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[Dallas Cowboys]

4 things to love about the Cowboys contract extension with Jake Ferguson

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

The Jake Ferguson deal was excellent for the Cowboys.

The Dallas Cowboys finally gave out a contract extension! Relax, it’s not the guy everyone was hoping for, but it is a good player. On Sunday, the Cowboys signed their Pro Bowl tight end Jake Ferguson to a four-year, $52 million extension, with $30 million in guarantees. It brings him in at an annual cost of $13 million per season, making him the seventh-highest-paid tight end in the league.

Just a couple of weeks ago, we mentioned the Cowboys should try to get Ferguson extended before the season started, so this news is music to our ears. With the deal done, here are the four things about this extension that we love the most.

Avoid Higher Costs​

One great thing about getting Ferguson signed is the Cowboys won’t have to compete with what could be a jacked-up tight end market next offseason. George Kittle and Trey McBride just signed new deals this offseason for $19 million per year. Yowzer! Other tight ends like Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, Kyle Pitts, David Njoku, and Dallas Goedert are all entering the last year of their contracts and will be up for an extension next offseason. This means we could see some high prices for tight ends real soon.

The Cowboys avoided all of that. By being proactive, they got Ferguson for a good cost, which will probably be even better after some of these other guys get bigger paydays. The front office doesn’t get much recognition for getting ahead of things, but that’s exactly what they did here. Well done.

Get Ahead Of A Breakout​

For the past four seasons, a tight end has finished second on the team in receptions, with Ferguson being that guy for the last two years, and Dalton Schultz the two years prior. That won’t be the case this season. The Cowboys now have both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, creating one of the best receiving duos in the game. With so much attention given to those guys, what is that going to mean for Ferguson? Answer: A lot of open space.

Ferguson has already had a 761-yard season with five touchdowns. He should continue to feast as one of Dak Prescott’s safest targets, only now he’ll have more room to get a running start before he jumps over people. He’s technically already had his breakout season, but he could be in store for some more career-bests this year, which would have driven up his price entering free agency next offseason.

He’s A Keeper​

The Cowboys are very particular about the players they decide to retain. Players like Schultz, Tyler Biadasz, and Tony Pollard are also fourth-rounders who turned into Pro Bowl players, but the team opted to let them walk in free agency. They obviously don’t view Ferguson in the same light.

This is great news considering the Cowboys' new offensive coordinator is a former offensive line coach who is masterful in utilizing his tight ends. Klayton Adams did a great job with Trey McBride, Tip Reiman, and Elijah Higgins in Arizona, all of whom logged over 400 snaps last year. Ferguson is known for his impact as a receiver, but he’s a well-rounded player. His skill set, from good hands to his toughness to his peskiness as a blocker, makes him a valuable asset to this team, and it’s nice to have the endorsement of the new coaching staff.

They Won’t Have To Reload In 2026​

Tight ends are important for Prescott. Whether it’s Jason Witten, Schultz, or Ferguson, Prescott loves to have someone underneath he can count on. The team loved what they saw out of Luke Schoonmaker coming out of Michigan; however, after two lackluster seasons, it doesn’t look like he’s going to follow in those same footsteps.

Schoonmaker is still developing, and they also have second-year undrafted free agent Brevyn Spann-Ford on the roster, but those guys now feel like luxuries rather than players that must step up to help them transition into the future. With Ferguson locked down for the next five seasons, the Cowboys won’t have to worry about who will be their primary tight end for many years to come.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...-love-contract-extension-average-yearly-value

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

2 winners and 2 losers from the Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys extension

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Here are two winners and two losers from the Jake Ferguson contract extension with the Cowboys.

The Dallas Cowboys struck an extension with tight end Jake Ferguson on Sunday and the first domino of that sort has now officially fallen. Obviously we hope, and on some level anticipate, that others will soon (Micah Parsons, duh).

What separates the Ferguson extension from others like Parsons that could come in the near future is that Ferguson has only just become eligible for an extension (as soon as this offseason began technically). Being proactive with players is something Dallas has shown a willingness to do... for the right price. Given that Ferguson is coming off of a down year the opportunity was likely there so the Cowboys pounced and it worked out for everyone.

However we got here doesn’t matter relative to the conversation that we are about to have as Jake Ferguson’s extension is part of our new reality. Today we are going to discuss two winners and two losers from the deal.

Let’s begin.

---

Winner: Offensive continuity​

Things change in the NFL and that is normal, but it is always nice when you can maintain some level of consistency at the most important points. With Ferguson now taken care of the foreseeable future the Cowboys have their quarterback, top wide receiver and a very important pass-catcher all locked in place for the next few seasons (adding George Pickens in this capacity would be nice).

Consider the tight end position in and of itself. Prior to Ferguson the position was dominated by Dalton Schultz, a player who Dallas played the franchise tag dance with. There was nothing individually wrong with how the Cowboys went about things with Schultz, but he was a viable weapon himself and circumstances led to him leaving.

Consider that on some level Ferguson is now the tight end who the team has made the most serious commitment to since Jason Witten. Ensuring that there is a familiar face there is critical for reasons well beyond the obvious, and the Cowboys took care of that.

---

Winner: The Cowboys Front Office​

To be very clear here, the bar is low. Nevertheless, the front office just skipped over it.

There are a number of things that we could/would change about the way that the Cowboys front office goes about conducting business and those things remain true in a world where Jake Ferguson has his extension. Multiple things can be true.

Deals for Micah Parsons, DaRon Bland, Tyler Smith, Brandon Aubrey and George Pickens all (or whichever specific ones you prefer, you get the point) should have been taken care of by this point, but getting Ferguson done is not necessarily an indictment against those points.

The Cowboys are making a bet on Ferguson returning to form and are establishing a bit of an idea that if you play well for the team you will get paid. Obviously that isn’t entirely true.

Honestly I mean this in a way as to classify the front office as a winner despite the negative slant, but some things are unavoidable from a conversational standpoint. Factual things are factual regardless of the moment.

This moment though is a good one for Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones. They were proactive on a player and can legitimately high-five over it.

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Loser: Luke Schoonmaker​

It is hard to come to any other conclusion, unfortunately.

As noted, this extension makes Jake Ferguson the top-level tight end on the Cowboys for the foreseeable future. That future very certainly includes and will overlap with the time remaining on Luke Schoonmaker’s rookie contract. Any idea that he will emerge as the top option on the team at the position is fighting an uphill battle.

Schoonmaker has dealt with a few injury situations since joining the Cowboys and that has obviously been an unfortunate thing for him to navigate. We have yet to fully see how Brian Schottenheimer is going to call the offense so it is certainly possible that he can carve out a role in it, but it feels fair to say that the opportunities in the future just shrank a bit.

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Loser: Another second-round pick​

The intention here is not to basically say “Luke Schoonmaker again”, but this point is hard to not include. Two years after taking Schoonmaker with a second-round pick the Cowboys gave a contract extension to someone other than him at his position. That is not a great overall look.

No one is suggesting that Dallas should have forced an extension to Schoonmaker in the future or anything like that. We are not arguing a sunk cost fallacy. You take your chances and adapt along the way and live with the consequences. That is a totally fine way to operate.

Bu the Cowboys have a horrid history of success in the second round and this will not do that reputation any favors. Missing is an understandable thing as it happens in the NFL, but missing with regularity is an issue, especially with a top-level asset.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...-ferguson-contract-extension-luke-schoonmaker

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Cowboys training camp 2025 coverage from social media: Highlights from practice #6

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Here is what social media had to say about Monday’s Dallas Cowboys practice

It’s a new week and a whole new portion of training camp for the Dallas Cowboys. Here’s some of the key moments and highlights from the day, along with some thoughts from Cowboys fans.

No Micah Parsons on the field today.

Daily Micah Parsons update: no practice today. pic.twitter.com/zwoBZoEbDG

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) July 28, 2025​

Donovan Ezeiruaku gets us all started with his moves.

Practice No. 6 starts now (featuring a jump split from Donovan Ezeiruaku — who’s also extremely athletic).#Cowboys pic.twitter.com/P6NHusU64w

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) July 28, 2025​

Javonte Williams running hard.

