The Dallas Cowboys’ 53-man roster is set. For now, that is. Expect more shuffling as they work out the little things with players still being claimed off waivers. This group is a good start and will make up most of the cast of characters we’ll be rooting for this upcoming season. Most of it was as expected, but there were surprises. Here are our 10 thoughts on the team’s initial roster.
1. Camden survives
Fans were on pins and needles about whether the team would carry six wide receivers, with one being undrafted free agent and camp sensation, Camden Brown. Well, we got our answer. Brown started turning heads in camp with amazing catches, and he continued such in the preseason. His quick acceleration and elite contested-catch ability were too good to leave off the roster.
2. Three’s company
Whether it was their intentions all along, or the final preseason game sealed the deal, the Cowboys are keeping three quarterbacks. This gives them some flexibility between Joe Milton III and Sam Howell, as one offers some nice upside while the other provides a safe floor. Hopefully, we’ll never find out which the team prefers, but at least they’ll have options if that time comes.
3. Short at RB
It seemed as if we knew what was going on at running back based on who played (or didn’t play) in the final preseason game, but the team pulled a fast one on us by releasing their fast one. Jaydon Blue, the team’s fifth-round pick last year, was a surprise release. He’s looked better this year, but the coaches don’t feel comfortable keeping him. With all the backups not named Malik Davis released, the team hopes they can get a couple of them back on the practice squad.
4. Tackle trades
The offensive tackle position saw a huge shakeup over the last 24 hours with two trades. On Saturday, the Cowboys traded with the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire former first-round pick Broderick Jones. The move signaled the end for third-year tackle Nate Thomas, but the team at least got something in return by trading him to the Houston Texans on Sunday. They worked the phones to get a swing tackle upgrade. Fingers crossed it works out.
5. Familiar approach
Not only did the Cowboys bring in a new guy they like and trade away a third-year player they have given up on at the last second, but they also kept a developmental guy who clearly wasn’t ready. Fourth-round rookie Drew Shelton survived roster cuts, giving the team more time to work with him. This approach looks very familiar to last year, but they pulled off something similar.
2025 – Outside acquisition (Hakeem Adeniji), develop a rookie (Ajani Cornelius), and trade (Asim Richards)
2026 – Outside acquisition (Broderick Jones), develop a rookie (Drew Shelton), and trade (Nate Thomas)
Enter the Biff’s “There’s something very familiar about this” meme.
6. Light in the interior
The interior offensive line took a bigger hit than expected. While we were waiting to see who survived between Nick Leverett and Trevor Keegan, the team surprised people by not choosing either of them. They still have T.J. Bass and last year’s development tackle-turned-guard, Cornelius, but they still seem a bit light. The good news is that at least one (if not both) of Leverett and Keegan should make it through waivers to the practice squad. Or the Cowboys may opt to claim an interior lineman who’s been released?
7. Hard work rewarded
Both Tyrus Wheat and Alijah Clark have made the roster before, so it shouldn’t be a complete shocker, but many felt their chances were slim because they were stuck in crowded position groups. The Von Miller signing created little room at outside linebacker, but Sam Williams’ release and Marist Liufau’s injury opened up just enough room for Wheat. Clark wasn’t given those same breaks, so he had to make his own luck and force the team to go long at safety. Both guys show relentless effort and are key contributors on special teams, which proves that we must not overlook these details when filling out the roster. Note – Liufau was placed on IR, designated to return.
8. No more room in the middle
The Cowboys have completely remodeled their defensive tackle position as all five of the guys selected just completed their first training camp with the team. All of them. With four savvy veterans and one fourth-round rookie, this group looks stout, but it didn’t leave room for either Jay Toai or Tommy Dunn, both of whom flashed in preseason action.
9. The need for Speed
Cornerback depth after the first three was a big question for the Cowboys. Caelen Carson made the cut despite being picked on some in preseason action, but the biggest surprise was hanging on to UFL’er Ameer Speed. He’s had a good camp and only allowed one reception across 77 defensive snaps this preseason. Rookie corner Devin Moore was placed on IR, designated to return.
10. Good use of a Day 3 pick
Dee Winters made the team! Okay, that’s not a surprise to anyone, but it’s worth pointing out that the fifth-round pick the team traded to the San Francisco 49ers to get him did not. Tight end Justin Joly, taken 152nd overall, was released on Sunday. It’s a friendly reminder that Day 3 picks have low-chance returns, so anytime you can exchange that for a sure-thing contributor, it’s a good move.
