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[Dallas Cowboys]

NFC East news: Jaxson Dart gets advice from former Brian Daboll QB

Josh Allen’s advice to rookie QB Jaxson Dart – Dan Salomone, Giants.com​

One New York QB shares his advice and wisdom with another.

The defending MVP won’t be playing, but Saturday will be surreal for Jaxson Dart in the home of Josh Allen.

Brian Daboll, who has worked on the ground floor of both first-round quarterbacks, did not announce if the Giants’ starters will play in the preseason opener in Buffalo.

Daboll, however, confirmed one thing.

“He’s playing,” Daboll said of Dart. “There you go. Tweet that out.”

Everyone did.

Thus, the 25th overall draft pick is set to begin his NFL journey. Whether that happens in the first or second half remains to be seen.

“This is just the start of a dream of mine,” Dart said. “So, I’m excited to take that next step, be out there, compete at the highest level. My family’s going to be there, so I’m super excited to have them a part of this journey with me and I think that’s really it. I’m just stoked for the opportunity.”

Days after the draft, which saw the Giants trade up to select Dart and pair him with Abdul Carter in the first round, the incoming rookie connected with the Bills quarterback. Two months earlier, Allen won his first league MVP award. It was the individual high point of a career that started with Daboll as his offensive coordinator in 2018.

“He’s been somebody who I’ve really looked up to and since coming here, just watching a ton of his tape and how he was able to operate Coach Dabs’ system,” Dart said. “It’s going to be kind of a surreal feeling to be on the same field as him.”

And that system has been known to be difficult to learn, even for veterans.

Knowing the offense is only a portion of a quarterback’s job description. Allen, who is 76-34 as a starter and has led the Bills to six postseason appearances, emphasized everything else.

“He talked a lot about leadership,” Dart said. “That was kind of like his main thing and then trying to be the best teammate for the guys around you because as a quarterback, you have to raise the standards of everybody. Obviously, schematics, I think that what shows up on Coach Dabs’ record is being able to coach many different quarterbacks who have different skill sets and kind of molding offenses around what they’re good at, so kind of just hone in on the key details of Coach Dabs’ offense and really trust it. I think, at times, maybe quarterbacks will predetermine things and not really trust the system, but the special thing about Coach Dabs is he gives us a ton of freedom, so there’s answers to everything that you can really think of.”

Eagles vs. Bengals Preseason: The good, the bad, and the ugly – Joseph Santoliquito, BleedingGreenNation.com​

Philly has played their first preseason game; here are some takeaways.

The Good​

Quarterback Tanner McKee looked good directing the Eagles 75 yards over nine plays for a touchdown on the Eagles’ opening drive. McKee was a perfect 2-for-2 for 27 yards and scored on a Brotherly Shove. He continues to show he has a command of the offense and is a very viable back-up to Jalen Hurts. McKee closed the first half completing 14 of 17 for 193 yards, with one bad throw. He threw for two touchdowns and scored on a Brotherly Shove play. He directed two scores in the last 2:46 of the half. Over six drives, McKee directed the Eagles to three touchdowns and two field goals, with one punt. He ended the night completing 20 of 25 for 252 yards and two touchdown passes.

Right guard Tyler Steen’s block on Bengals’ first-team linebacker Logan Wilson, steering him inside, creating a gaping hole on Will Shipley’s 38-yard run on the Eagles’ opening possession.

The Bad​

The Eagles were flagged 10 times for 80 yards.

Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson missing an open Johnny Wilson midway through the third quarter. Wilson was open and DTR overthrew him.

Cornerback Eli Ricks dropping a sure interception in the last minute of the first half.

Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson thundering through Eagles’ rookie linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. and rookie nickelback Mac McWilliams. Not a good preseason start for a pair of fifth-round picks.

The Ugly​

Tight end Grant Calcaterra’s drop on a third-and-5at the Bengals’ 26 on the Eagles’ second drive. McKee rolled right and found Calcaterra on the sideline, and the ball went right through his hands.

