2025 NFL Yearbook: Dallas Cowboys

A season preview of the Dallas Cowboys.

All Access Football NFL Yearbook Series Counts you down to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game with an in-depth look at 32 organizations in 32 days. Presented by the Official 2026 NFL Draft Bible.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Howard Balzer, Dominic Ambrose and Jarrett Reigel contributed to this report] || [Some information also appears in the Lindy’s NFL & College Football Season Preview Guides. — Obtain these must-have magazines here]

NFL YEARBOOK SERIES: NO.32 — SAINTS || NO.31 — BROWNS || NO.30 — PANTHERS || NO.29 — TITANS || NO.28 — BEARS || NO.27—RAIDERS || NO.26 — SEAHAWKS || NO.25—JAGUARS

2025 NFL YEARBOOK: DALLAS COWBOYS

NFC EAST || 2024 RECORD: 7-10 || AAF NFL POWER RANKING: 24

TEAM BRASS

Owner: Jerry Jones || General Manager: Jerry Jones (Will McClay) || Head Coach: Brian Schottenheimer || Offensive Coordinator: Klayton Adams || Defensive Coordinator: Matt Eberflus || Special Teams: Nick Sorensen

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

2025 NFLPA GRADES || OVERALL RANKINGS (10 of 32)

Treatment of Families: A (4th) || Food / Dining Area: B+ (11th) || Nutritionist / Dietician: B+ (17th) || Locker Room: A (6th) || Training Room: C (27th) || Training Staff: C (30th) || Weight Room: A- (11th) || Strength Coaches: B+ (18th) || Team Travel: B- (23rd) || Head Coach: A (14th) || Ownership: B (18th)

The Dallas Cowboys finish this season in the top 10, excelling in several areas. Their facilities, including the locker room and weight room, are top-tier, and they consistently rank among the best in how the organization treats players’ families. When the players were asked what the team is currently doing best, the most consistent answer was the leadership of head coach Mike McCarthy and the culture he fostered. (Note: Mike McCarthy departed as head coach after this contract expired following the season). The players identify the team’s training room as an area for improvement, with players requesting more physical therapists and better treatment modalities. The Cowboys have the fourth lowest score when it comes to whether players feel like they get an adequate amount of one-on-one treatment time. Having healthy players is in the best interest of all stakeholders in the football ecosystem (players, teams, fans, etc.) and hiring more staff to support this fundamentally important goal should be top priority.

OVERVIEW

The Dallas Cowboys deserve props for holding true to their draft board. In fact, their first three selections should all immediately compete for a starting job and upgrade the overall quality. They did not let size limitations deter them from taking the best player available and rolled the dice on a top talent who fell due to medical concerns. Ultimately, the Cowboys will only ride as fas as their headman Dak Prescott (photo: Dallas Cowboys) can carry them. He has missed 26 games over the past five seasons, so maintaining health is top priority for 2025.

OFFENSE RANKINGS

Total Offense: 327.5 (17th) || Passing: 227.2 (10th) || Rushing: 100.3 (27th) || Points: 20.6 (21st) || Sacked: 38 (14th) || 3rd Down: 36.8% (23rd)

DEFENSE RANKINGS

Total Defense: 355.2 (28th) || Passing: 218.1 (18th) || Rushing: 137.1 (29th) || Points Allowed: 27.5 (31st) || Sacks: 52 (3rd) || Turnover Differential: -6 (T-23rd)

TOP 10 FRANCHISE PLAYERS

1. Micah Parsons, Linebacker

2. CeeDee Lamb, Wide Receiver

3. Dak Prescott, Quarterback

4. Tyler Smith, Offensive Guard

5. Trevon Diggs, Cornerback

6. DeMarvion Overshown, Linebacker

7. George Pickens, Wide Receiver

8. Dante Fowler, Defensive End

9. Kenneth Murray, Linebacker

10. Osa Odighizuwa, Defensive Tackle

TOP 10 PLAYERS UNDER 25

1. Tyler Smith, Offensive Guard (24)

2. DeMarvion Overshown, Linebacker (24)

3. George Pickens, Wide Receiver (24)

4. Tyler Booker, Offensive Tackle (21)

5. Cooper Beebe, Center (24)

6. Tyler Guyton, Offensive Tackle (23)

7. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Defensive End (21)

