The Dallas Cowboys have officially trimmed their roster to the league-mandated 53 players, setting the stage for the upcoming 2025 NFL season. Every year, cutdown day brings surprises, tough decisions, and plenty of storylines about who made it and who did not. This year was no different for Dallas, as the front office and coaching staff sought to balance proven stars, young potential, and positional needs.

Quarterbacks

The most important position in football was perhaps the most straightforward decision for the Cowboys. Dak Prescott enters the season as the unquestioned starter, carrying both the pressure of playoff expectations and the experience of leading one of the NFC’s top franchises. Behind him, rookie Joe Milton III claimed the backup job after a promising preseason. Veteran Will Grier, who had been competing for a third-string role, was released, signaling Dallas’ confidence in Milton’s development. By carrying just two quarterbacks, the Cowboys simplified their depth chart and demonstrated faith in Prescott’s durability and Milton’s ability to step in if necessary.

Running Backs

If quarterback was simple, running back was anything but. Dallas elected to keep five players in the backfield, one of the deepest groups on the roster. Free-agent acquisition Javonte Williams is expected to lead the way, with fellow veteran Miles Sanders providing a reliable complement. Hunter Luepke retained his spot as a fullback and special teams contributor, while rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah earned their places after strong summer showings. Mafah, in particular, was a preseason standout whose bruising running style made an impression on coaches and fans alike. The notable casualty was Deuce Vaughn, a fan favorite and undersized sparkplug who could not crack the final roster. In all, the running back room gives Dallas versatility: power, speed, pass-catching ability, and special teams impact.

Wide Receivers

Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising decision came at wide receiver, where the Cowboys chose to keep only five players. CeeDee Lamb, the All-Pro centerpiece, headlines the group, joined by newly acquired George Pickens, who adds size and physicality on the outside. Jalen Tolbert solidified his role as the third option, while KaVontae Turpin provides special teams value as a return specialist and gadget player. The final spot went to rookie Ryan Flournoy, whose preseason production edged out more experienced competition. While the top end of this group is strong, the lack of depth raises concerns. One injury to Lamb or Pickens could significantly stress the passing attack, and many observers expected at least six receivers to make the cut.

Tight Ends

Tight end was another position where Dallas opted for simplicity, carrying just three. Jake Ferguson remains the clear starter after emerging as one of the NFL’s most reliable young tight ends. Luke Schoonmaker slots in as the primary blocker and occasional target, while rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford rounds out the group as a developmental piece. Peyton Hendershot and other fringe options were let go, leaving the Cowboys somewhat thin here. Should injuries occur, the team may need to dip into the practice squad or free agency. Still, Ferguson’s presence stabilizes the room, and the staff appears confident in his ability to shoulder a heavy workload.

Offensive Line

The offensive line, long a point of emphasis in Dallas, will feature nine players this season. Tyler Smith and Terence Steele anchor the tackles, while rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe are expected to play prominent roles on the interior. T.J. Bass, Brock Hoffman, Tyler Booker, Nate Thomas, and Ajani Cornelius provide depth across positions, ensuring the line has versatility. The surprise came with the release of veteran La’el Collins, once a mainstay of the unit. His departure underscores the team’s commitment to youth and long-term development. While the starters are talented, the group overall remains relatively inexperienced. The Cowboys will be counting on Smith’s leadership and the rapid growth of their younger linemen.

Defensive Ends

On defense, Dallas’ identity begins with its pass rush, and the roster reflects that emphasis. Micah Parsons, the face of the franchise, leads a deep rotation that includes Dante Fowler Jr., Sam Williams, Donovan Ezeiruaku, James Houston, and rookie Marshawn Kneeland. Few teams can boast this kind of edge depth, and it should allow defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to attack opposing quarterbacks from multiple angles. Fowler’s veteran savvy, Williams’ upside, and Parsons’ game-breaking ability make this one of the team’s strongest units.

Defensive Tackles

Inside, the Cowboys carried five defensive tackles: Osa Odighizuwa, Solomon Thomas, Mazi Smith, Jay Toia, and Perrion Winfrey. Odighizuwa and Thomas project as the starters, while Smith, a former first-round pick, looks to rebound after an uneven rookie year. Toia and Winfrey, both young players, were among the surprises of camp, especially Winfrey, who fought his way onto the roster after many projected him as a cut candidate. This interior group has size and potential but still faces questions against elite offensive lines. Improvement in run defense will be a major storyline to watch.

Linebackers

The linebacker room is both deep and versatile. Kenneth Murray, Jack Sanborn, and Marist Liufau form the core, with Damone Clark and rookie Shemar James adding youth and athleticism. Murray’s arrival gives the group a proven leader, while Sanborn and Clark bring physicality and range. James flashed playmaking instincts in the preseason, earning his spot as a developmental piece with immediate special teams value. With five linebackers, Dallas has the flexibility to mix personnel in nickel and dime packages without sacrificing speed.

Cornerbacks

At corner, the Cowboys kept six players. Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland headline the unit, providing ball-hawking ability and Pro Bowl-level coverage. Behind them, Kaiir Elam and Andrew Booth offer depth, while rookies Caelen Carson and Zion Childress round out the group. Childress, in particular, was a preseason sensation whose energy and playmaking helped him secure a roster spot. While the top two corners are strong, depth is still unproven, and opposing offenses may look to exploit the younger players if they are pressed into heavy action.

Safeties

The safety group remains steady with four players: Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, Markquese Bell, and Juanyeh Thomas. Hooker and Wilson provide veteran reliability, while Bell and Thomas are ascending talents who fit well in sub-packages. The Cowboys have quietly built one of the more balanced safety units in the NFC, with each player capable of handling multiple roles. Injuries could stretch this room thin, but as long as Hooker and Wilson stay healthy, it should be a position of stability.

Specialists

No surprises came on special teams. Brandon Aubrey returns as kicker after a breakout 2024 season, Bryan Anger continues as punter, and Trent Sieg remains the long snapper. Consistency in this trio should give Dallas peace of mind in the kicking game.

Strengths, Weaknesses, and Outlook

Overall, the Cowboys’ roster reflects a blend of star power, youthful depth, and calculated risks. The defensive front seven is arguably the team’s greatest strength, with Parsons, Fowler, and a deep rotation of linemen and linebackers capable of dictating games. The offensive line and running back room are also built with depth and versatility, providing balance to the offense.

On the flip side, wide receiver and tight end depth stand out as concerns. With only five receivers and three tight ends, the Cowboys are gambling on health and the emergence of unproven players behind their stars. Injuries at those positions could quickly expose roster thinness. Additionally, while the defensive tackle group is intriguing, it remains untested against elite NFL offenses.

Still, the roster construction suggests confidence from the coaching staff and front office. Dallas leaned heavily on young talent, with multiple undrafted rookies and late-round picks making the cut. The Cowboys are betting that youth and energy can complement their established stars and carry them through the grind of a long season.

As the 2025 season begins, the Cowboys look like a team built to compete immediately while also investing in their future. With Dak Prescott leading the offense, Micah Parsons spearheading the defense, and a host of young contributors ready to prove themselves, Dallas has assembled a roster that reflects both ambition and calculated risk. Whether this balance will propel them deep into January remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Cowboys have set their course, and the roster is built to chase success now.

Brian Schottenheimer: Thrilled for This Football Team | Dallas Cowboys 2025

Brian Schottenheimer: Thrilled for This Football Team | Dallas Cowboys 2025