Cornerback Kelee Ringo’s terrible angle on Ja’Marr Chase on the Bengals’ second drive. Chase turned the Ringo mistake into a 36-yard touchdown reception and a 14-7 Bengals’ lead. On the play, Ringo did not use the sideline, allowing Chase to cut up field when he stepped inside the receiver. It turned into a very easy touchdown. The Eagles were in a blitz. Ringo did not crowd Chase, giving him way too much respect.

Could the Commanders use a rare rule with Terry McLaurin in 2025? – Serena Burks, USA Today​

Washington may have a trick up their sleeve with McLaurin’s contract negotiations.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin wants a contract extension. It’s not a secret; it’s been all over the news. He returned to the team during training camp, but did not pass the preseason physical and was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons and Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson also returned to their teams, but neither of them is practicing, holding out for their own extensions.

While talks between all three teams and players continue, each team has an option in its back pocket that it can use if an agreement is not reached. Former NFL agent and current CBS Sports writer Joel Corry writes:

Under the NFL Constitution and Bylaws, a team can send a player a letter informing him that he can be put on the reserve/left squad list if he doesn’t return within five days after leaving. Once placed on the reserve/left squad list, a player is prohibited from attending team meetings, practicing and playing for the rest of the season. This letter must be sent in order for a player to be put the reserve/left squad list.

The player’s contract also tolls where it is frozen and resumes the next year. For example, Parsons would be playing the 2026 season under his $24.007 million fifth-year option for 2025. A player doesn’t receive payment while his contract has tolled.

There are only a few times I can recall a five-day letter being sent over the last 20 years (Kentwan Balmer, Su’a Cravens, Percy Harvin and Richard Seymour). That’s because situations where one could be warranted are few and far between.

Now, none of these teams really wants to do that for a variety of reasons, but the Commanders specifically do not want to do that with McLaurin. For one thing, at the age of 30, sitting out an entire year will kill all of the momentum he’s built over the last five years. On top of that, McLaurin is an essential part of Jayden Daniels’ development.

Still, if push comes to shove and the Commanders decide they definitely don’t want to trade McLaurin, this is an option.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/dal...-east-news-jaxson-dart-gets-advice-josh-allen

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

3 under the radar Cowboys players to watch in Preseason Week 1

It’s highly unlikely we’ll see many of the Dallas Cowboys starters when they square off against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1 of the preseason. This is becoming common practice around the league as teams typically wait until the third preseason game to get their starters some work, if at all. The other preseason games are generally used to get a better understanding of the backups prior to when roster cuts need to be made to get under the league mandated 53-man limit.

Unfortunately, that takes a little bit of the excitement out of these preseason matches. As a fan though, it does give us the opportunity to get a better look at some of Dallas’ depth players this year, many of which could play important roles this season. That’s why today we decided to share some of the underrated players will be keeping an eye on Saturday afternoon against the Rams.

H-back Hunter Luepke​

Hunter Luepke is a little more well-known around Cowboys Nation than the other two players to make this list, but he’s still someone to keep an eye on in preseason as it looks like his offensive role will expand significantly in 2025 under Brian Schottenheimer and his coaching staff. You might want to keep an eye on where he lines up on any given play. Already in training camp we’ve seen him line up in the backfield as a fullback and halfback, and he’s also been seen taking snaps at tight end. The 2023 undrafted free agent’s position flex and versatility could make him a unique offensive weapon this season, getting him on the field more often than in years past.

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

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 28, 2025

CB Kemon Hall​

The Cowboys current situation at CB heading into preseason Week 1 is one of the biggest mysteries surrounding the roster to date. They’ve been mixing and matching different players throughout training camp trying to find the best fit until Trevon Diggs, Josh Butler, and Shavon Revel are able to return from their season-ending injuries. The biggest challenge seems to be who replaces Jourdan Lewis in the slot. DaRon Bland is likely the best option, but Dallas can’t seem to decide if he’s best outside or in. The next best option seems to be Kemon Hall, who has been playing in the slot when Bland is on the outside. A strong showing could earn him the job.

