Cowboys traded a fifth-round pick to acquire Milton from the Patriots. Dallas also got a seventh-round pick in return. After being taken in the sixth round in the 2024 draft, Milton played one game for New England last year. He performed well, but the Patriots had a crowded quarterback room after using a third overall pick on Drake Maye and signing Joshua Dobbs to a two-year, $8 million deal.

Milton will get a better opportunity in Dallas as the team doesn’t have Cooper Rush or Trey Lance, both left in free agency. Currently, Will Grier is the next man in line for the job, meaning the job is Milton’s to lose.

Even though Milton was a sixth-round pick and the Patriots gave him up for next to nothing, the idea of what he’s capable of brings a little bit of excitement to the backup quarterback position. Between his mobility and his one-game performance last year, there is some intrigue. Can he be a guy who can keep the boat afloat should Dak Prescott miss some games? Is he a guy who has enough playmaking ability to allow the offense to hum if Prescott is out of action for an extended amount of time? That is something that we’ll have to wait to find out, but in the meantime, we’ll be treated to some added excitement come the preseason. How many times have we been able to say that?

Today, we’ll examine some backups in years past who, whether they turned out or not, provided us with some level of interest during the preseason. Full disclosure, I didn’t care much about the preseason during my younger years as a fan, so this only goes back about 20 years. If you have preseason stories that go back further, we’d love to hear them.

TREY LANCE​

Yes, this time last year, we prepared for the Trey Lance experiment. The Cowboys used a fourth-round pick to acquire him from San Francisco, so the hope was that something would click for this young quarterback. Sadly, that was not the case. Lance didn’t look good in the preseason, and even though Prescott was lost for half the season, he didn’t get a chance to play any real snaps until the season finale. And when he did play, he looked like he did in the preseason, which was a quarterback who still wasn’t ready to play at the NFL level. Lance is gone now, but for a brief moment, he put a little curiosity in August football.

MIKE WHITE​

Before he was on the Amazing Race, Survivor, or creating captivating episodes of the White Lotus, Mike White was a quarterback for the Cowboys. Okay, maybe we’re talking about a different Mike White, but either way, there was mystery, there was a struggle of power, and there was murder. Wait, no. There was no murder. Like with Lance, fans were just hoping for something more than Cooper Rush, and similarly, they didn’t get it. White struggled in his preseason games and didn’t even make the team the following season. His career didn’t end as he had a few impressive moments as the backup quarterback of the New York Jets, which left us fans wondering if the Cowboys gave him enough time to develop. In the end, he was just a guy with a strong arm who didn’t make enough good decisions to keep him on the roster.

DAK PRESCOTT​

The Prescott story has always been an interesting one. When he first arrived, he was buried on the depth chart behind Tony Romo, Kellen Moore, and Jameill Showers. Yes, Jameill Showers. It didn’t take long for the coaching staff to adore Dak, and a foot injury in practice took out Moore, leaving Prescott with the lion's share of preseason action. And boy, he didn’t disappoint. Prescott was outstanding during the preseason and for the first time ever, fans felt a sense of security should something happen to Romo. Sadly, that moment came much faster than expected as Romo was injured in the dress rehearsal preseason game, leaving Dak with the key to the offense. And the rest is history. We didn’t know at the time that we were witnessing a changing of the guard in Dallas, but many were excited to see what Prescott was capable of, and it didn’t end after the preseason.

TONY ROMO​

Another odd story, Romo joined the team as an undrafted free agent. Honestly, the memory of him early on is fuzzy, as it’s hard even thinking about what he did in his first couple of years on the team. Buried on the depth chart and a survivor of roster cuts because of his supposed potential, Romo was just an afterthought. In fact, had it not been for Quincy Carter bein released following substance abuse allegations, we might not have ever witnessed the Romo era in Dallas.

Gradually, he started making plays in the preseason, and by the time 2006 rolled around, the interest was gaining traction. He didn’t disappoint. He put together his second-straight splashy preseason and quickly became a fan favorite after it was apparent that Drew Bledsoe wasn’t the guy. Romo replaced Bledsoe after six games and never looked back. It took a while, but this UDFA from Eastern Illinois gave us something to cheer for in the preseason.

Those are four examples over the last 20 years. A couple of them turned out to be a whole lot of nothing, but a couple turned out unexpectedly well. Where will Milton fall in this group? We don’t need him to have this great origin story like Dak and Romo, but it would be nice if he did better than Lance and White. Something in between would work out just fine. Whatever he eventually amounts to is unknown, but for now, he’ll bring some fun to the preseason come August.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...on-football-dak-prescott-tony-romo-trey-lance

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Jonathan Mingo gets high praise from former teammate heading into first full year

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Jonathan Mingo is going to get a full year with the Cowboys for the first time.

There is zero doubt what your answer would be. If asked for the most impactful (in terms of how we view it in the future) move the Dallas Cowboys made this season, it feels certain that you would mention the trade acquisition of George Pickens.

This is fair. Pickens has an enormous level of talent and we anticipate that he will join the Cowboys and be a rising tide that helps lift the boats of CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott, Jake Ferguson and others.

One thing that has sort of fallen by the wayside in the excitement of Pickens (and other offseason moves) is another wide receiver who is new to the Cowboys, at least to being a part of the team at this time of year. You remember that Dallas traded for Jonathan Mingo prior to last year’s deadline and that things since then, an admittedly small sample size, have not exactly been stellar.

Adam Thielen offered a vote of confidence for Jonathan Mingo​

On Wednesday I had the chance to speak to Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen about his upcoming involvement in the American Century Championship. Thielen is quite the golfer for those unaware. You can watch our entire conversation right here.

As Thielen is a member of the Panthers he obviously had the chance to play with Mingo in Charlotte. Near the end of our conversation I asked him for his thoughts on Mingo’s situation with him getting the chance to have a full year with the Cowboys.