8. Shavon Revel Jr., Cornerback (24)

9. Kaiir Elam, Cornerback (24)

10. Mazi Smith, Defensive Tackle (24)

BUST OUT PLAYERS

When you consider Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has missed 28 games over the past five years, clearly the offensive line needs to improve. Dallas must get more out of 2024 first rounder Tyler Guyton. After being asked to switch from right tackle in college, to left tackle in the pros, the rookie was tasked with protecting the blindside. Guyton got off to a spectacular start, allowing one sack in 34 pass attempts against Myles Garrett in his first career game. Unfortunately, it would be downhill from there, as he was benched in-season due to inconsistent play and penalties. Despite his struggles, there’s much optimism surrounding the new staff in regards to his upside … New head coach Brian Schottenheimer has made it clear that the best five offensive linemen will start. That formula likely includes Cooper Beebe to start at center once again. With one season under his belt making the transition from guard-to-center, he should provide much more stability … It’s make or break time for Mazi Smith (photo: Dallas Cowboys). A first round pick in 2023, Smith will learn under his third defensive coordinator in as many seasons. If the light bulb doesn’t finally turn on, he could be sent packing.

2025 NFL DRAFT CLASS

ROUND | PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL

Rd.1 No.12. Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama — The Cowboys have always been at their best with a dominant offensive line. This was a much-needed replenishment in the trenches, as Booker is an instant plug-and-play starter (photo: Dallas Cowboys).

Rd.2 No.44. Donovan Ezeiruaku, ER, Boston College — Injecting the explosive Ezeiruaku opposite of Micah Parsons could produce bountiful results, as Ezeiruaku possesses great burst and a relentless motor to cause chaos.

Rd.3 No.76. Shavon Revel Jr., CB, ECU — A physical corner with length who may have gone in the first round had it not been for his torn ACL, Revel Jr. was a phenomenal value pick and should compete as a starter, if healthy.

Rd.5 No.149. Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas — With just five career starts for the Longhorns, Blue brings a pair of fresh legs but does have a propensity to fumble.

Rd.5 No.152. Shemar James, LB, Florida — With extensive experience on all special teams units, James can also provide depth at the linebacker spots.

Rd.6 No. 204. Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon — Strictly a right tackle at Oregon, Cornelius may need to kick inside due to his athletic limitations but was added for depth.

Rd.7 No.217. Jay Toia, DT, UCLA — The Tonga native hails from a football family and projects as a two-down run-stuffer who can push the underwhelming Mazi Smith.

Rd.7 No.239. Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson — It promises to be an entirely re-made backfield with Mafah likely providing the between the tackles, short-yardage role.

Rd.7 No.247. Tommy Akingbesote, DT, Maryland — Plugging up the defensive line was a top priority for Dallas in the offseason and Akingbesote will raise the level of competition come training camp.

OVERALL IMPACT = 4 High Impact

ADDITIONS

• WR George Pickens (7/5; trade Steelers)

• G Hakeem Adeniji (0/0; UFA Browns; $1.17M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.03M 2025 cap)

• WR Parris Campbell (5/0; UFA Eagles; $1.337.5M/1 yr, $167,500 SB/$1.197.5M 2025 cap)

• T/G Saahdiq Charles (0/0; FA; $1.17M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.03M 2025 cap)

• CB Kaiir Elam (13/4; trade Bills)

• DE Dante Fowler Jr. (17/7; UFA Commanders; $6M/1 yr, $5M gtd/$3M SB/$6M 2025 cap/$2M incentive 11 sacks)