Kemon Hall makes plays pic.twitter.com/oedLiZvkeE

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 4, 2025

WR Traeshon Holden​

As an undrafted free agent this year, Traeshon Holden is one of the lesser-known wide receivers currently on the Cowboys roster. Despite going undrafted, Holden has been a training camp stand out, making noteworthy plays in nearly every practice. With CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Tolbert, and Jonathan Mingo ahead of him on the depth chart, he is currently sitting on the bubble to make Dallas’ final 53-man roster. If the Cowboys choose to stick with just five WRs on the roster this year he could be the odd man out. However, if his strong training camp carries over to the preseason he could force them to keep six.

Traeshon Holden pic.twitter.com/59U6MbUYxD

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2025

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/dal...-cowboys-players-to-watch-in-preseason-week-1

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Cowboys vs. Rams preseason: UDFA stars of the game

Much of the attention heading into last night’s game between the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams centered on how the offense would perform with Joe Milton playing under center for the majority of the contest and whether the defensive line could hold up against Los Angeles. The results were mixed. While Milton made improvements during the later stages of the game, he struggled with accuracy, often throwing behind his receivers. The Cowboys allowed the Rams to get chunk plays on the ground, which led to them racing out to a 14-0 lead. That said, even in a loss, there are some things the Cowboys can take away as positives, especially when evaluating the bottom of their roster. A few undrafted free agents made the most of their opportunity and were the undrafted stars of the night.

Traeshon Holden​

Traeshon Holden has put together some strong training camp performances and has made it a habit of making big plays down the field on a routine basis. We saw some of that carry over to the game against Los Angeles. Holden had the biggest offensive play of the night for the Cowboys, connecting with Joe Milton on a 36-yard gain down the right sideline. Although Milton did struggle to get on the same page with some of the receivers, Holden has been one of the more consistent targets for Milton.

7 down the sideline @Qbjayy7 x @Traeski11

: #DALvsLAR on CBS11
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/RmDxAeDdUk pic.twitter.com/GN8PUspxvv

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 10, 2025

Following his performance, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that Holden is going to move up the depth chart, and with good reason. Holden is a fiery competitor with an expressive demeanor and someone whose confidence grows with every big play he makes. As for how high up the depth chart Holden is moving up, we’ll see. For now, he appears to have an inside track to making a spot on the roster, and it could be his place to lose for the remainder of camp.

Zion Childress​

Although the defense didn’t have a productive night as a whole, Zion Childress managed to make plays and stand out from the crowd. Childress led the team with five solo tackles and made an excellent play to snuff the ball carrier on an end around to pick up a tackle for a loss. He disrupts passing lanes well and can play multiple different spots on the field. What’s important is that he is a willing tackler who can help in run support, but is versatile enough to play either slot cornerback or safety.

Currently, the Cowboys’ secondary is riddled with injuries, and another player went down as Robert Rochelle left the game with a hamstring injury. That leaves an open opportunity for Childress to see more playing time, and Dallas could give him a chance as the boundary cornerback with the team so thin at the position. His chances of making the roster may not be as strong as Holden’s, but he could lock his way onto the practice squad with repeat performances such as the one he had last night.

Malik Davis​

Malik Davis has had an interesting odyssey in the NFL since going undrafted in 2022. Davis has been a member of the Cowboys ever since, yet often bouncing back and forth between the active roster, free agency, and the practice squad. Now entering his fourth NFL season, Davis has less than 40 carry attempts under his belt, so he is very hungry to prove himself.

This offseason, Davis was waived by the team in the spring and re-signed to the roster just two days ago because of so many injuries at running back for the team. Yet, Davis was the team’s best offensive player against Los Angeles. He had fresh legs, he ran through contact, and demonstrated excellent vision once he got to the second level of the defense. He ran for 63 yards on only seven carries. His longest run was 16 yards, which speaks to how efficient he was on each of his touches.