“I’d say the last two years, gone through a lot of adversity. A lot of different coaches, different offenses. A lot going on. I will say that I think he’s got a lot of potential. He’s a great kid. Hard worker. Great locker room guy. He’s going to do all the right things.”

“If you tell him to do X, he’s going to do X. That’s just the kind of person he is. Just a ton of talent. Can run, can jump, he’s strong, he’s big. I think there’s a lot of potential there. I think when he kind of really settles in and is a part of the same system and earns that trust to his quarterback, obviously a great guy to have on the team. Because he provides a lot of depth. And a guy who can do a lot of different things. He can play in the slot. He can play outside. He can block. He can take the top off the defense. There’s a lot of things that he does well.”

“I always believe in versatility. If you can play the different positions and you can do a lot of the different things, not just be a one-trick pony per se, I think it gives you a great opportunity to have success in this league. And I think he’s one of those guys.”

These are kind words and likely ones the Cowboys believed were true when they made the decision to initially trade for Mingo. It is arguable that they still feel confident in their potential truth.

Some have looked at the trade of Pickens as a statement from the team that the Mingo trade was already not successful. Whether or not it was or will be, the important thing is that the Cowboys have, as we have begged them to, hedged their bet. In years past they would have depended on the Mingo trade hitting and not done anything else to protect the situation.

If Mingo is able to round into any kind of proper form then the Cowboys could have a competition at WR3 between him and Jalen Tolbert. This would obviously be a very good thing. Obviously the Panthers themselves thought highly of Mingo by drafting him in the second round, and to Thielen’s point, there is certainly a lot of potential there.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...-former-teammate-first-full-year-adam-thielen

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

NFC East news: McLaurin’s contract talk heats up as training camp draws near

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The latest news from around the division.

Commanders’ Terry McLaurin negotiating salary revealed in contract talks - Jeremy Brener, Sports Illustrated​

The numbers are unsurprisingly in the top tier for NFL receivers.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is approaching the final year of his current contract.

McLaurin wants to remain with the Commanders, but he isn’t looking to play again until he has a new deal on the table.

Bleacher Report writer Moe Moton dives into McLaurin’s current state of affairs.

McLaurin could make $30 million per year

“During an interview with 106.7 The Fan, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated said contract negotiations with McLaurin’s camp will realistically start with $30 million per year,” Moton wrote.

“McLaurin is the Commanders’ best offensive skill player and one of the league’s most consistent receivers. He’s eclipsed 1,001 receiving yards in five consecutive seasons despite Washington’s instability at quarterback before the franchise drafted Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 pick last year.

“According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Commanders want McLaurin around for the long term. Most people around the league expect the two sides to work out a new deal.

“If Breer is correct on the negotiated estimate, the two-time Pro Bowler will be one of the league’s top eight highest-paid receivers.”

McLaurin is still seeking an extension after voluntarily holding out of the team’s mandatory minicamp earlier this month.

The Commanders should be a bit skeptical paying a lot of money to McLaurin, who turns 30 in September, but he has proven that he should be one of the top wide receivers in the league.

McLaurin will have a month to negotiate a new deal with the Commanders before he is asked to report to training camp on July 22.

PFF shares data that all but confirms Jalen Hurts has an elite supporting cast - Anthony Miller, InsideTheIggles.com​

He’s a solid quarterback, but the team around him is solid, too.

Pro Football Focus is up at it again with more definitive proof that the Philadelphia Eagles had one of the best supporting casts for their quarterback Jalen Hurts in the NFL last year. They have to data to back it up.

Dalton Wasserman wrote an article on the impact of the supporting casts in the NFL and which ones were the best in 2024. The Eagles were ranked fifth with an overall grade of 80.8.

Given the Eagles’ loaded roster, it’s easy to see why they ended last season as Super Bowl champions. Led by Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown and an outstanding offensive line, Jalen Hurts was able to deliver the franchise’s second championship, despite ranking 23rd among qualified quarterbacks in PFF passing grade. Ten of Philadelphia’s 11 offensive starters return this season, so the team should enjoy similar success in the quest for a repeat in 2025.”

PFF also gave the Eagles the sixth best grade for pass-blocking with 73.6. They were the fourth highest NFC team graded.

The data is backed up by Eagles’ solid lineup and should continue in 2025

Hurts has always been blessed to have a solid supporting cast around him since taking over as the full time starter in 2021. The additions of Brown and Smith helped him in the passing game over the last three years. Barkley added a whole new element to the running game as he’s coming off 2,504 yards in the regular season and playoffs.

Giants rookie Abdul Carter shares honest feelings on new jersey number - Billy Heyen, SportingNews.com​

After aiming for the fences for his number, Carter is pleased with his new digits.

Abdul Carter had to do some serious work to end up with his rookie season jersey number with the New York Giants.

First, he inquired about the No. 56 retired by Lawrence Taylor: Nope.

Then, it was the No. 11 that he wore in college which is retired for Phil Simms: No again.

So it was third time’s the charm for Carter, who ended up with No. 51.

And now after rocking it for minicamp, he posted on social media with his thoughts: “51 growing on me,” Carter wrote.

51 growing on me pic.twitter.com/O0T0V518ei

— Abdul Carter (@1NCRDB1) June 11, 2025​

Athletes do have a strong connection to the number on their uniform.

But at the end of the day, if Carter lives up to the hype of the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, that’ll be much more important than the digits on his chest.

Carter was a star at Penn State, which has led to some calling him the next Micah Parsons.

But with a new number in hand, Carter would like to leave his own legacy. And at his talent level, he’s got a great chance to do just that.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...-talks-eagles-jalen-hurts-giants-abdul-carter

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

How the DeMarvion Overshown situation could present some challenges for the Cowboys front office

Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Questions are going to linger at linebacker for a little bit.