• G Rob Jones (17/17; UFA Dolphins; $3.75M/1 yr, $3M gtd/$1.55M SB/$3.75M 2025 cap/$1M incentives)

• QB Joe Milton III (1/0; trade Patriots)

• LB Kenneth Murray Jr. (14/14; trade Titans)

• LB Jack Sanborn (17/3; not tendered as RFA by Bears/; $1.5M/1 yr, $150K SB/$1.5M 2025 cap)

• RB Miles Sanders (11/2; FA Panthers; $1.337.5M/1 yr, $1.197.5M gtd/$167,500 SB/$1.197.5 2025 cap)

• C Dakoda Shepley (3/0; FA; $2.315M/2 yrs, no gtd/ $1.1M 2025 cap)

• DE Payton Turner (16/0; UFA Saints; $2.5M/1 yr, $2M gtd/$600K SB/$2.47M 2025 cap/$500K incentives)

• DT Solomon Thomas (16/1; UFA Jets; $6M/2 yrs, $3M gtd/$1.5M SB/$2.72M 2025 cap/$1M per year incentives)

• RB Javonte Williams (17/11; UFA Broncos; $3M/1 yr, $1M SB/$3M 2025 cap/$500K incentives)

RE-SIGNINGS

• P Bryan Anger (potential UFA; $6.4M/2 yrs, $3.3M gtd/$2M SB/$2.2M 2025 cap)

• S Markquese Bell (potential RFA; $9M/3 yrs, $6.2M gtd/$2.5M SB/$2.298M 2025 cap/$3M incentives)

• CB C.J. Goodwin (potential UFA; $1.422.5M/1 yr, $167,500 SB/$1.197.5M 2025 cap)

• C/G Brock Hoffman (potential ERFA; $1.1M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.1M 2025 cap)

• S Israel Mukuamu (UFA; $1.76M/1 yr, $500K gtd/$150K SB/$1.32M 2025 cap)

• DT Osa Odighizuwa (potential UFA; $80M/4 yrs, $39M fully gtd/$13M other gtd/$20M SB/$6.25M 2025 cap; includes 3 void years)

• LS Trent Sieg (potential UFA; $4.45M/3 yrs, $1.805M fully gtd/$1.3 gtd injury only fully gtd 3rd day 2026 LY/$550K SB/$1.438M 2025 cap)

• WR/RS KaVontae Turpin (potential RFA; $13.5M/3 yrs, $5M gtd/$3.6M SB/$3.1M 2025 cap/$4.5M incentives)

DEPARTURES

• WR Brandin Cooks (10/9; UFA Saints; $13M/2 yrs, $7.75M gtd/$4.8M SB/$3.154M 2025 cap)

• RB Rico Dowdle (16/15; UFA Panthers; $2.75M/1 yr, $1M SB/$2.72M 2025 cap/$3.5M incentives)

• T Chuma Edoga (5/4; UFA Jaguars; $7M/2 yrs, $3.2M gtd/$2M SB/$2.5M 2025 cap)

• DE Chauncey Golston (17/13; UFA Giants; $18M/3 yrs, $12M gtd/$4M SB/$4M 2025 cap/$1.5M per year incentives)

• QB Trey Lance (4/1; UFA Chargers; $2M/1 yr, $1.5M gtd/$330K SB/$2.045M 2025 cap)

• DE DeMarcus Lawrence (4/4; UFA Seahawks; $32.5M 3 yrs, $13M fully gtd/$5M gtd injury only fully gtd March, 2026/$6.6M SB/$7.683 2025 cap/$9.5M incentives)

• CB Jourdan Lewis (16/13; UFA Jaguars; $30M/3 yrs, $20M gtd/$10M SB/$5.82M 2025 cap)

• G Zack Martin (10/10; retired)

• QB Cooper Rush (12/8; UFA Dolphins; 6.25M/2 yrs, $4M gtd/$2.745M SB/$1.9M 2025 cap/$6M incentives/3 void years)

DEPTH CHART (courtesy of Ourlads)

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