As per usual for Davis, he has a big hill to climb in hopes of finding a spot on the roster. He very well could be destined for the practice squad again. However, his presence could make things very uncomfortable for Phil Mafah and Deuce Vaughn as we get closer to the roster cutdown.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/dal...ys-los-angeles-rams-preseason-udfa-stars-game

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

NFL insider: ‘No deal in sight’ for Micah Parsons and Cowboys

The numbers to know are 10 and 24.

We are 10 days removed from Micah Parsons publicly requesting a trade from the Dallas Cowboys and 24 days away from the team beginning their 2025 campaign. As you are aware, that will take place on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles, a team who has mastered the front office operations of football as they raise their second Super Bowl banner.

Micah Parsons is the best player on the Cowboys and if he played for the aforementioned Eagles, he likely would have had a contract extension taken care of long ago. That is simply the way that Philadelphia operates.

The Cowboys operate very differently, though. Dallas believes that they are in the right at this moment in time for (gestures at the sky) reasons and appear ready to hold onto that as long as possible.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter spoke on this matter for the most recent time on Monday morning over on Get Up. Schefter noted that there is no deal in sight between the parties and openly pontificated on the ambiguity of it all.

“No deal in sight. If there’s no deal in sight… what’s going to happen? Is Micah going to play in the opener? We’ve already heard Jerry Jones wonder about whether Micah would be out there on opening day.”

“What would be the Cowboys’ plan here? Well, if obviously they can’t get a long-term deal done, and the two sides are not even talking about it right now, then they can always have Micah this year… if he plays. And they have the franchise tag after this year. They’d have the franchise tag the next year. They have his rights, essentially, for three years. At some point in time you have to wonder if they would look to trade him.”

“Now they’ve been very opposed to that idea publicly saying, we’re not interested in trading him. He’s not going to be dealt. But you can’t not sign the guy and then you can’t not trade him. It’s one or the other. Either you’re going to work on a long-term deal, which they haven’t done with him, or you’re going to have to explore other options. Which they haven’t yet, but there are people around the league who wonder if they’ll get to that point in time.”

“Clearly, status quo, the way it is right now is not going to hold up. And so I think both sides are disappointed with the other side, we’re waiting to see where this goes. And there’s no deal in sight right now.”

Much of Schefter’s thoughts here are of factual variety as well. He is openly questioning what the plan is here, something we do quite often around the BTB universe when it comes to this team.

Where Schefter has a point that is opinion-based is in him saying that it is sort of time to you-know-what or get off the pot. The idea of trading Parsons is preposterous in this author’s opinion, but if you really are that far apart on what you each deem to be is fair and worthy (particularly so if you won’t even talk about it), then why not begin the process of capitalizing on the situation? This is at its core our biggest criticism of the front office. No moves, ones we both agree and disagree with, are done in the name of proactivity and achieving the highest level of efficiency possible. They are always catch-up moves.

In the conversation on the ESPN panel, Dan Orlovsky suggested that the Cowboys may not want to pay Parsons. To be clear he was searching for answers amid this chaos and was wondering whether or not they simply do not see eye-to-eye on overall things and that this may be why we are where we are. When you are this deep down the rabbit hole you have to start playing by the relative rules of engagement.

Schefter interrupted him and summarized the chaos of the situation well.

“He issued his trade request roughly 10 days ago.”

“There has been nothing that has transpired on a new contract since then.”

“Nothing.”

Adam Schefter on Monday morning’s episode of get up

Think about that for a second. Whether the Cowboys had or have any interest in trading Parsons (or getting an extension done!) wouldn’t it make sense to, crazy idea here, do something in the aftermath of something as intense as a trade request? To do, I don’t know, literally anything?