Last year was a tough season for the Dallas Cowboys. They were losing games, injuries were piling up, and it became very evident early in the season that this team wasn’t going anywhere. That’s not a common thing for this organization. The team experienced a similar ordeal in 2020, but outside of that, lost seasons have not really been a thing for the Cowboys.

With all the bad things that went wrong last year, there might not have been a worse event than the DeMarvion Overshown injury. Yes, many players got hurt, and yes, one of them was a season-ending hamstring injury to the team’s franchise quarterback, Dak Prescott. But for many of the hurt players, we knew they would heal up and be ready to go next year. That’s not the case for Overshown.

A third-round pick in 2023, Overshown has been a player the team has loved from the beginning. A celebrating war room on draft day served as a testament to what they felt they got. Sadly, his rookie season was taken away from him after he suffered a torn ACL in a preseason game.

Last season, he returned, healthy as an ox, but fast as a gazelle. Overshown gave us a dose of his athleticism as he was all over the field. His length and great closing speed made him one of the defense's top players. His playmaking ability made him worth the wait, but sadly, an injury struck again. In Week 14 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Overshown injured his knee again, but this time it was much worse. He tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL, bringing a dark cloud over the career of the team’s young defensive superstar.

According to reports, Overshown’s rehab is progressing nicely, and there is some optimism that a mid-season return could happen. When he returns and what he’s able to do this soon are big mysteries, and it’s reasonable to lower our expectations for the upcoming season. When you look at the range of outcomes, the likelihood of him either missing the entire year or coming back late and having a limited impact seems rather large. Only time will tell.

Overshown had a great debut season. Despite missing the last quarter of the season, he still finished second on the team with 90 tackles. He also finished tied for third with five sacks and had the team’s most spectacular defensive play when he tipped the ball to himself and returned an interception for a touchdown. Before his injury, he was a star in the making, but now there is this great uncertainty about what type of player he can be.

This is something the Cowboys will need to figure out sooner rather than later. With little information likely to work with from the upcoming season, the team will have a big decision to make. They can extend him next offseason before he enters the final year of his rookie contract, or they can wait and see and take their chances in free agency. This is a decision that is a lot tougher than it sounds.

The Cowboys have rolled the dice on some red flag injury risks before. Both Jaylon Smith and Terence Steele received contract extensions before the existing deals expired. Each situation was different, but in both cases, the team ultimately felt they were getting a good value on a player who was still trending upward. They guessed wrong with Smith and Steele remains a TBD who is off to a slow start.

The team also believed Michael Gallup would return to his 1,000-yard ways after his knee injury, but alas, it was not to be. The team was left with an underperforming receiver who was expected to fill the void of Amari Cooper at a discounted price.

The Overshown situation will be a huge dilemma for the Cowboys. In a perfect world, it would be nice to wait and out and see how well he does once he’s at full strength, and who is to say if that will even come while he’s still on his rookie deal. Suffice to say, if he returns to form in 2026, he’s going to elevate his market value. The agent of Agent 0 will do everything they can to preserve his financial well-being.

The front office is often criticized for waiting too long to get deals done, but one could criticize them just as much for the times they try to be proactive. How they decide to handle this situation is something that will garner a lot of attention the closer we get to his contract being up, and this one has a good chance of being a real conundrum for the Cowboys.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...nge-front-office-new-contract-2026-free-agent

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Cowboys news: How well Kenneth Murray plays could be huge in 2025

Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Your Sunday morning Cowboys news.

Can the Cowboys’ defense trust Kenneth Murray? - Inside the Star, Shane Taylor​

Under a new defensive coordinator, how much faith should the Cowboys have in newcomer Kenneth Murray?

One important piece to new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ defense is going to be the man wearing the green dot, and as you look at his career thus far, it makes you wonder can this team trust Kenneth Murray? Dallas traded for former first-round pick Murray, who has racked up 416 tackles and 8.5 sacks in five years. This past season, he gave the Tennessee Titans 95 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one pick. Still, he’s not seen as a difference-maker, which is how the Cowboys landed him for a low price.

Defensive Outlook

Under new DC Eberflus (a notable linebacker whisperer), either one of them – or both – are expected to be in the starting lineup to start this season with DeMarvion Overshown still recovering from injury. Marist Liufau and Damone Clark are other candidates to start as returners from last year.

In his first year with the Titans last year, Murray earned captain status on the defense and finished with 95 tackles and 3.5 sacks, as I noted above. He started in every game he played in and has two more years of NFL experience than Sanborn. That is why he will be the one wearing the green dot, having direct communication with the coaching staff.

“I think it’s a great fit,” Murray said, via Clarence Hill of All City DLLS. “I’ve been enjoying myself, obviously transitioning over from being traded and getting up to speed and stuff like that. Lot of things work to my strengths, coming down hill, playing the coverage, stuff like that. It’s been good. It’s been great being here during the offseason program, getting around the guys and just trying to come in and establish a culture and get better every day.”

Passing on name CBs shows Cowboys still haven’t shaken their cheap, bargain-shopping ways - Ben Grimaldi, Cowboys Wire​

The Cowboys did a lot this offseason, but there are calls for more.

The Dallas Cowboys made two moves this week, signing defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey and cornerback Robert Rochell as they continue to churn the bottom of the roster.

While both additions were at positions of need, it’s the signing of Rochell that continues to demonstrate how cheap the organization has become. Adding Rochell shows the Cowboys understood they need help at CB, but instead of signing a quality player, they once again went bargain basement shopping. There were numerous free agent signings the team could’ve made at the position, with Rochell likely being the least expensive option.

That point was hammered home when prior to the Cowboys signing Rochell, the Baltimore Ravens added free agent CB Jaire Alexander. The timing of both signings, hours apart, made Jerry and Stephen Jones look even cheaper, and proved how differently organizations pursue the Super Bowl.