Javonte Williams pic.twitter.com/62hnAhvd7S

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 28, 2025​

The connection remains strong between CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott.

Dak and CeeDee pic.twitter.com/HPzxJDDlkk

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 28, 2025​

Terence Steele was back in action after a brief injury issue.

Terence Steele is moving well on the ankle pic.twitter.com/7ySzV8A4TF

— Voch Lombardi (@VochLombardi) July 28, 2025​

We now have Jalen Cropper making splash plays.

Tough grab for Jalen Cropper pic.twitter.com/JxPSp9ehmt

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) July 28, 2025​

Joe Milton to Jalen Cropper pic.twitter.com/XqyogR7ino

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 28, 2025​

Check in for more updates in this.

Tyler Guyton is down. pic.twitter.com/1CD8hP94Nf

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2025​

PRAYER CIRCLE:

Tyler Guyton
please be ok

— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) July 28, 2025​

The rookie offensive linemen sets the tone.

Ajani Cornelius, a rookie sixth-round pick at OT, just sent a guy through the gates of Hell. #Cowboys #trainingcamp pic.twitter.com/PZULh0mZTk

— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) July 28, 2025​

Hunter Luepke keeps making plays and shining early here.

A lot of praise for FB Hunter Luepke early in camp pic.twitter.com/uPHshzq7Sw

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 28, 2025​

We had some more Ryan Flournoy action.

Joe Milton to Ryan Flournoy pic.twitter.com/TnZYo8JT7k

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 28, 2025​

We again see KaVontae Turpin taking the ball out from the backfield.

Back to back Turpin runs to open team#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/8Any3Pm88p

— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) July 28, 2025​

A sentence I never thought I’d write:

KaVontae Turpin just put Tyler Smith on the ground pic.twitter.com/w3kQAsAZ50

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) July 28, 2025​

turp too quick @KaVontaeTurpin | @AmericanAir pic.twitter.com/rjBidIZr8d

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) July 28, 2025​

The rookie linebacker was out there making plays.

Shemar James: thud pop. #Cowboys #trainingcamp pic.twitter.com/lHIgboHa8B

— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) July 28, 2025​

Malik Hooker proving to everyone he’s still out there and wants to make plays.

Oh yeah. The pads are poppin! Malik Hooker hits Cropper following a slight slip on the boundary. #CowboysCamp pic.twitter.com/QWF0bilO8v

— Kyle Youmans (@Kyle_Youmans) July 28, 2025​

Malik Hooker has had a really good day pic.twitter.com/MPBDtgweOr

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) July 28, 2025​

Malik Hooker is having a DAY both in coverage and in run support. #Cowboys #trainingcamp

— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) July 28, 2025​

Joe Milton taking the ball and showing off that athleticism.

Joe Milton pic.twitter.com/R42HualDIX

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 28, 2025​

There was Marist Liufau out there. He’s on fire at the moment.

Marist Liufau punches a ball free from John Stephens Jr. on the first play of team period at #Cowboys practice pic.twitter.com/kUhnfzmwZJ

— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) July 27, 2025​

Kaiir Elam manages to break up the play. Elam is having a solid camp so far.

Kaiir Elam PBU on George Pickens pic.twitter.com/W3S6WT3cHR

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) July 28, 2025​

We have some breaking DaRon Bland news.

Cowboys CB DaRon Bland said there have been talks between his agent and the Cowboys about a contract extension. “Dallas is always where I want to be. Hopefully can get it done.” pic.twitter.com/1tbw3OqU5a

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 28, 2025​

Finally, here’s a quick run down on the day.

Padded practice #2 thoughts @1053thefan

Good day for Guyton & Steele
Elam is so sticky in coverage
Strong practice for Hooker in coverage & vs run
Turpin being used all over the field
Ezeiruaku is a PROBLEM
Flus using some of the Zimmer staple double A gap blitz

— Zach Wolchuk (@ZachWolchuk) July 28, 2025​

Highlight of The Day​

This offense looks very dangerous, and with plays like this one by George Pickens, no wonder it’s a great time to be a Cowboys fan.

Dak Prescott connects on a deep ball to George Pickens pic.twitter.com/Rj0Afcj6Lz

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) July 28, 2025​

Fan Section​

Annual cowboys injury pic.twitter.com/HDvctlhYth

— ⁷ (@WhenTimePass) July 28, 2025​

Turpin should get at least 5-6 touches a week

— Doomsday_77 (@77Doomsday) July 28, 2025​

We’re gonna win it all

— WEDAD24 (@WegenDad) July 28, 2025​

Be sure to tag Blogging The Boys with your takes and feature in our Fan Section in each installment.​

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...rage-social-media-highlights-video-practice-6

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Cowboys training camp 2025 coverage from social media: Highlights from practice #7

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Here is what social media had to say about Wednesday’s Dallas Cowboys practice

Things are in full flow for the Dallas Cowboys in Oxnard now and some heroes are starting to shine. What heroes do we have today? Check out below with some coverage from social media on the highlights and most noteworthy moments from the day.

Cowboys are not in full pads today pic.twitter.com/B6vaMX11l9

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2025​

The good news is Tyler Guyton isn’t out for the season and a plan is in place to hold the left tackle position for now.

Nate Thomas will work with the first team at left tackle in Tyler Guyton's absence. Schottenheimer told Thms to "just go play." He's a "Big man. Great feet. Great Length and powerful."

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) July 30, 2025​

No Hakeem Adeniji today.

So the LT competition will be Asim Richards vs. Nate Thomas today. pic.twitter.com/Obe8JLbscw

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) July 30, 2025​

And on injury news, DeMarvion Overshown has been spotted.

DeMarvion Overshown has started doing the daily coach tradition of going through the stretching lines and shaking the hands of all his teammates. #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/BLJmBpgHoU

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) July 30, 2025​

The whole Dak Prescott to CeeDee Lamb thing is just too easy.

Dak and CeeDee pic.twitter.com/Unx6ffWZ1l

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2025​

Touchdown.

Dak to CeeDee Lamb with DaRon Bland in coverage. pic.twitter.com/0Q7Jb448wz

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) July 30, 2025​

Dak Prescott Ceedee Lamb for SIX #CowboysCamp pic.twitter.com/jKkOEgvaE1

— Kyle Youmans (@Kyle_Youmans) July 30, 2025​

In QB drills, Dak hits the mark with ease.

Dak Prescott target practice pic.twitter.com/VS7G7b9MUT

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2025​

Jake Ferguson making his extension worth it.

Cowboys working red zone. Jake Ferguson with the catch here pic.twitter.com/BW9M7ZdEUb

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) July 30, 2025​

Dak to Jake Ferguson TD pic.twitter.com/X3z3sGNilU

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2025​

George Pickens makes the touchdown grab.

Touchdown.

Dak to CeeDee Lamb with DaRon Bland in coverage. pic.twitter.com/0Q7Jb448wz

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) July 30, 2025​

George Pickens pic.twitter.com/HN0cvpwdXt

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2025​

Joe Milton finds John Stephens in the corner of the endzone.

Joe Milton to John Stephens pic.twitter.com/05GIEYZ1cv

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2025​

And then finds Princeton Fant.

Joe Milton to Princeton Fant pic.twitter.com/ICYHiJ3z4W

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2025​

Running backs all makes plays.

Javonte Williams pic.twitter.com/tGbmdiaXQc

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2025​

Jaydon Blue pic.twitter.com/l2pCZTQ7Iz

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2025​

Jaydon Blue getting some carries with the first team offense too #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/Z5N3YtFMga

— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) July 30, 2025​

Kaiir Elam continues to impress and shine in Oxnard.

Kaiir Elam interception pic.twitter.com/987lCcc19k

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2025​

Brian Schottenheimer has had enough of the fighting.

Ajani Cornelius kicked out of practice for fighting pic.twitter.com/EpDKnJ08NV

— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) July 30, 2025​

Too many fights cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer stops practice and makes Cowboys run pic.twitter.com/nVHgSXCcCO

— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) July 30, 2025​

Not sure ive seen this… Schotty stopped practice bc of too many fight and is now making them run sprints….

