Predicting the 2025 Dallas Cowboys Roster
The Dallas Cowboys have yet to finalize their roster ahead of the 2025 NFL season, which kicks off with a divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. With Training Camp set to begin next month, the time when coaches and executives will make crucial decisions concerning the roster. The Cowboys must make tough decisions to narrow down to their final 53-man roster. This is an official prediction for every position group on the team.
Quarterbacks
The Dallas Cowboys have historically kept two or three quarterbacks on the roster, and that likely won’t change this year. Dak Prescott is clearly at the top of the depth chart, while Joe Milton will serve as the backup. Will Grier is the third quarterback and may begin the year on the practice squad, with potential spot activations during the season. I predict Dak Prescott and Joe Milton will be the only two quarterbacks on the final 53-man roster.
Running Backs
The Cowboys only carried three running backs on their 53-man roster ahead of Week One last season: Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, and Deuce Vaughn. Only Vaughn returns this year, and he may not make the final roster. The team added Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency, both expected to handle the bulk of the carries early on and drafted Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. I predict the Cowboys keep four running backs: Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, Jaydon Blue, and Deuce Vaughn, leaving seventh-round pick Phil Mafah on the practice squad, where he could be signed away.
Wide Receivers
The Cowboys will likely carry six wide receivers on their final roster. Four players, CeeDee Lamb, new addition George Pickens, Jalen Tolbert, and return specialist KaVontae Turpin, are roster locks. That leaves two open spots for competition. I predict Jonathan Mingo and Ryan Flournoy round out the wide receiver room. Leaving free agent signing Paris Campbell as the odd man out in the receiver room
Tight Ends
The Cowboys will incorporate more tight end sets this season, as Brian Schottenheimer installs his power run scheme. I predict they keep four tight ends: Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Brevyn Spann-Ford, and Hunter Luepke. Luepke will serve as the team’s starting fullback. John Stephens Jr. is a likely candidate for the practice squad.
Offensive Line
The Cowboys kept 10 offensive linemen last season and returned several key players. The projected starting unit features Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele at tackle, Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker at guard, and Cooper Beebe at center. I predict they keep 11 offensive linemen this year. They will retain Robert Jones, T.J. Bass, Matt Waletzko, Ajani Cornelius, Brock Hoffman, and Asim Richards for depth.
Defensive Line
The Cowboys carried nine defensive linemen last season, which aligns with their 4-3 scheme that groups edge rushers with interior linemen. I expect that number to remain the same. On the edge, I predict Micah Parsons, Dante Fowler Jr., Donovan Ezeiruaku, Marshawn Kneeland, and Sam Williams cut. On the interior, Osa Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith, Jay Toia, and Solomon Thomas should round out the group.
Linebackers
Dallas carried five linebackers last season, which is a relatively high number. Despite several new additions, I expect them to stick with that total. I predict the Cowboys keep DeMarvion Overshown, Kenneth Murray Jr., Jack Sanborn, Marist Liufau, and Shemar James. Overshown may start the year on IR, which could open a spot for Damone Clark or Buddy Johnson on the initial 53-man roster.
Defensive Backs
The Cowboys kept eight defensive backs last year, but with 12 roster spots remaining, they can afford to carry more secondary depth. I predict the cornerbacks will be Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, Kaiir Elam, Shavon Revel, and Caelen Carlson. The safeties will be Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, Israel Mukuamu, and Markquese Bell, bringing the total number of defensive backs to nine. This defensive backfield struggled last year and will have to improve in order to take that next step.
Specialists
With three spots left, there’s no reason to expect changes to the special teams unit. Kicker Brandon Aubrey, punter Bryan Anger, and long-snapper Trent Sieg should all return. The Cowboys could stick with the same blueprint as last year, but a new coaching staff may value depth differently across certain position groups. This potentially could shift how roster spots are allocated.