The Cowboys didn’t need to sign Alexander, and it’s probably smart they stayed away. Dallas’ CB room has enough injury questions, but they could’ve signed someone who has shown more ability than Rochell. Among the CBs still available are Asante Samuel, Mike Hilton and Stephon Gilmore, all of whom are more accomplished than Rochell. This isn’t about the player they didn’t sign, it’s about the Cowboys’ approach.

The Ravens already had one of the best secondaries in the league, boasting an All-Pro CB and safety in Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton, respectively. They also have two of the game’s best young secondary pieces in second-year CB Nate Wiggins and rookie first-round pick safety Malaki Starks, so it was a stacked group that didn’t necessarily need an upgrade.

Dak Prescott warned he could repeat Cowboys fans’ biggest heartbreak (but worse) - Jared A’Latorre, The Landry Hat​

Dak Prescott is trying to change the narrative.

In what will be a historic result of the 2025 NBA Finals, sports talk shows are still finding themselves talking about Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott’s legacy.

Prescott made headlines this week when he was asked about his own legacy. He explained he doesn’t really care about how people see him, but for his own sanity, he wants to win a Super Bowl. The hardcore faithful of America’s Team has been waiting three decades to get back to the NFC Championship game, and Prescott might be the last hope to get them there before they have to reboot with another QB.

David Helman of Fox Sports claims that if Prescott doesn’t win a Super Bowl it will actually be more embarrassing than not completing the same goal as his predecessor and former teammate, Tony Romo.

Dak Prescott not winning a Super Bowl would potentially put him below Romo in Cowboys legacy

Helman’s comments are bold if we’re being honest.. The barbershop dialogue always go back to the QBs that have won a Super Bowl. While Prescott has said that doesn’t care about his legacy, Helman says that he has to win a Super Bowl, or else, Cowboys fans will always mirror him back to Romo, or even worse.

“People have warmed to Romo’s legacy over time, and most acknowledge now that he was a far better player than he often got credit for when he was trying to shoulder the hopes and dreams of America’s Team...The best way to secure (Prescott’s) legacy, or to silence the debate about it, would be to win the championship that’s eluded the Cowboys for so long.”

David Helman

A pair of Cowboys players are projected to make the 2025 NFL All-Rookie team-Brian Martin, Blogging the Boys​

Two Cowboys rookies enter the year with big expectations.

Gennaro Filice for NFL.com recently projected who he believes will make the 2025 NFL All-Rookie team, and guess what, a pair of Dallas Cowboys players made his cut, one on offense and one on defense.

That’s right, a team that will be relying heavily on several of their young players, including this year’s 2025 draft class, may have drafted a couple of impacts starters. What’s more, both rookies play positions where they saw two of the longest tenured players move on this offseason.

Have you guessed which Cowboys rookies where alluding to? If you guessed Tyler Booker and Donovan Ezeiruaku you are right. Booker is expected to step in and replace future Hall of Famer Zack Martin, and Ezeiruaku is expected to compete for the starting job to replace DeMarcus Lawrence.

Here is what Gennaro Filice had to say about both Tyler Booker and Donovan Ezeiruaku.

OG Tyler Booker, Alabama

DRAFTED: Round 1, No. 12 overall

A lot of people think Dallas overdrafted Booker at No. 12 overall. I disagree with that sentiment. And I could take this opportunity to remind everyone of this Cowboys regime’s sparkling track record when it comes to selecting offensive linemen in Round 1, or I could just point you to the hardest quote of the draft cycle.

“Football is a child’s game,” Booker said on Bleacher Report’s draft reaction show. “So, people wake up being like, ‘Man, I can’t wait to play this football game today.’ They listen to their hype music, they take all the pre-workout, they get so excited to play football ... until they come across Tyler Booker. And then when I’m going after you — quarter after quarter, play after play, series after series — and I start to see that love leave their eyes, that’s what makes me love the game.”

Micah Parsons was on the Bleacher Report set that night, and he let out a scream just listening to his new teammate go FULL METAL.

Being the first offensive guard off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft comes with high expectations. Those expectations may be a little higher considering who he’s replacing with the Cowboys. That is none other than the future Hall of Famer Martin, who decided to retire this offseason. Those are some big shoes to fill for Booker.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...nerback-jerry-jones-dak-prescott-tyler-booker

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

3 Cowboys who could break franchise records in 2025

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

These Cowboys could make history in 2025.

2025 will mark the Dallas Cowboys’ 66th NFL season. Love them or hate them, the Cowboys are easily one of the most influential and recognizable brands in all of sports. While the current generation of Cowboys have big shoes to fill, some have already made their mark and are closing in on some of the more prominent records in the team’s history. A few of the Cowboys’ longstanding records could be broken this season, including some possible single-season records.

Here are three Cowboys that could break team records this season.

Dak Prescott ​

All-time franchise passing record ​

Since emerging from seemingly nowhere in 2016 and claiming Rookie of the Year honors, Dak Prescott has been a staple of the franchise as its quarterback. Now entering his tenth season as the team’s starting quarterback, Prescott seeks to break the records of the quarterback he replaced, Tony Romo. Prescott might have broken the franchise’s passing records last year, but he was sidelined by a hamstring injury that prematurely ended his 2024 campaign.

Now healthy, that record is very much in reach this season. Romo stands as the franchise leader with 34,183 passing yards. Meanwhile, Prescott is only 2,746 yards behind Romo. Provided Prescott remains healthy, that record will easily be broken.

All-time franchise passing touchdowns record​

The record for passing touchdowns in a single season was set by Romo (36 touchdowns in 2007) only to be broken by Prescott who eclipsed the mark in 2021 with 37 passing touchdowns (he also threw for 36 touchdowns in 2023). We bring this up because Prescott is only 35 passing TDs away from Romo’s all-time passing TD mark of 248. If Prescott ahs a big year, he could tie or surpass Romo.

Although the Cowboys have intimated a renewed focus on physicality and running the football, the Cowboys have a mixture of inexperience at running back and should have grounded expectations for the veterans they signed this offseason. The Cowboys also have several red zone veterans to choose from including newcomer George Pickens. If Prescott is dialed in, he could catch Romo by season’s end.