— ₗₐₙᴰₒₙ (@McCoolBCB) July 30, 2025​

Highlight of The Day​

Now add another receiver into the mix of spectacular catches.

Traeshon Holden pic.twitter.com/59U6MbUYxD

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2025​

(And the cherry on top, Holden scored again later).

Another Traeshon Holden TD pic.twitter.com/K0I9CYRnfV

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2025​

Fan Section​

I can’t say the last time I’ve actually been this excited for a cowboys season to start and it’s bc of schotty

— ‍ (@miguelthegoatc) July 30, 2025​

yes bring back Gilly

— SgtFoxx (@rw2lite) July 30, 2025​

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...rage-social-media-highlights-video-practice-7

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Cowboys training camp: Stock watch after testy 7th practice

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Discipline became a talking point on Wednesday

The Dallas Cowboys went through a testy, scrappy practice on Wednesday. We take a look at who helped themselves and who struggled.

Stock up​

Nate Thomas

The Cowboys avoided the worst case scenario with Tyler Guyton, as their left tackle’s ACL is still intact and he will only miss a few weeks. Still, the Cowboys need someone else to step up in the interim, and it wasn’t immediately clear who that would be.

Wednesday’s practice changed that. Nate Thomas, the team’s seventh-round pick from last year, stepped in to handle the first team reps at left tackle.

Nate Thomas will work with the first team at left tackle in Tyler Guyton's absence. Schottenheimer told Thms to "just go play." He's a "Big man. Great feet. Great Length and powerful."

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) July 30, 2025​

Schottenheimer has singled out Thomas before as someone showing real improvement, so this isn’t exactly surprising. Still, Thomas being the next man up at the most important position on the offensive line is significant considering the presence of longer tenured players.

Kemon Hall and Troy Pride Jr.

These two are getting lumped together for good reason. The Cowboys cornerbacks are currently accounting for a majority of the team’s injured list, granting opportunities to players towards the end of the roster. Both Kemon Hall and Troy Pride Jr. seem to be the two taking most advantage of it.

On Wednesday, the two took turns working with the first team defense, depending on where DaRon Bland lined up. When Bland played in the slot, Pride took the field on the outside. When Bland was out wide, Hall came in to play in the slot.

The two starting corner combos I’ve seen for the Cowboys today are contingent on DaRon Bland’s position.

When Bland is outside: Bland, Kaiir Elam and Kemon Hall in the slot.

When Bland is in the slot: Bland, Elam and Troy Pride Jr outside.

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) July 30, 2025​

Israel Mukuamu later saw some work outside in place of Pride, but he has better odds of making the roster. Hall looked like a potential 53rd man last year before an injury, while Pride is a former fourth-round pick out of Notre Dame.

Jaydon Blue

The eve of training camp brought unsubstantiated reports that rookie running back Jaydon Blue had work ethic issues, despite there being hardly any evidence to corroborate such a claim. Schottenheimer took a moment on Wednesday to specifically praise Blue.

Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer on rookie RB Jaydon Blue: “I think in the spring he picked it up slower than we had hoped. But not now. He’s got it. He’s figuring it out. He’s one of those guys that doesn’t say much, but there’s a big time competitive fire in there. He wants… pic.twitter.com/yE6WHiakaJ

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2025​

Blue has an intriguing skillset, for sure, and Schottenheimer’s comments Wednesday certainly don’t sound like someone with poor work ethic. Seemingly every running back has had a moment or two already in camp, but Blue might be hitting his stride now.

Stock down​

Discipline

There’s a tough line to walk in training camp. Coaches always want to preach effort and intensity, and that’s been a key point of emphasis for Schottenheimer since taking the job, but fights cannot be tolerated. Earlier in camp, Schottenheimer pulled some players early for getting into a scrap.

Wednesday, though, saw the intensity boil over to a new level. Schottenheimer made it explicitly clear how unacceptable it was, stopping practice to have the players run sprints.

things are again getting chippy at practice so Brian Schottenheimer is making the players run sideline to sideline.

and for several minutes. #Cowboys #trainingcamp pic.twitter.com/X9cF1vs1DX

— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) July 30, 2025​

Schottenheimer even ended practice early because of it. He gave a fiery speech to his players, reportedly with some colorful language, and CeeDee Lamb later gave a PG version of the speech that touched on the team’s lack of discipline.

Wednesday’s practice was cut short after one early ejection and a number of skirmishes that led Brian Schottenheimer to force the players to run a series of sprints. What was the coach’s message to the team?

CeeDee Lamb: pic.twitter.com/klxowiJ1xT

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) July 30, 2025​

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...ch-testy-7th-practice-nate-thomas-jaydon-blue

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Cowboys free agency: Dallas to work out former team offensive lineman La’el Collins

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

The Cowboys are reportedly set to work out La’el Collins.

The Dallas Cowboys are dealing with a number of injuries early on in training camp, particularly along the offensive line. It has made sense to consider options for them to explore by way of free agency and they appear at least willing to do so.

ESPN’s Todd Archer reported on Thursday afternoon that the Cowboys will work out former team offensive lineman La’el Collins.

The Cowboys will work out veteran OL La’el Collins on Friday, according to sources. Collins started 71 of 74 games in three different stints with the Cowboys, including a practice squad slot at the end of '23. He did not play last year following his release from Buffalo.

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) July 31, 2025​

As noted the Cowboys are banged up along the offensive line. Terence Steele was reportedly dealing with an ankle issue and then Rob Jones fractured a bone in his neck, something that will sideline him 2-3 months. On top of that, second-year left tackle Tyler Guyton suffered a bone fracture that will take him out 4-6 weeks. That is a lot of attrition that was accumulating early.

What’s more is that on Thursday it was reported before practice that Hakeen Adeniji is dealing with a concussion.

Another offensive lineman down. Hakeem Adeniji suffered a concussion.

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) July 31, 2025​

As if this weren’t enough, the Cowboys were dealt another scary moment during practice when Tyler Smith left about 30 minutes early. Smith told reporters while walking off that it was fine and the Cowboys went on to say that matters were precautionary. Jerry Jones specified that Smith was dealing with tendinitis.

Cowboys All-Pro LG Tyler Smith (knee) leaving practice. Asked if he’s OK: “I’m straight.” pic.twitter.com/XEOCklEt9C

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 31, 2025​

Jerry Jones tells @dmn_cowboys that Tyler Smith left practice with tendinitis in his knee.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 31, 2025​

Clearly it makes sense for the Cowboys to look into veteran help along the offensive line, but La’el Collins’ name was probably not one that anybody saw surfacing any time soon. Collins obviously has a history with the team and was a prominent member of the offensive line in the early days of the Dak Prescott era, but it has been a minute to say the least.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...ree-agency-lael-collins-workout-training-camp

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Jonathan Mingo quietly making a case for Cowboys' WR3 job in training camp

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Who do you think is WR3 for the Cowboys?

Remember Jonathan Mingo, the wide receiver the Dallas Cowboys traded a fourth-round pick for from the Carolina Panthers last year? You know, the punchline of many jokes who has become an afterthought recently. Well, he's quietly having a good training camp and is creating quite the competition for the WR3 job behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

Unable to really acclimate to his new environment last year after arriving via trade, Mingo looks to have benefited from a full offseason in the Cowboys program, putting his nose to the grind stone in an attempt to better his positioning on the depth chart ahead of the 2025 NFL season. So far, it looks like it may be paying off.

Through nearly two weeks of training camp practices, Mingo has made play after play, connecting with both Dak Prescott and Joe Milton. He's starting to make himself known and even flashing more than who many assumed would be the WR3, Jalen Tolbert.

“I’m trying to get on the field,” Mingo said. “So, I’m out here competing every day, showing the coach how to do it in pass game and run game. I’ll do whatever they need me to do. But I’m trying to go out here, compete. I’m trying to get on the field. I’m trying to make plays. I feel like I haven’t showed my full potential. I feel like my full potential going to show this year. So, when my number called, I’m going to make my play and I’m just going to help the team win.”