The panel continued to discuss the matter and Mike Tannenbaum threw out (preposterously, in my opinion) that Brian Schottenheimer should issue a decree to Parsons that if he is not on the field working in the next 10 days that he is not going to play in the opener regardless. Again, that seems like a silly idea, but the point here is that it relates to the football operations of this entire thing. You know, the important part.

That is why people are so frustrated that this situation continues to fester. The football gets compromised a little bit more each and every day.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/dal...-adam-schefter-no-deal-in-sight-trade-request

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott’s quote about NFC Championship makes some people lose their minds

It seemed fairly innocuous. As the Dallas Cowboys were readying to play the Los Angeles Rams in their preseason opener on Saturday, quarterback Dak Prescott was on the field with ownership from both teams. Word began to circulate that Dak told Stan Kroenke, the Rams owner, that the Cowboys would meet Los Angeles in the NFC Championship Game.

Dak Prescott shook hands with Rams owner Stan Kroenke, and then told him "We'll meet y'all in the NFC Championship." pic.twitter.com/KvDzpd0KAI

— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) August 10, 2025

This just seems like the way athletes talk. This is akin to telling someone to have a great summer on the last day of school or to saying Merry Christmas on a random December day. It is the thing that you say in the moment and in this moment there were two NFC teams chatting with the season’s full beginning just around the corner. Consider it another version of “good luck this year.”

Obviously things are never simple when it comes to the Cowboys, and the response to this comment has proven that. For the most part, there have been three different responses floating around:

1. “Let’s go Dak! This is the year!”
2. “I know some people are upset, but what else is he supposed to say? Dak has to be the leader. Even if he doesn’t believe this himself, he has to convey optimism, hope and positivity to those around him.”
3. “LOL THE COWBOYS ARE TERRIBLE CAN YOU BELIEVE HOW STUPID DAK IS FOR SAYING THIS?”

It’s hard to believe that anyone would feel any of these ways. Whether you are taking what Dak said positively or negatively, you are making a mountain out of a mole hill.

Dak will probably say the same thing to the Atlanta Falcons next week as they are another NFC team. He will probably tell the Baltimore Ravens that he hopes to see them in the Super Bowl when the Cowboys meet them a few days from now.

The Cowboys are the nuclear straw that stirs the drink and so it is low-hanging fruit for someone to take “Dak Prescott guarantees trip to NFC Championship Game” and run with it, but does anybody really think that’s what happened here? Are we really incapable of seeing that this was clearly just a casual comment from one NFC player to an NFC owner?

America’s Team. Or whatever.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/dal...cowboys-dak-prescott-nfc-championship-comment

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

Countdown to the season opener: Day 23 Deion Sanders

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 23

---

Deion Sanders

Born: August 9, 1967. Fort Myers, Florida
Position: Cornerback
Dallas Cowboys: 1995-1999
Awards: Super Bowl champion- XXIX, XXX
NFL Defensive Player of the Year- 1994
All-Pro- 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Pro Bowl- 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
NFL kickoff return yards leader- 1992

Deion Sanders played cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys from 1995 to 1999, bringing his unmatched speed, swagger, and playmaking ability to the team. Signed as a high-profile free agent, Sanders immediately elevated the Cowboys’ defense and special teams. In his first season with Dallas, he helped the team win Super Bowl XXX, making key plays in coverage and as a punt returner. During his time with the Cowboys, Sanders earned four Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro honors, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history.

Best known for:
Sanders was best known for being a solid cornerback but also as a dynamic return specialist, shutting down top receivers while electrifying fans with game-changing plays on special teams.

Lesser known fact:

While playing for the Cowboys, Sanders also lined up on offense as a wide receiver, recording receptions and even scoring a touchdown, showcasing his rare versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/dal.../countdown-season-opener-day-23-deion-sanders

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

DaRon Bland just showed how ridiculous the Cowboys are being with Micah Parsons

Today is August 12th. Micah Parsons remains a hold-in (although he has yet to use that specific verbiage) for the Dallas Cowboys. Here is a video of him leaving Tuesday’s practice after having not participated.