Micah Parsons​

Most sacks in the first five years as a Dallas Cowboy​

Entering the final year of his contract, there’s not much else Micah Parsons needs to prove as a premier talent. He’s been to the Pro Bowl in each of his four NFL seasons and has been named to the All-Pro team on different occasions. Outside of winning a Super Bowl and Defensive Player of the Year, Parsons hasn’t much else left to achieve individually. However, he could set two more records. Demarcus Ware is arguably the greatest pass rusher in the history of the Cowboys. Parsons is at 52.5 in his first four seasons and if Parsons gets 13 sacks this year, he would edge Ware’s 64.5 sacks in five seasons.

Cowboys single-season sack record​

In a much loftier ambition, Parsons could also attack Ware’s 20 sack single-season record that he recorded in 2008. As of now, Parsons’ career-high in sacks is 14. Yet, with more help along the defensive line and a 17-game schedule, Parsons only needs to average 1.2 sacks per game to break Ware’s record.

Brain Schottenheimer ​

Most wins by a Cowboys rookie head coach​

It’s surprising it has taken Brian Schottenheimer this long to get a chance being a head coach. Brian, the son of Marty Schottenheimer, has almost 30 years of coaching experience and has worked with the likes of Drew Brees, Phillip Rivers, Russell Wilson, and most recently, Dak Prescott.

Since being named the head coach, there’s been a different optimism around the team. Schottenheimer carries himself with an infectious personality that the players have responded well to. Could Schottenheimer break the franchise record for most wins by a rookie head coach? He’ll have a high bar to climb.

Barry Switzer won 12 games in his first year as coach of the Cowboys in 1994 before eventually winning the Super Bowl. The odds are stacked against it with the Cowboys playing in a fiercely competitive division that features the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles and upstart Washington Commanders. That said, Schottenheimer has a lot to work with in first year as an NFL coach:

• An offensive line that is quickly developing
• Dak Prescott two years removed from an All-Pro season
• CeeDee Lamb
• KaVontae Turpin who is a star return specialist
• Brandon Aubrey is near automatic and can probably make a 70-yard field goal
• Micah Parsons

13 wins would surprise many but if the coaching chops don’t fall far from the family tree, Schottenheimer could win that many games, leaving him one win shy of his father’s most wins in a season as well.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...k-prescott-micah-parsons-brian-schottenheimer

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

3 Cowboys players facing a make or break season in 2025

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Which five Cowboys do you think are facing a critical season?

Nearly every NFL player reaches a crossroad at some point in their career. The Dallas Cowboys have several players who have reached that juncture and are facing a make or break 2025 season with the organization. Below are the ones we believe have the most to prove this year one way or another.

---

DT Mazi Smith​

Anyone else surprised to see Mazi Smith make this list? Probably not. Sadly, Dallas' 2023 first-round pick as of yet hasn't lived up to his draft status. Playing for different defensive coordinators in each of his first two seasons with the Cowboys probably didn't help his development, which puts into question how he'll perform with his third DC in three years (Matt Eberflus). If he doesn't take a significant jump during his ever important Year 3, he could be playing elsewhere as soon as next season.

---

TE Luke Schoonmaker​

With Jake Ferguson entering the final year of his contract and with Brevyn Spann-Ford possibly pushing for the TE2 job, Luke Schoonmaker's future with the Cowboys currently stands on shaky ground. While he's shown flashes of starting material, he's lacked consistency. Because of that, he could need a big 2025 season to stick around. If Ferguson is retained, he remains buried on the depth chart. But, if Ferguson exits in free agency, he could be competing with Spann-Ford and another draft pick for the TE1 job.

---

CB Trevon Diggs​

Unless Trevon Diggs has a huge bounce-back season in 2025 he could be playing elsewhere next season. Injuries and regression over the past couple years could make him a salary-cap casualty after the completion of the 2025 season. The Cowboys can save more than $12.25 million by releasing him in the offseason and carry a dead cap hit of just under $6 million. They could also designate him a post-June 1 release and save $15.5 million and spread the dead cap over the 2026 and 2027 seasons at just under $3 million per year.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...2025-mazi-smith-trevon-diggs-luke-schoonmaker

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

2025 Dallas Cowboys training camp dates for Oxnard officially announced

Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

Dates for Dallas Cowboys training camp have officially been announced.

You can officially mark your calendars. We have known for a little bit now that the Dallas Cowboys are set to report for training camp in Oxnard, California on July 20th, and that they will scrimmage against the Los Angeles Rams on August 5th. At long last we have gotten a bit more food on our plate.

The mothership announced dates for the Oxnard portion of camp on Wednesday, with practice times in pacific time and preseason games in central. Buckle up and plan your trips if you feel so inclined.

July

July 20: Team arrival in Oxnard

July 22: Open practice (11:45 a.m.)

July 23: Open practice (11:45 a.m.)

July 24: Open practice (11:45 a.m.)

July 25: Oxnard Fan Night hosted by Visit Oxnard (4-6 p.m.)

July 26: Opening Day Ceremony (doors open 9:15 a.m.) + Open practice (11:45 a.m.)

July 27: Open practice (First padded, 11:45 a.m.)

July 28: Open practice (11:45 a.m.)

July 30: Open practice (11:45 a.m.)

July 31: Heroes Appreciation Day presented by USAA + practice (11:45 a.m.)

August

August 2: Open practice (10 a.m.)

August 4: Open practice (11:45 a.m.)

August 5: Joint open practice with Rams (2 p.m.)

August 7: Open practice (11:45 a.m.)

August 8: Open practice (11:45 a.m.)

August 9: Preseason - Cowboys visit Rams (7 p.m. CT)

August 12: Open practice (11:45 a.m.)

August 13: Open practice (11:45 a.m.)