There's a noticeable difference between this year and last so far for Mingo, and as a result, he looks to have created a serious competition for the WR3 job. Tolbert may have had the inside track to begin with, but Mingo's play so far in training camp may have created more of a neck-and-neck race.

While the WR3 job looks to be up for grabs right now, it's probably not a simple head-to-head battle between Mingo and Tolbert. Don't rule out KaVontae Turpin. He's been worked more into the passing game in training camp and has impressed. His speed, versatility, and elusiveness could create quite the mismatch weapon if utilized correctly.

This three-headed competition for the WR3 job is a good problem for the Cowboys to have, regardless who wins and emerges the victor. Mingo, Tolbert, and Turpin all bring something a little different to the table and could be mixed and matched in and out of the starting lineup throughout the season depending on different variables each week.

As far as Mingo is concerned though, as long as he continues to stack good days together in training camp and preseason, the more likely he'll achieve his goal of getting on the field more often this year and contributing. Right now that's all we can expect from No. 81 until the WR3 competition works itself out and the depth chart is finalized.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...king-case-wr3-job-training-camp-jalen-tolbert

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Cowboys training camp: Traeshon Holden does it again

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Traeshon Holden is making a name for himself.

Thursday’s practice started off right for the Dallas Cowboys. On Heroes Appreciation Day, the team had a flyover through clear blue skies in California, and Dak Prescott, along with head coach Brian Schottenheimer, greeted the fans in attendance. On the field, Prescott and the offense were on fire, hitting the deep ball and making pinpoint throws. The second unit was too shabby, either. Joe Milton made some very good throws and connected with his targets effectively.

For those on the bottom of the roster, it’s important to make a lasting impression. Anyone can be a flash in the pan at camp, but to stick in the mind of the coaches and personnel decision makers, you have to be consistent. After impressing in the previous practice, Traeshon Holden followed it up with another great day at training camp. Here’s how he did Thursday and why he’s again the undrafted star of the day.

On this first play, Holden does a great job of playing through the jam of Israel Mukuamu, and continues to fight through the pattern up the field. At the catch point, Holden does a tremendous job at catching the ball away from his body and somehow getting both feet in bounds for the highlight catch.

Traeshon Holden doing what he can to make himself this year's pet cat at WR

There's one every training camp! pic.twitter.com/H3T2g6uAmE

— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) July 31, 2025​

He followed that play up with another touchdown, making that three in the last two days. Holden does a great job of effortlessly catching the ball with his hands before running away from the defense on yet another accurate throw from Joe Milton.

Traeshon Holden pic.twitter.com/jXYGIiDJo4

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 31, 2025​

Competing with Holden is Jalen Cropper, who also had a nice day at practice, and Jonathan Mingo is pushing for at least the number four receiver spot. It’s imperative that Holden carry this progress into the coming weeks to force the coaches into a very difficult decision at the end of the summer. However, it was another exceptional day for the undrafted wideout.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...ining-camp-traeshon-holden-wide-receiver-udfa

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

A ‘neutral’ mindset helped Nate Thomas prepare him for his moment as a starter

Chris Jones-Imagn Images

The Cowboys former seventh-round pick sounds confident stepping in for Tyler Guyton

At the start of his media session on Wednesday, there was a light-hearted moment when Nate Thomas didn’t know where to look while answering questions. Being in the spotlight is something new for the Dallas Cowboys' left tackle, but it sounds like Thomas isn't letting the attention change anything about his approach and is making sure he stays “neutral.”

“I don’t think it’s any added pressure,” Thomas said. “I just have to block the noise out if anything...We have a saying that we like to stay neutral. No matter how things may seem, good or bad, we just have to understand that staying [we’re] in neutral making sure we taking one step at a time, one play at a time, make sure we get the job done.”

That neutral mentality is something he learned last season when O2X, a world-class training and education provider for tactical athletes, firefighters, law enforcement, and those in high-stress work environments, visited the team facility to discuss building mental strength on the football field. This group also works with quarterback Dak Prescott during the offseason and helps facilitate his offensive retreat with the skill guys.

“We had this group O2X come in; they came in last year, and that’s kind of when everything started where it was like during the game you may have a certain amount of minutes where things are high, a certain amount of minutes where things are low, but you mainly want to stay in that neutral position because you still have a job to do.”

Thomas' new job is to step in with the first team at left tackle after Tyler Guyton went down this week with what turned out to be a bone fracture, instead of a torn ACL, that will likely keep him out four to six weeks.

Other candidates on the Cowboys' depth chart could have been considered first based solely on experience. Asim Richards is entering his third season with the team and started one game at left tackle against the Philadelphia Eagles last year. Hakeem Adeniji signed with Dallas this offseason as a free agent and has been in the league since 2020, but has not played at a tackle position since his rookie COVID year.

As head coach Brian Schottenheimer put it, both players are still in the mix and will get looks with the first team as well, but the tip of the cap goes to Thomas first. Having a neutral mindset isn’t the only thing that helped prepare the second-year player for this moment. Thomas spent a month working out with quarterback Dak Prescott this offseason, and in true leadership fashion, Prescott told him to stay ready for when his time comes.

#Cowboys LT Nate Thomas talking about how he and Dak Prescott worked out together for a month in the offseason and how the quarterback told him to stay ready for his moment.

( : @dallascowboys on YT) pic.twitter.com/Tk4ijIj7Xy

— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) July 31, 2025​

Coming out of college from Louisiana and playing for the Rajin Cajuns, Thomas showed some strong play at the left tackle position. He also showed promise of having some flexibility to kick inside, which was the original plan last season under Mike McCarthy.

However, knee tendinitis and a “slight tear in his patella” kept him sidelined for the entire 2024 season. Coming into the offseason and training camp, Thomas was almost on the outside looking in, considering all of the quality depth Dallas brought in this offseason. He looked like he was in for a battle just to maintain a roster spot.

Now, the dark horse candidate has become the lead horse for what could be lining up against the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants the first two weeks of the season, depending on Guyton’s timeline to return. Having a veteran like Tyler Smith at his side, who has already helped Thomas a ton in this transition, should help as he steps into this lead role.

For now, Thomas will apply the lessons he learned last year during his time away from the field. He will not get too high or too low in these moments and will focus on the task at hand—being himself and being the best left tackle for the Dallas Cowboys.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...l-mindset-prepare-starter-tyler-guyton-injury

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

The 3 most likely conclusions to Cowboys/Micah Parsons feud

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

How do you think things end with the Cowboys and Micah Parsons?

Micah Parsons has always known how to command the spotlight - something you’d think would endear Jerry Jones to him even more - but the All-Pro pass rusher set the internet on fire Friday with his announcement that he’s requested a trade amid an ongoing dispute in his contract negotiations.

What happens next is anyone’s guess. The Cowboys have always managed to sign players to deals when they really want to, though not without plenty of teeth gnashing, but Parsons is certainly a unique example given how vocal and candid he tends to be. That said, here are the three most likely conclusions to this feud, ranked in order.

Parsons plays in 2025, gets tagged, and a deal gets done​

The most likely outcome at this point is that no deal gets done before the end of the year, at which point the Cowboys would almost certainly use the franchise tag. Parsons could always sit out until a deal is done, but that’s a big risk that could see him lose millions by way of fines.

Besides, Parsons loves football too much to sit out an entire year, as evidenced in minicamp earlier this year.

The hope here on the part of Jerry and Stephen Jones is that the strategy buys them enough time to repair the relationship, and perhaps remember that a fundamental part of paying players is talking to their agent. A similar dynamic played out with Dak Prescott, though social media wasn’t nearly as big of a factor there.

This is a path that I’ve been cautioning against for months now, but it feels inevitable. The Cowboys are dead set on doing things their way, and Parsons is much more stubborn than most players they’ve encountered before.

Much like Prescott in the past, Parsons has all the leverage and he definitely doesn’t seem afraid to use it. Consider just how stark the difference has been for Dallas with and without Parsons on the field.

