After a disappointing 2024 season, the Cowboys are banking on Dak Prescott and a re-loaded roster to lead a turnaround in a stacked NFC East.
For all the talk about the Dallas Cowboys being stuck in neutral, 2025 might just be the season they finally hit the gas. Coming off a frustrating 7-10 campaign, the team enters the year surrounded by doubt, ranked just 18th in ESPN’s Power Index and dismissed as a fringe contender in an NFC East that sent two rivals to the conference title game. But doubt, as history often reminds us, can be fuel, and Dallas has been quietly stockpiling it all offseason. A new head coach. A major receiver acquisition. A chip on every shoulder in the building.
Yet for every step forward, questions still linger. Can Dak Prescott bounce back after the worst PFF grade of his career? Will new faces like George Pickens and Tyler Booker transform the offense, or simply patch holes? Can Javonte Williams reclaim his early-career form and give the run game the spark it needs? And is the secondary —thin, wounded, and uncertain — up to the task of slowing down a loaded NFC? The pieces are there. The spotlight, as always, is bright. Now it’s up to Dallas to answer the bell, or fade further into the noise.
One bounce-back candidate for all 32 NFL teams in 2025 – Pro Football Focus
Pro Football Focus named Dak Prescott the Dallas Cowboys’ top bounce-back candidate for 2025 following a disappointing 2024 season. After posting a career-best year in 2023 and finishing second in MVP voting, Prescott struggled last season with a career-low PFF grade and a spike in turnover-worthy throws. Contributing factors included poor offensive balance and a lack of receiving depth. However, the Cowboys addressed those issues by adding rookie guard Tyler Booker and wideout George Pickens, aiming to stabilize the offense. With better protection and more weapons, Prescott is well-positioned to lead Dallas back to playoff contention.
Ex-NFC East rival says Cowboys’ WR move is most impactful in division – Sports Illustrated
The NFC East remains one of the NFL’s toughest divisions, and the Dallas Cowboys are working to close the gap after both the Eagles and Commanders reached the NFC Championship last season. Philadelphia went on to win the Super Bowl, while Dallas responded by addressing key roster needs, most notably trading for Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. Former NFL star DeSean Jackson believes the Pickens trade will have a bigger impact than Washington’s acquisition of Deebo Samuel, citing Pickens’ explosiveness, durability, and untapped potential with quarterback Dak Prescott. Pickens has been one of the league’s top deep threats and is coming off a strong 2024 season, while Samuel has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Though both players can be difference-makers, Pickens is viewed as the more dynamic and impactful addition heading into 2025.
Resuscitation? Doubt in Cowboys persists, despite steady offseason improvements – Cowboys Wire
The Dallas Cowboys are widely doubted entering the 2025 NFL season, ranked 18th in ESPN’s Power Index after a disappointing 7-10 campaign and the hiring of Brian Schottenheimer as head coach. Despite low playoff and Super Bowl odds, the Cowboys made several strong offseason moves, including trading for wide receiver George Pickens and having a well-regarded draft that addressed key needs. Schottenheimer has made a strong early impression, building a respected coaching staff and creating a positive cultural shift within the team. Critics question why teams like the Cardinals, Bears, and Steelers have better odds despite Dallas having a better quarterback situation. While skepticism around the Cowboys is understandable, the franchise appears poised to exceed expectations and potentially surprise in 2025.
NFL offseason divisional power rankings: NFC East remains on top of close race for best – CBS Sports
The NFC East has earned the top spot in the NFL’s offseason divisional power rankings heading into the 2025 season, largely due to its postseason dominance and strong overall performance. The division boasted a combined 36-32 record and saw both the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders reach the NFC Championship, with the Eagles ultimately claiming the Super Bowl title. Philadelphia and Washington are expected to contend again, while the Dallas Cowboys look to rebound with a healthy Dak Prescott, new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, and the addition of wideout George Pickens. Even the rebuilding Giants have bolstered their defense with standout talent like Abdul Carter and Brian Burns. Facing off against the NFC North and AFC West in 2025, the NFC East enters the season as the league’s most competitive and accomplished division.