August 14: Break camp, team departs for Dallas

August 16: Preseason - Cowboys host Ravens (7 p.m. CT)

August 22: Preseason - Cowboys host Falcons (8 p.m. CT)

August 26: Deadline to reduce rosters to 53 players

August 27: Deadline for waiver claims on released players

August 27: Clubs can begin forming practice squad

Pads will come on for the first time on July 27th, an always fun step in this overall process.

As they have for some time now, the Cowboys will resume training camp practices in Frisco at The Star once they break the Oxnard portion of things. Those dates are not known at this time.

Who is heading out to Oxnard this year?

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...s-times-2025-oxnard-announced-preseason-games

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

NFC East news: O-line solutions in New York; Washington building a championship culture

Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

The latest news from around the division.

Have the Giants solved their swing-tackle problem? - Ed Valentine, BigBlueView.com​

This could be the season that New York resolves some O-line issues.

The best thing that could happen to the New York Giants’ offensive line in 2025 would be for left tackle Andrew Thomas to remain healthy for an entire season, which has not happened since he was a second-team All-Pro in 2022.

Giants’ fans know the history all too well.

In 2023, Thomas suffered a hamstring injury chasing after a blocked field goal at the end of the season’s first drive. He missed seven games, then played much of the rest of the season with a knee injury that limited his effectiveness.

In 2024, the 6-foot-5, 315-pound Thomas suffered the dreaded Lisfranc injury, had surgery and missed the rest of the season.

In neither of those seasons did the Giants have a workable backup plan.

In 2023, they kept 2023 third-round pick Matt Peart as the designated swing tackle, but when they needed a replacement for Thomas refused to use him. Instead, they plugged in Josh Ezeudu, a guard who had failed to win a starting job.

That was a disaster. Ezeudu wasn’t up to the task, and that contributed to the Giants’ offensive line falling apart. Quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a neck injury, then a season-ending knee injury while getting pounded game after game. Giants’ quarterbacks ended up getting sacked a ridiculous league-leading 85 times.

The Giants appear to have finally relented on their insistence that Ezeudu could be an NFL tackle. This offseason, they signed a pair of veteran swing tackles in James Hudson and Stone Forsythe.

“You always have to prepare for the eventualities,” offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo said during mandatory minicamp. “It’s football.”

It was clear during spring practices that the Giants are counting on Hudson to step in if injuries once again befall Thomas. Hudson took almost all of the first-team left tackle reps in the spring as Thomas continued his off the field rehab program.

The 26-year-old Hudson was a fourth-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2021. He has played in 49 regular-season games with 17 starts. Hudson has significant experience at both tackle spots. In 2024, he was almost exclusively at left tackle, playing 207 snaps there and just 15 on the right side.

Eagles Cornerback Offers Unique Take On His New Defensive Coordinator -Ed Kracz, Sports Illustrated​

An ‘old school’ coordinator is unique for Philly’s newest corner.

PHILADELPHIA – Every Eagles player has their opinion of their defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and the way he conducts practice. ‘Old-school’ is usually the term that comes up, from Nolan Smith and Jalen Carter to Jordan Davis. Adoree Jackson had a unique twist on the DC earlier this month.

“Vic is one of those coaches that just respects hard work,” said the Eagles first-year cornerback. “He might not say much to you. But every now and then, he kind of reminds me how my mom and pops is … It’s not like he never wants to give anyone credit, but he’s like, ‘you’re doing what you’re supposed to do.’ And then when you do something, you might not think it was significant, but he might give you a compliment on that. It’s always just working hard.”

Jackson, who is vying to start with Kelee Ringo, has had several coaches and coordinators in his eight NFL seasons. In his ninth, and with his third team, he says there is a difference with Fangio and others. He has played for the Titans, Giants, and now Eagles.

“A lot of other coaches who are very vocal – as he is, but it’s different,” said Jackson. “Like you understand, if he’s saying something to you, it’s either to correct you or he’s not going to give you a compliment just to give you one, like you really gotta keep working and stacking days to earn that.

“I appreciate that type of coaching style because he’s got the right coaches around him. So if he says something, you can talk to him, but then you’ve got the position coaches to articulate a little bit better for him. They all go hand-in-hand, but being around Vic is pretty cool.”

New Commanders signing compares locker room energy to legendary NFL dynasty - Dean Jones, RiggosRag.com​

A championship culture seems to be present in Washington.

The Washington Commanders have installed a championship-caliber mentality across the franchise under the current regime. One recent arrival who was part of the league’s most dominant dynasty sees the similarities.

Dan Quinn is a personable, no-nonsense coach. He’s a genuine leader of men who sets high standards for himself and his players. It’s received an immensely positive response, with the Commanders going from a bottom-feeder to the NFC Championship game in Year 1 under his leadership.

Quinn isn’t letting standards slip. His coaches are relaying that message to the playing personnel. There have been aggressive, impressive changes once again this offseason, but the common goal remains the same.

Put the hard yards in now, and you’ll benefit later.

Deatrich Wise Jr. came through the ranks under Bill Belichick during his eight-year stint with the New England Patriots. The defensive end believes the Commanders have created a similar environment to flourish, which focuses heavily on practicing well to ensure they are ready for anything when competitive action arrives.

“But also one of the things Bill [Belichick] always said was ‘practice execution becomes game reality.’ That’s one thing I’ve always taken to heart. Practice as hard as I can and exactly how I want the game to be. That’s what makes great teams great. And I feel like that’s the first two things I heard being talked about when I got to the Commanders by Coach [Joe] Whitt [Jr.] [defensive coordinator, and also by Coach DQ [Quinn]. They both was like, ‘We have to be able to practice the same way we want to have happen in the game.’ So they’re echoing success every single day that we’re in that building.”

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...ants-commanders-building-championship-culture

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Cowboys 2018 draft class could be one of their recent best

Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images

The 2018 draft class was surprisingly good

It always amazes me how just a simple post on Twitter can create such a back-and-forth discussion among fans, specifically regarding the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL draft.