Over the last four years, the Cowboys are the league's best defense with Micah Parsons on the field by EPA per play.

Across a 1,039-play sample, they're the league's second-worst defense over that same stretch by EPA per play when Parsons isn't on the field.

— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) August 1, 2025​

Parsons understands this, and it’s why he’s digging in now. The Joneses will eventually cave - they always do - but it’s a matter of how long they’re willing to hold out. That franchise tag gives them a much longer runway for said holdout.

Cowboys cave and pay Parsons now, plus a premium​

On the topic of caving, the Joneses could always cave now. The overly public nature of this particular saga might be too much for them to handle. Jerry Jones might react to this sort of embarrassment by doing what billionaires usually do: throw money at the problem.

It’ll have to be a lot of money, though. Parsons has said multiple times in the past that he doesn’t necessarily need to be the highest paid defensive player, but that was before Jerry and Stephen made comments disparaging both Parsons and his agent. Now, the relationship is damaged and needs mending.

Time heals all wounds (hence the first scenario) but sometimes money can, too. If the Cowboys are going to get Parsons inked to an extension before the season starts, or even during the season, it will come at a steeper price than initially believed. And Parsons was already likely to draw a hefty price tag.

Presently, Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt leads all non-quarterbacks in both annual average value and guaranteed money; his three-year extension signed a couple weeks ago pays an average salary of $41 million with $108 million guaranteed. Nick Bosa, on the other hand, leads all non-quarterbacks in total contract value with $170 million.

If the Cowboys are getting a Parsons deal done now, after all the perceived disrespect from both sides, the numbers have to start there. A four-year deal paying $45 million a year would put Parsons at the same rate as Kirk Cousins, for comparison, with $180 million total value. However, Parsons’ agent may seek to make him the first defensive player to ink a $200 million deal just to spite the Joneses now.

This scenario is going to come with the highest possible price tag, which is why it isn’t the most likely outcome. Still, it’s a plausible path to a quick resolution, should the Joneses suddenly be interested in such a radical concept.

They pull off a trade that makes Herschel Walker blush ​

First things first, the chances of a Parsons trade are exceptionally low. Anonymous sources indicated as much shortly after Parsons’ bombshell announcement on Friday.

Despite Micah Parsons’ trade request on Friday, the Dallas Cowboys do not plan on moving their star pass rusher, multiple team sources tell @startelegram.

The Cowboys maintain control over Parsons’ future and have a franchise tag to use in 2026 if needed.https://t.co/vlyXhaE2k4

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) August 1, 2025​

That’s hardly surprising, and it’s almost a certainty that Parsons requested a trade as a negotiating tactic rather than actually wanting to play somewhere other than the team he’s grown up rooting for. In fact, any such trade for a player of Parsons’ caliber would have to be so comically lopsided in terms of assets being exchanged that it would rival the infamous Herschel Walker trade.

There is not a draft package in existence that you could get for Micah Parsons that would be better for the Cowboys from 2025-2028 than having Micah Parsons would be.

— Joey Ickes (@JoeyIckes) August 1, 2025​

Here's what I wrote about Micah Parsons in the Trade Tiers piece earlier this week. The realistic expectation would be three first-round picks (or some combo of players/draft capital that adds up to three first-round picks). Every team should be interested. pic.twitter.com/q0stIlls6s

— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) August 1, 2025​

That’s why this is the least likely outcome. Teams just don’t trade away that much capital anymore, largely because of that Herschel Walker trade. Three first-round picks is too much for teams to give up even for a star quarterback - the Browns did it, were immediately roasted for it, and have been trying to undo that damage ever since - let alone a pass rusher.

Not only is the rest of the league unlikely to offer what would be necessary for a fair trade, but the Cowboys are notoriously bad at trades. They’ve made comments in the past about waiting for teams to call them at the trade deadline, and have had multiple imminent trades fall through at the last second (see: Thomas, Earl and Adams, Jamal).

Parsons is a completely different animal (a lion, to be exact) when it comes to trade talks, and the Cowboys simply don’t have the wherewithal to talk another team into paying even fair market value for him, let alone getting a trade that makes it worth giving up such an immensely talented player.

That said, all it takes is one team to offer the right package (see: Harrison, Nico). And in the world where Parsons does get traded, it’s for something so ridiculous that it sets the team up for future success in a way no other trade could. If that sounds too good to be true, it’s because it is, but stranger things have happened.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...feud-contract-trade-3-most-likely-conclusions

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Jerry Jones: Dallas Cowboys not considering trading Micah Parsons

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jerry Jones noted the Cowboys do not have any plans on trading Micah Parsons.

The Dallas Cowboys will not be trading Micah Parsons. Jerry Jones himself noted this following Saturday’s training camp practice.

Jerry Jones says that he isn’t considering trading Micah Parsons, despite his trade request.

Jones said about the deal that was on the table in March?

“Micah took it off the table.”

More coming soon on @dallasnews. pic.twitter.com/4sfuzIfvof

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 2, 2025​

In case you somehow missed it... Micah Parsons reached a particular point in his contract negotiations with the Cowboys that led to him formally requesting a trade away from the team on Friday. Jerry clearly does not want to do that.

Even when Micah made the request it never seemed logical for the Cowboys to actually trade him away. The collective opinion seems to be that this will inevitably get worked out after some more theatrics, many people assumed all along that it would drag on and take forever like previous contract extensions for other superstars.

Cowboys fans do seem to be getting tired of this act, though. During Saturday’s practice, the first one following Micah’s public statement noting his request, fans expressed displeasure with team leadership and chanted on behalf of Micah.

A couple fans getting the day started. pic.twitter.com/teGBOjoYMN

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 2, 2025​

Cowboys fans chanting for Micah Parsons pic.twitter.com/JFdyUaEAJR

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 2, 2025​

None of this seems to bother Jerry Jones though, as indicated. In addition to saying that the Cowboys do not plan on trading away Micah he told fans that they needn’t lose any sleep over the situation.

Jerry Jones on the Micah Parsons trade request:

“I would say to our fans, don’t lose any sleep over this.” pic.twitter.com/i56DFVH9D3

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) August 2, 2025​

Ultimately it is this writer’s opinion that no fans are losing sleep. This is the case because (as indicated) we all have a good idea of how this is going to end.

While we may not be losing sleep that the situation continues to follow the path that it does is upsetting as it causes unnecessary drama and friction for the team. Headlines from Oxnard right now should be about Donovan Ezeiruaku shining or George Pickens meshing with the team or any other positives that we have talked about, but the Micah issue has taken up everything else because reasons or something like that.

The Dallas Cowboys Way.

Update: 4:55pm ET​

Just for full context... Jerry Jones noted that he has not (at the time of this X post) spoken to Micah in the aftermath of the trade request.

Jerry Jones said he's not talked to Micah Parsons since his trade request.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 2, 2025​

Technically speaking... part of Micah’s issue was the lack of involvement for his agent. Perhaps Jerry isn’t talking to Micah because the plan is to follow his request.

That seems like a very positive spin though!

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2025/8/2/24479706/jerry-jones-cowboys-will-not-trade-micah-parsons

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Despite the contract frustrations, the Cowboys front office doesn’t let talented players get away

Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images

It can be irritating at times, but the Cowboys have a strong track record of keeping their star players.

Jerry Jones is something else. As a fan who had a front row seat to the madness that he brought to the Dallas Cowboys in the post-Jimmy Johnson era, he’ll never get a Christmas card from yours truly. That’s because there was a point in time when Jones was a legit meddler, having his hands in all sorts of football operation decisions. Whether it was poor drafting, bad trades, or misuse of cap resources in free agency, the Cowboys' front office used to be really bad.

Used to be.

Those past actions are why some fans (growing fewer by the day) still have a little more tolerance of what’s going on right now. That’s because the group that is the front office is much different now. Stephen Jones and Will McClay have stronger voices, and there are several individuals, unbeknownst to us, who make up the team’s scouting department. All of them collectively are responsible for deciding who gets drafted, which players to trade for, and who is worthy of the free agent budget they have allocated. This group we speak of, not Jerry Jones, is pretty good at building a roster.