Micah Parsons leaving practice #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/JaBzr0GZ2l

— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) August 12, 2025

This contract situation has (like the many ones before it) gone on way too long for the Cowboys and for Parsons. It has become a distraction that is taking away from the team and their goal of finally delivering the ring to Mordor and ending the soon-to-be 30-year drought that hangs over the franchise.

Each and every time (because there are several instances) a contract situation becomes a thing for the Cowboys, they find a sticking point to use in their defense. At the moment Jerry Jones is leaning hard on a conversation that he and Parsons allegedly had where a deal/contract was allegedly worked out. Parsons has contested, even publicly within his trade request that is now almost two weeks old, that he felt those conversations were somewhat casual and that he will not be negotiating a deal without his agent, David Mulugheta, involved as a part of them.

Jerry Jones has acted pretty offended at the idea that Parsons’ agent needs to be a part of this process. Back in the offseason Jerry even claimed to not know Mulugheta’s name. It isn’t hyperbole to say that Mulugheta is the most powerful individual agent working within the National Football League. The move was silly at best from Jones.

Silly is sort of par for the course as evidenced by DaRon Bland. Like Parsons is at the moment, Bland is currently set to enter the final year of his current contract with the Cowboys. Bland was asked about his contractual status with the team following Tuesday’s practice and noted that there have been some conversations with his agent.

Cowboys CB DaRon Bland said there have been some talks with his agent. He said he’d like to get a new deal done before the season. “Hopefully.” pic.twitter.com/0jEI8WTFGT

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 12, 2025

The insinuation from Bland, he is not directly quoted as saying this, is that his agent is a part of the process. That makes sense given literally everything we know about the way these things go in the NFL. Even if Bland were to clarify and say that the Cowboys not spoken to his agent and that only he has, he is underscoring the normality of an agent’s inclusion in the process.

The Micah Parsons situation is already a circus caused by the Cowboys, but they continue to magnify the absurdity with claims like that the agent in question does not need to be affiliated with what they are doing. Whether or not they realize that, one of their own players just provided the latest counter-example.

As it relates to Bland, it would be wise of the Cowboys to get something done with him before the season begins. The future around Trevon Diggs is murky at best, and fellow veteran Kaiir Elam (who was acquired over the offseason in a trade with the Buffalo Bills) is also entering the final year of his current deal. At the moment the future of the cornerback room looks like Shavon Revel and Caelen Carson (barring any future moves, obviously) so adding some stability to it with Bland would be smart.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/dal...ah-parsons-agent-cowboys-contract-daron-bland

 

[Dallas Cowboys]

The Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable football franchise in the world… again

Death, taxes and the Dallas Cowboys being the most valuable sports franchise in the world.

Here are the five most valuable football franchises, per Sportico’s annual NFL valuations that are being released today:

Cowboys – $12.8 billion
Rams – $10.43 billion
Giants – $10.25 billion
Patriots – $8.76 billion
49ers – $8.6 billion pic.twitter.com/cJVvoeKGEN

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 13, 2025

To be clear the evaluation you are looking at here involves football franchises specifically (another way of saying NFL teams). But the Cowboys have reigned supreme over all sports franchises when this type of exercise has been conducted across things beyond the NFL.

Forbes is the group that performs that exercise and this one was conducted by Sportico. As is noted in the report, in all six years that they have been doing it the Cowboys have come out on top. We are talking about a dynasty here, folks.

The conversation generally turns this direction when we talk about how valuable the Cowboys are, but it really is astonishing given their lack of on-field success for almost three decades now (in terms of the game’s ultimate prize). Markets clearly play a role in this as Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco are represented, but the Cowboys have truly mastered the art of making money.

You already knew that, though.

Source: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/dal...4/most-valuable-football-franchise-world-2025