DeMarvion Overshown posted on Monday, “Class of 2018 got some dawgs in the NFL!” To which I responded with the following:

No one is left on the #Cowboys roster from their 2018 class, but I think this was one of Will McClay’s better drafts in recent history.

(Might be a hot take) https://t.co/H59l4T6myD pic.twitter.com/GueKe9OQ4Y

— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) June 24, 2025​

The response from fans started a chain of discourse, with some fans being puzzled by the thought and others admiring that getting five starters from one class is a positive.

Is this a joke tweet? u cant be serious Brandon Loree

— FaZe Tæzer faze (@aZebruhh) June 24, 2025​

It’s the best aside from 2016 honestly. 5 starters. 2022 is up there also.

— CowboysNWeights (@Powerlifting_06) June 24, 2025​

6 solid NFL starter caliber players plus 2 fine back up players. 2 guys who had shortened careers because of injuries.

I'd take that every draft.

— Cory J. Hinchey (@hinchey_j) June 24, 2025​

Overshown later clarified he was talking about high school football, but the point still rings true. If the success of a draft class comes down to the definition of being on the roster long-term, then this one would be a bust, considering no one from that year is left heading into 2025.

However, a bird's-eye view of the Cowboys' 2018 draft class would offer a different perspective that seems more glowing. The first five picks, Leighton Vander Esch, Connor Williams, Michael Gallup, Dorance Armstrong, and Dalton Schultz, developed into starters or high-end rotational players.

Vander Esch and Gallup had the most promise of the group after year one, but both had their careers shortened in Dallas due to injury. Gallup still had a 1,000-yard season in his second year, and Vander Esch finished his career 16th in team history among all defensive players with 469 combined tackles. For playing a full season just twice out of six years, finishing with that production meant he made the most of his snaps on the field.

Williams, Armstrong, and Schultz are more the product of not maximizing their potential until the end of their rookie contracts. Over his first four years, Armstrong showed enough flashes for the team to offer him a two-year contract extension. He followed that up with 16 sacks over two years as a rotational rusher and ace special-teams player. Armstrong then followed Dan Quinn over to Washington last year in a lucrative deal for a guy who was once considered a “bust.”

Schultz started his career trying to follow in Jason Witten's footsteps, who retired in his rookie season. However, he had to sit behind him in 2019 when Witten returned to Dallas after a one-year hiatus. After finally getting a chance in 2020 when Blake Jarwin went down with a season-ending injury in Week 1, Schultz had a career year in 2021 that ended with 808 yards and eight touchdowns and was retained on a franchise tag.

Here are a handful of the best "stops" by #Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch in 2018: pic.twitter.com/QY9nF1qIDo

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) July 10, 2019​

Williams was a solid guard with Dallas, but his best position came with the Seattle Seahawks, where they unlocked something in him to become one of the NFL's best centers over a year and a half. His career was also derailed and ultimately ended due to injury, but you wonder what if the Dallas coaching staff tried him out at center to start his career, if it would have played out any differently.

Mike White has started NFL games and was once the darling of the New York Jets fanbase, and Cedrick Wilson showed he could be a capable third wide receiver and utility player who can occasionally make a couple of trick plays. His best season came under then-offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who is now his head coach with the New Orleans Saints.

Right now, the Cowboys are having trouble finding this type of production in their 2022 and 2023 draft classes. Of 17 players drafted from those two classes, Tyler Smith, DeMarvion Overshown, Jake Ferguson, and DaRon Bland are the only ones you can feel confident in. Everyone else is running out of time to show they can develop or overcome injuries and narratives (Sam Williams, Jalen Tolbert, Damone Clark) that have hurt their careers.

If the Cowboys had five solid starters from each class like they did with the 2018 rookies, there would be much more confidence in Dallas's direction as they head into Brian Schottenheimer’s first year as head coach. The lingering questions about recent draft picks should remind us not to take draft classes like the one in 2018 for granted, because history shows they don’t come around often.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...connor-williams-michael-gallup-dalton-schultz

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

NFC East news: Commanders need to rebuild their defensive line

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The latest news from around the division.

Commanders defensive line faces steep climb in 2025 - Darius Hayes, Sports Illustrated​

A former Washington strength may now be a weak spot for the Commanders.

The Washington Commanders enter 2025 after an impressive one-season turnaround under head coach Dan Quinn.

However, one position group is under intense criticism. Pro Football Focus ranks the Commanders’ defensive line 31st in the league, highlighting significant issues for a unit that was once the foundation of the team’s identity.

In its latest positional rankings, PFF described the outlook for Washington going forward on defense.

“Washington’s already shaky defensive line could be even worse in 2025. The unit lost edge defender Dante Fowler Jr., who led the team in sacks, and released veteran interior defender Jonathan Allen this offseason”, said PFF.

“Of the edge defenders and interior defenders still on the team, Dorrance Armstrong owns the highest PFF overall grade from 2024 (65.3) but ranked only 56th among edge defenders.”

This low ranking comes after a significant overhaul. Veteran Jonathan Allen, a longtime leader on and off the field, was released earlier this offseason, and pass-rushing specialist Dante Fowler Jr., who led the team in sacks last year, was not retained. The departures leave a sizable void in both production and leadership.

Now, the pressure falls on players like Dorrance Armstrong, who reunites with head coach Dan Quinn from their days in Dallas. Armstrong posted a solid 65.3 overall PFF grade last season, the highest among returning linemen in Washington. Still, that ranked only 56th among edge rushers league-wide, an indicator of just how thin the unit’s top-end talent is.

While Armstrong brings familiarity with Quinn’s scheme, the rest of the defensive line remains a question mark. The team will need young players and rotational veterans to step up in a big way if it hopes to generate consistent pressure or slow down opposing run games.