Roster quality aside, it’s still annoying to go through this rigmarole of dragged-out contract negotiations every single year. While it’s no fun to sit through, the net result is always the same - the Cowboys keep the players they want. It’s really that simple. The only thing we might add is that their definition of “want” falls into a window of what they’re willing to pay. They may have “wanted” to keep Tony Pollard, but not for the price he was getting on the open market.

The delineation of who stays and who goes is something we endure every offseason. And now, we’re sitting right in the middle of a hornet’s nest that is the Micah Parsons contract saga, wondering if the team might not retain one of its best players. That is crazy. While we may feel a certain way about it as the drama unfolds, when the dust settles, the Cowboys end up on the right side of things more often than not. Looking over the last 10 years, here are some frustrating departures and how they ultimately turned out.

Moving on from Tony Romo​

This was a tough pill to swallow as the Romo faithful didn’t want to see him go, but clearly, Father Time was not in his corner. After repeated years where he couldn’t stay healthy, the Cowboys were fortunate to have drafted Dak Prescott at the most opportune time. Some still would have preferred to ride or die with Romo in 2016, but regardless, moving on from him turned out to be the right move.

Romo never played another down of football after his final season with the Cowboys. Instead, the Prescott era continued as the Cowboys were fortunate to transition from one lovable quarterback who dazzles but also comes up short in big moments, to another.

Letting Byron Jones walk​

The UConn defensive back was an athletic player, and despite the coaching staff struggling to find out where to play him, he did a good job roaming the Cowboys' secondary for five seasons. After wasting away at safety for three years, the team moved him to cornerback, and he immediately excelled, putting together an All-Pro season. Oddly, the Cowboys scored Jones for a cheaper fifth-year option price (because he was formerly a safety), but then let him walk.

This decision was met with a lot of criticism, but the Cowboys knew what they had in him. He was good, but wasn’t a shutdown corner worthy of the money the Miami Dolphins threw at him. The Cowboys collected their compensatory pick while the Dolphins soon had buyer's remorse as Jones was cut loose after just two seasons. What looked like a front office mistake was actually a smart decision.

Trading Amari Cooper​

As someone who wasn’t happy when the team parted ways with Cooper, this one isn’t fun to defend. Cooper was a good receiver and put together two straight 1,000-yard seasons in Cleveland after he was traded from the Cowboys. While this remains a questionable decision, you can at least see the Cowboys' rationale for doing it. They wanted to spend their $20 million in cap resources elsewhere, as they had an eventual 1,700-yard receiver on their roster in CeeDee Lamb.

And then there is always the mistaken perception that the Cowboys should have gotten more than just a fifth-round pick for him. That would have been nice, but it was never going to happen. That was Cooper’s draft value when also taking on his contract. If he were worth more, another team would have paid it, but none of the 30 other teams felt compelled to give more. The Cowboys' mistake wasn’t giving up Cooper, and it certainly wasn’t giving him up for just a fifth. Their mistake was not having an adequate replacement.

The Randy Gregory Debacle​

Never have fans been so upset with a failed contract negotiation as they were when a deal was reported to be done with edge rusher Randy Gregory, only to learn that he had signed with the Denver Broncos hours later. What a crazy sequence. Reports were that the Cowboys tried to be sneaky sneakertons and insert contract language that would void his guarantees if he was fined or suspended. Gregory took offense and became the first player to take a stand against the front office’s controlling ways. In the end, it was the Cowboys who got the last laugh.

Gregory got into a fight during a game and did get fined (suspension was overruled), but the Broncos didn’t have the protection the Cowboys asked for. They shelled out $26.3 million for a player who did next to nothing for them. Ironically, the Joneses' controlling ways helped them dodge a bullet.

Saying goodbye to Tyron Smith​

The writing had been on the wall for a while as the veteran left tackle struggled mightily to stay on the field. Moving on from Smith was necessary. Strangely, the Cowboys decided to finally cut the cord after his healthiest season over the past four years, and he even earned All-Pro honors for the first time since 2016. His last year in Dallas was managed very effectively, both in terms of resting him at times as well as signing him to a contract with incentives based on playing time. It worked out so well that people wanted them to do it again the following season.

The Cowboys ultimately decided the time had come and parted ways with Smith in hopes of replacing him in what was a deep draft class of offensive tackles. Smith signed with the New York Jets, where he missed seven games, and when he was on the field, he wasn’t all that great. Finally, the team jumped ship at the right time rather than being a year too late, but it wasn’t without criticism when the decision was first made.

At the end of the day...​

All of these moves were heavily criticized in real time. All five of these guys play the “money five” premium positions in the NFL, and in most cases, the team had a better option in their back pocket. Prescott, Lamb, and soon Parsons will make up the Cowboys' top three paid players, and they were all factors when the team decided to move on from these other guys.

When criticizing the front office, we should try to remember that the Cowboys aren’t in the business of letting their stars get away. When was the last time you were genuinely upset about a player leaving, and how long did you stay upset? But more than that, we should also take comfort in the fact that these drama-filled contract negotiations take place because the Cowboys keep drafting star talent. That’s a good problem to have.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...strations-front-office-keeps-talented-players

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Cowboys training camp: Brock Hoffman hops in for Tyler Smith

Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Reserve offensive lineman steps into the starting lineup

As the song goes, it never rains in Southern California. That is, unless you're the Dallas Cowboys. The team has been hit by one bit of troubling news after another. First, it was Tyler Guyton's injury that would keep him sidelined for 4-6 weeks. Then, it was the shocking trade demand by Micah Parsons.

Per Jerry Jones, it's just business to him, and we'll see about that. Then Tyler Smith was held out of practice with an injury of his own. It has been a lot happening for the Cowboys. However, the misfortune has created an opportunity for others, and today's undrafted star of the day stepped right up.

Dak Prescott to Jake Ferguson for a nice gain.

No Tyler Smith, so the left side for the Cowboys is once again LT Nate Thomas and LG Brock Hoffman. pic.twitter.com/A06ftAg7lm

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 2, 2025​

Brock Hoffman got some burn today with the ones in relief of Tyler Smith, and the offense didn't miss a beat as Dak Prescott connected on some great throws down the field to his receivers. When Hoffman has played a few games in his career, he has looked competent and plays with a mean streak, often finishing his blocks and making smaller defenders pay for allowing him to get to the second level of the defense.

Hoffman lost the center job to Cooper Beebe last season but that hasn't deterred him, he keeps working hard and making the most of the snaps he gets. He can play either of the interior line spots and has great power in his game as a run blocker. Playing under the exclusive rights tender, this could be Hoffman's last year in Dallas. Per PFF, Hoffman had a respectable 66.3 grade, ranking 44th out of 136 guards.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...amp-brock-hoffman-replaces-tyler-smith-injury

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Cowboys training camp: Mazi Smith exits Monday practice with injury

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Mazi Smith left Monday’s Dallas Cowboys practice with an apparent injury.

The Dallas Cowboys returned to practice on Monday and for the record Micah Parsons was still not a part of the on-field festivities. As you were.

Unfortunately the Cowboys received some more bad news once practice got underway as defensive tackle Mazi Smith left practice to head into the injury tent. Smith would go on to leave the tent and exit the practice field entirely.

Mazi Smith is out of the tent and leaving the practice field #Cowboys https://t.co/M80me2Kkkv pic.twitter.com/YG16q1A5xO

— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) August 4, 2025​

The Cowboys have been dealing with a number of injuries ever since camp started with several of them coming along the offensive line. There is not a ton of depth along the interior of the defensive line and even though he has struggled to live up to his draft pedigree, Smith has figured to be a big part of the plan moving into the 2025 season. Any serious injury to him would be significant for the team at large.

We’ll have to wait and see what ultimately is going on with Mazi Smith.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...h-leaves-monday-training-camp-practice-injury

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Cowboys training camp 2025 coverage from social media: Highlights from practice #10

Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images

Here is what social media had to say about Monday’s Dallas Cowboys practice

Welcome to a brand new week in Oxnard as things gear up towards the joint practice with the L.A. Rams. Here are the highlight plays and noteworthy points made on social media from today’s practice for the Dallas Cowboys.