Former Broncos’ 2nd-round pick looks to improve success rate of Cowboys attack in 2025 – Cowboys Wire
Expectations are uncertain for Cowboys running back Javonte Williams, who has struggled to regain his pre-injury form since a 2022 knee injury, averaging under 4 yards per carry the past two seasons. Dallas still sees promise, signing him to a one-year deal instead of retaining 2024 rushing leader Rico Dowdle, signaling belief in his potential upside. Once seen as a top young rusher known for breaking tackles, Williams’ explosiveness may be diminished, but his shiftiness and versatility still offer value. His biggest impact is expected to come from improving Dallas’ run-game efficiency, especially in success rate—a key metric the team struggled with last season. While Williams may no longer be a big-play threat, his ability to generate steady, productive gains could be crucial to the Cowboys’ ground game in 2025.
Tight end hopeful has oozed potential, but currently invoking dreaded Rico Gathers comp – Cowboys Wire
John Stephens Jr. has drawn comparisons to former Cowboys cult favorite Rico Gathers, generating buzz with his size and pass-catching potential despite limited on-field production. At 6-foot-5 and 221 pounds, Stephens is a matchup nightmare as a hybrid TE/WR, but back-to-back ACL injuries have stalled his momentum and cast doubt on his future. The Cowboys’ tight end group is top-heavy with Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker, leaving Stephens to compete with Brevyn Spann-Ford and others for a potential fourth TE spot. His return to form in training camp could revive his hype and earn him a roster spot, but anything less may end his run in Dallas. With the team seeking another versatile offensive weapon, Stephens is at a career crossroads—it’s now or never.
5 cornerbacks not named Jalen Ramsey the Cowboys should pursue – Blogging The Boys
The Dallas Cowboys may need cornerback help in 2025, and while rumors have swirled around a potential Jalen Ramsey reunion, Blogging The Boys outlines five realistic alternatives worth targeting. Asante Samuel Jr. could be a steal if medically cleared, offering proven outside coverage and freeing up DaRon Bland for slot duties. Ja’Quan McMillan, one of the league’s top slot defenders, may be available via trade after the Broncos drafted his likely replacement. Jaire Alexander, a two-time All-Pro, would be a high-upside acquisition, though injury history and a hefty cap hit could complicate things. Stephon Gilmore, familiar with Dallas and still effective in zone coverage, presents the most realistic option for a second stint. Lastly, Terell Smith, a former Eberflus pupil in Chicago, flashed potential in limited reps and could thrive under his former coach in Dallas.
Cowboys, $52 million, former Super Bowl champion could unite to solve CB needs – Cowboys Wire
The Dallas Cowboys are facing uncertainty at cornerback heading into the 2025 season, with Trevon Diggs and rookie Shavon Revel Jr. both recovering from ACL injuries and slot defender Jourdan Lewis gone in free agency. While DaRon Bland is a dependable presence, the depth behind him is thin, prompting suggestions that Dallas should consider signing veteran Kendall Fuller. Fuller, a versatile nine-year pro, has experience playing both outside and in the slot, making him an ideal stopgap while the secondary heals. His presence would offer much-needed flexibility and stability to new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Though not a headline-grabbing move, adding Fuller could be a smart, low-cost solution for a team with postseason aspirations.
The most-watchable NFL games in 2025: Chiefs-Cowboys, Bills-Chiefs, more – The Athletic
The NFL’s 2025 schedule is packed with heavyweight matchups, but a few games featuring the Dallas Cowboys are already drawing serious buzz—and could rewrite the record books. One late-season clash has insiders whispering about the possibility of it becoming the most-watched regular-season game in league history, set on a day when football and tradition collide. Another, placed right at the start of the season, pits Dallas against a bitter rival under the brightest lights, with the league hoping it sets the tone—and the ratings pace—for the entire year. And as the playoff picture starts to take shape, one primetime showdown could break streaming records if both teams live up to the hype. These aren’t just games—they’re broadcast tentpoles, and the Cowboys are right at the center of the NFL’s biggest television bets in 2025.
Cowboys DT Denzel Daxon looking to be more than just another international player – Cowboys Wire
The NFL’s International Pathway Program has been a long-standing part of the Dallas Cowboys’ efforts to embrace global talent, and defensive tackle Denzel Daxon is the latest player to benefit from it. Hailing from the Bahamas, Daxon was initially set to be a practice squad exemption but now finds himself legitimately competing for a roster spot due to thin depth at nose tackle. Despite being an undrafted free agent in 2024, Daxon has an opportunity to make waves alongside fellow late-round and undrafted prospects like Jay Toia, Tommy Akingbesote, and Justin Rogers. The Cowboys’ defensive line is led by 2023 first-rounder Mazi Smith, but competition for backup roles is wide open. With size, pedigree, and international backing, Daxon’s path to the active roster in 2025 may be more realistic than expected.
Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!