ESPN Predicts ‘Nuclear’ Giants Defense To Rank Among NFL’s Elite - Nathan Karseno, AthlonSports.com​

New York may produce a stellar defensive unit in 2025.

General manager Joe Schoen has committed ample resources into the defense in an attempt to drag the New York Giants out of the NFC East basement and back to relevancy.

While those efforts haven’t yielded a division title since their last Super Bowl win in 2011, many believe this offseason’s moves have has been as productive as any in recent years in making up some ground with their rivals.

They remain a long shot to win the division, but the Giants’ defense could see some major improvements this season after another productive offseason addressing that side of the ball.

ESPN’s Mina Kimes has predicted the Giants’ defense to rank in the top 10 across the league this season, thanks in large part to their depth up front.

“I chose this team entirely based on the idea that the defensive line can just completely take over games and ruin the lives of quarterbacks,” Kimes said, as the G-men were the final team she named in this projection.

The headliner of New York’s offseason on defense was the organization going back to its old ways and loading up on pass rushers. Joining Dexter Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns is the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, Abdul Carter.

“It’s a nightmare,” Kimes said about the ferocious defensive line.

She also mentions, however, that other free agency moves should be helpful as well.

“They also added some players in the back end that I think could stabilize things with Javon Holland at safety, [cornerback] Paulson Adebo, [Dru] Phillips is really good. I really like the combination of Javon Holland and Tyler Nubin together, because I think you can have Nuban playing closer to the box where he’s better, personally,” Kimes said.

TE Dallas Goedert Addresses Decision To Remain With Eagles - Adam La Rose, Pro Football Rumors​

The Eagles kept a key piece of their offense.

Dallas Goedert was a trade candidate for much of the spring, and his future remained uncertain past the draft. With no agreement being made to send him to a new team, though, the veteran tight end wound up remaining with the Eagles on a restructured deal.

Originally scheduled to earn $14.25MM in 2025, Goedert will instead collect $10MM in base pay with another $1MM available through incentives. He remains a pending free agent, meaning a Philadelphia departure could still be in store next spring. Goedert’s preference was to stay in place for 2025, however, something he recently spoke about.

“Yeah, so when I got drafted a year after [the Eagles] won the Super Bowl, I was able to experience the fun parts of a Super Bowl the year after winning the Super Bowl,” the 30-year-old said during an appearance on ESPN’s NFL Live (via NFL.com). “After we won and the opportunity to run it back again to see the banner drop, it just wouldn’t have felt — it would have felt I was missing on a lot not being there to see all that stuff.

“I got a lot of love for the city of Philadelphia… So, I figured for me it was best to work out a deal, so I could stay there and be with the people I find that are important and try to win another one.”

2024 saw Goedert limited to just 10 regular season games and 496 receiving yards (the second-lowest total of his career). The eighth-year veteran will nevertheless be counted on to operate as a full-time starting member of the Eagles’ lauded skill position group. Goedert, along with running back Saquon Barkley and wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, will return in 2025 as part of the team’s Super Bowl defense.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...iants-predicted-defense-eagles-dallas-goedert

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

5 random training camp thoughts for the Dallas Cowboys

Chris Jones-Imagn Images

There are a handful of questions hovering around the Cowboys with training camp around the corner.

We are now officially with inside a month away from when the Dallas Cowboys report to Oxnard, California for training camp. All of the unanswered questions we have about this team will finally be answered and that should give us a much better understanding of what Brian Schottenheimer could accomplish in his first-year as Dallas' new head coach.

Today, we thought we'd share some random thoughts we've been pondering now that training is just weeks away. Maybe some of these things have been bouncing around in your head as well, or maybe not.

One: Lack of explosive plays on was a problem for the Cowboys last season. Brian Schottenheimer has said KaVontae Turpin will be more involved to help in this area as will the addition of rookie RB Jaydon Blue. What I’m wondering is how Schottenheimer is planning on getting these two involved in the running/passing game? There’s a lot of creative things Dallas could do to create mismatches with either one or both of them on the field at the same time. I’m really interested to see the wrinkles they’ll add to Dallas’ offense.

Two: The Cowboys current stable running backs leaves much to be desired, with no one really standing out as the clear-cut starter right now. Miles Sanders is most accomplished RB on the roster, but he's far removed from that 1200+ yard season he had with the Eagles in the 2022. In two years with the Panthers he barely rushed for over 600 yards. I'm wondering if he's washed or if he still has something left in the tank. He turned some heads in unpadded practices, but what we look like once the hitting starts in padded ones?

Three: Trading for Joe Milton in no way means there is a starting QB controversy in Dallas, but it does create a little bit more intrigue at the position heading into training camp. What I’m wondering is if Dak Prescott will actually feel a little pressure behind him for the first time in career. He never had to worry about Cooper Rush seriously pushing him for the QB1 job, but Milton could be a different story down the road. Prescott could view him as someone “waiting in the wings”. I’m curious how he will respond to that pressure and if it will push him to be better.

Four: Matt Eberflus has been put in a tough position in his first year as the Cowboys new defensive coordinator. Not only does he have to navigate through several key players coming back from season-ending injuries last season, but he also inherits one of the worst run defenses from a year ago. Dallas finished ranked 29th against the run last year, allowing 137.1 yards per game. I'm wondering, and I'm sure I'm not alone, if he's the DC who can finally tap into Mazi Smith's talent. That would go a long ways in fixing the run defense.

Five: Keeping with Matt Eberflus, I'm wondering what his plans are to replace Jourdan Lewis in the slot. One obvious answer would be to move DaRon Bland back to slot CB where he's proven himself before as Lewis' replacement in the past, but beyond him the options are sadly lacking. Dallas experimented with a few players during OTAs/minicamp, and will probably continue to do so in training camp/preseason, but none of the options inspire much confidence. The solution may lie outside the organization via a free agent addition.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...anders-jaydon-blue-kavontae-turpin-joe-milton