Some good news to start.

Tyler Smith is suited up and back at #Cowboys practice pic.twitter.com/WgZQE3wqXG

— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) August 4, 2025​

Juanyeh Thomas is still “a week or so” from being fully healthy again (#Cowboys aren’t concerned longterm).

good sign here, though: helmet back on and participating in early portion. pic.twitter.com/PqouOAXqCV

— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 4, 2025​

And Micah Parsons was in attendance.

Daily update: Micah Parsons has his jersey on, but isn’t practicing. pic.twitter.com/KwjIZSJLVD

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 4, 2025​

Micah Parsons with Matt Eberflus during individual drills. pic.twitter.com/mJ0VniT5Ln

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 4, 2025​

DeMarvion Overshown doing more work and looks to be working hard to get ready for football as soon as he can.

DeMarvion Overshown doing rehab work. One note: I saw him do some LB zone drop backs and breaks for the first time today. He may have done it before, but that was notable. pic.twitter.com/BYoGABCU8G

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 4, 2025​

CeeDee Lamb keeps doing CeeDee Lamb things.

88. #Cowboys #trainingcamp pic.twitter.com/WcrGFR3o8j

— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 4, 2025​

CeeDee Lamb pic.twitter.com/jc0sfD5TxR

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 4, 2025​

And there goes George Pickens.

George Pickens pic.twitter.com/2CMxPOxSJL

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 4, 2025​

Everyone loves Jaydon Blue and these plays will only get you to love him more.

Jaydon Blue pic.twitter.com/b3jK9Pg5hP

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 4, 2025​

Jayden Blue slaloms in the hole. pic.twitter.com/ybzsKeVruW

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 4, 2025​

We also got to see a little more of Javonte Williams. And after Brian Schottenheimer’s comments today on Phil Mafah, everyone got to see what the head coach was talking about.

Javonte Williams pic.twitter.com/tkaEn16x1y

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 4, 2025​

Phil Mafah pic.twitter.com/KxkrMNd50b

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 4, 2025​

We go back to Dak using his legs to make plays. Seeing this at every practice now.

Dak run pic.twitter.com/1iPhdzkscl

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 4, 2025​

They let KaVontae Turpin fly again.

KaVontae Turpin pic.twitter.com/eh3pNeYg4m

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 4, 2025​

Now we have Princeton Fant making elite plays.

Joe Milton with a dump off to Princeton Fant. Brian Schottenheimer said Milton needs to do more of that. pic.twitter.com/4m1bNEBYGv

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 4, 2025​

And Jalen Brooks.

Jalen Brooks goes UP for this grab on the sideline pic.twitter.com/HKKnb5E4Qg

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) August 4, 2025​

And we’ve seen Jalen Cropper do this more than once at Oxnard. The wide receivers are certainly in a battle here.

Jalen Cropper pic.twitter.com/ngpjUKiNoM

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 4, 2025​

Really nice catch and run from Jalen Cropper on a pass from Joe Milton.

Assistant WR coach Tiquan Underwood yelled, “I see you Crop!” pic.twitter.com/uoMVoRmwWy

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 4, 2025​

We finally get some 7-on-7. Life is good, and so is the offense.

How did Dak do in 7-on-7 redzone? Completed his first three passes with ease for touchdowns. Ceedee, Tolbert, and Mingo all with a grab #CowboysCamp pic.twitter.com/Xmas53cn5B

— Kyle Youmans (@Kyle_Youmans) August 4, 2025​

Joe Milton with a dart to Traeshon Holden in the back of the endzone in 7on7 pic.twitter.com/s1KtW7IC26

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 4, 2025​

Great day for Traeshon Holden. Back-to-back touchdown grabs in 7v7 red zone work.

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) August 4, 2025​

Mazi Smith has found it tough here in Oxnard and now he’s picked up a medical issue.

Mazi Smith is heading to the injury tent #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/uI4wIy0qBX

— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) August 4, 2025​

Highlight of The Day​

George Pickens keeps shaking things up with smart plays like this.

Dak to Pickens.

but in slow motion for ya. #Cowboys #trainingcamp pic.twitter.com/Ng0W7IHm4M

— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 4, 2025​

Fan Section​

Jerry actively sabotaging Schotty’s attempt at a culture change.

Who has it better than us

— CardiacCows (@cardiaccows) August 4, 2025​

A dream come true would be the selling of the team by the Jones family.

— CJ-L860 (aka FireguyMaGroin) (@Cj_L860) August 4, 2025​

Joe Milton , will he be the future QB

— B58 (@rayboogie21) August 4, 2025​

So much for things changing. Sounds like this team is gonna keep leading the league in penalties.

— Paytheman (@Drake__Baldwin) August 4, 2025​

Be sure to tag Blogging The Boys or comment on posts by BTB with your takes and feature in our Fan Section in each installment.​

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...age-social-media-highlights-video-practice-10

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Countdown to the season opener: Day 31 Erik Williams

We’re counting down the days until the Dallas Cowboys battle the Philadelphia Eagles in the season opener of the 2025 NFL season. To pass the time and mark the days, we are running through 100 Days of Cowboys. So sit back and enjoy some Cowboys history while we countdown to football.

Today – number 31.

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Erik Williams ​

Born: September 7, 1968. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Position: Offensive tackle
Dallas Cowboys: 1991-2000
Awards: Super Bowl champion- XXVII, XXVIII, XXX
All-Pro- 1993, 1995, 1996
Pro Bowl– 1993, 1996, 1997, 1999

Erik “Big E” Williams played offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys from 1991 to 2000. Drafted in the third round out of Central State University, Williams developed into one of the most dominant right tackles of the 1990s. Known for his aggression, power, and mean streak, he was a key part of the Cowboys’ legendary offensive line that paved the way for Emmitt Smith and protected Troy Aikman during the team’s three Super Bowl victories. Williams earned four Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors, and was considered elite in his prime.

Best known for:
Williams was best known for being the enforcer of the Cowboys’ offensive line, consistently overpowering defenders and setting the tone physically in both the run and pass game during the dynasty years.

Lesser known fact:
Williams suffered a near-fatal car accident in 1994 that severely injured his knee and face, threatening his career. Though he returned to play at a high level, many believe the accident prevented him from becoming a surefire Hall of Famer, highlighting both his talent and toughness in overcoming adversity.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...-countdown-season-opener-day-31-erik-williams

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

ESPN ranks the Cowboys new coaching staff as the fourth-worst in the NFL

The new season is approaching. With a new year, the hope is that better things will be on the horizon for the Dallas Cowboys. The front office has added some talent with a new draft class, some new free agents, and a handful of players acquired via trade.

The team will also roll with a new coaching staff that features the in-house promotion of Brian Schottenheimer. It also includes the return of Matt Eberflus, who will take over the defense after serving as the team’s linebacker coach from 2011-2017. And finally, the team poached offensive line coach Klayton Adams from Arizona and hired him as their new offensive coordinator.

Recently, ESPN’s Ben Solak ranked all the coaching staffs in the NFL, and this is where the Cowboys landed…

29. Dallas Cowboys​

Head coach: Brian Schottenheimer (first-year head coach)

Offensive Coordinator: Klayton Adams (first-year offensive coordinator)

Defensive Coordinator: Matt Eberflus (former head coach, former defensive coordinator)

One of the reasons for the team’s poor showing is attributed to Schottenheimer’s track record as a play-caller.

Schottenheimer called plays in 12 of those 14 seasons, but if we look at all 14, his average success rate on offense is 42.9% — the league average last year was 43.5%. His offenses score an average of 1.85 points per drive — the league average last year was 1.91. As far as expected points added per play, Schottenheimer’s offenses literally average out to 0.00.

The bad review didn’t solely fall on Schotty. Solak wasn’t too thrilled about Eberflus as the defensive coordinator either, with a problem that Cowboys fans have become all too familiar with.

Eberflus’ defenses tend to look strong against bad opponents but struggle against elite quarterbacks. Simple scheme — easy to find space.

The team has always fared well against lesser talent, only to be hit with a rude awakening when they are put to the test. This isn’t exactly the ringing endorsement we were hoping for.

There is some optimism. The team’s new offensive coordinator has a reputation for developing an effective rushing attack, which is something the Cowboys offense sorely needs.

Previously the Cardinals’ running game coordinator, Adams has a deep bag of quirky rushing schemes. An injection of creativity on the ground could be big for Schottenheimer’s offense.

There are seven teams with a new head coach this season, with two teams, the Las Vegas Raiders (Pete Carroll) and New England Patriots (Mike Vrabel), hiring former head coaches. Of the five teams with brand-new head coaches, only Jacksonville (Liam Coen) and New Orleans (Kellen Moore) finished worse than Dallas.

The NFC East group finished as follows:

32. New York Giants (Brian Daboll, entering fourth year as HC)

29. Dallas Cowboys

13. Washington Commanders (Dan Quinn, second year with Washington)

8. Philadelphia Eagles (Nick Siranni, fifth year with Philly)

Obviously, we are entering uncharted waters with this new staff in Dallas. While the Yelp reviews weren’t great when Schottenheimer was hired, he has started to grow on fans. If he can transform this team into a physical group that showcases more discipline on the field, that would be a nice step forward. If he can improve the offense with more motion, cut splits, and make run and passing plays appear the same, it will give that unit a fighting chance.

Ultimately, we won’t know until we see what this produces on the football field, but if this new coaching staff manages to follow through with their plan, they have the talent to make a little noise.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/dal...spn-ranks-new-coaching-staff-fourth-worst-nfl

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Countdown to the season opener: Day 29 Micah Parsons

We’re counting down the days until the Dallas Cowboys battle the Philadelphia Eagles in the season opener of the 2025 NFL season. To pass the time and mark the days, we are running through 100 Days of Cowboys. So sit back and enjoy some Cowboys history while we countdown to football.

Today – number 29

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Micah Parsons
Born: May 26, 1999. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Position: Linebacker
Dallas Cowboys: 2021-Active
Awards: NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year- 2021
All-Pro- 2021, 2022, 2023
Pro Bowl- 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Micah Parsons has played linebacker and edge rusher for the Dallas Cowboys since 2021, after being selected 12th overall out of Penn State. Bursting onto the scene as one of the NFL’s most disruptive defenders, Parsons won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021 and quickly became the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ defense. Known for his rare combination of speed, power, and versatility, he has earned multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections, consistently ranking among league leaders in sacks and pressures while striking fear into opposing quarterbacks.

Best known for:

Parsons is best known for his relentless pass rush and ability to play multiple positions, making him one of the most dynamic defensive players in the NFL today.

Lesser known fact:

In high school, Parsons was also a standout running back, rushing for over 1,200 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior. This athletic background contributed to his unique explosiveness and agility as an NFL defender.

✭ COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF ✭
With 100 days to go until the #Cowboys kickoff the season against the #Eagles, we are counting down with a @BloggingTheBoys Top-100 consensus ranking.

We asked staffers to give in their top-100, here is:

DAY 29
Micah Parsons#DallasCowboys… pic.twitter.com/cXDyijyQtw

— Mike Poland (@kenfigkowboy) August 6, 2025

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/dal...-countdown-season-opener-day-29-micah-parsons

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

NFC East news: Philadelphia makes a trade, New York releases early depth chart

The latest news from around the division.

Nick Sirianni explains why Eagles traded for Jakorian Bennet – Dave Zangaro, NBC Sports Philadelphia​

Philadelphia makes a trade to add secondary depth.

The Eagles on Monday night pulled off a trade to acquire cornerback Jakorian Bennett from the Raiders for defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV.

About 12 hours later, head coach Nick Sirianni was asked about the move at his Tuesday press conference.

“Howie (Roseman) does such a good job of continually trying to improve our football team,” Sirianni said. “No one does it better than he does and we thought that was an opportunity to add some depth at corner. We feel good about our depth.

“Obviously, we’ll miss [DT Thomas Booker] Book and wish him the best. We feel good about our depth at defensive tackle, but just a way to add some depth there at corner.”

Bennett, 24, was an early fourth-round pick out of Maryland back in 2023 and was actually taken one spot ahead of Kelee Ringo. In two seasons with the Raiders, Bennett played in 24 games with 11 starts. He started seven games last season before his season ended with a shoulder injury that needed surgery.

As the Eagles took the field on Tuesday morning, Bennett was already with them but not in uniform. Eventually, he’ll wear No. 49 when he does start practicing.

For the first 10 days of training camp, there has been a battle for the starting cornerback job opposite Quinyon Mitchell and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has said the competition has been “close” between Adoree’ Jackson and Ringo.

Jameis Winston listed 2nd, Jaxson Dart 3rd at QB on Giants’ 1st unofficial depth chart – Stephen Whyno, Associated Press​

New York’s first-round draft pick is listed as third string.

NEW YORK (AP) — Jameis Winston is listed as the backup quarterback and Jaxson Dart the third-stringer on the New York Giants’ first unofficial depth chart released Tuesday ahead of their preseason opener this weekend.

Winston, a 31-year-old veteran, and Dart, the rookie first-round pick and perceived QB of the future, have been alternating snaps with the second- and third-team offensive groups throughout training camp after Russell Wilson with the projected starters.

Coach Brian Daboll early this week has so far declined to reveal his plan as to who might play in the first exhibition game Saturday at the Buffalo Bills.

“We’re focused on us right now,” Daboll said Tuesday on a video call with reporters. “We’ll get to Buffalo later in the week. We’ll talk about it as a coaching staff and do what we think is best.”Injuries are part of the picture. Rookies Cam Skattebo and Beaux Collins have been sidelined from full team practice drills, and standout left tackle Andrew Thomas remains on the physically unable to perform list as he works his way back from October surgery for a Lisfranc injury in his right foot.

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Commanders rumors: Why everybody is still ‘feeling good’ about Terry McLaurin situation – Benedetto Vitale, ClutchPoints.com​

Despite contract negotiations and trade talks, the vibe still seems solid in Washington.

All eyes are on the Washington Commanders right now after Terry McLaurin requested a trade amid his contract dispute with the franchise. However, despite the concerns, rumors suggest that the organization is feeling positive about McLaurin’s situation.

There is some speculation that the Commanders, along with McLaurin’s representation, feel optimistic that a deal will eventually come to fruition, said JP Finlay of NBC Sports in a discussion he had with The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. From the sounds of it, both sides appear to want to reach a deal.

“Everyone feels good that this is going to get done, it’s just when and how do they land there…Yes, he asked for a trade, but does anybody really think he wants to go somewhere else? No.”Rumors suggest that Terry McLaurin is seeking a contract similar to the one DK Metcalf got from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Metcalf signed a four-year, $132 million extension with $60 million guaranteed after being traded to Pittsburgh. So, we’ll see if that’s something the Commanders give McLaurin.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/dal...kes-trade-new-york-releases-early-depth-chart

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

BTB Friday Discussion: Who will score the first points on Saturday?

The Dallas Cowboys begin preseason play on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams. Finally, we get to watch this team play a game of actual football.

Obviously this is still only a preseason game, but it will be a ton of fun to experience nonetheless. The Cowboys haven’t won their first preseason game in a year since 2017, a fun and weird fact, and it goes without saying that they will try to win on Saturday, even if it doesn’t matter if they win or lose in the grand scheme of things.

For our Friday discussion here at Blogging The Boys we are asking for some predictions! We want to know who you think will score the first points for the team on Saturday night, obviously assuming they do wind up scoring.

Your answer can be Brandon Aubrey by way of a field goal or a defender if you are feeling a touchdown from that side of the ball. Ultimately the question is which Cowboys player scores the first points for the team at SoFi Stadium.

Let us know your predictions in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/dal...oys-message-board-first-points-rams-preseason