Jerry Jones Willing To Deal Packers Picks In Right Trade
A loss on Sunday dropped the Cowboys to 2-3-1, although there have been some signs of life. Dallas has collected 178 points through six games, good for third in the NFL. Much of that production has come without offensive star CeeDee Lamb, with the likes of George Pickens, Jake Ferguson, and Javonte Williams stepping up.
On the flip side, the Cowboys are rostering one of the worst defenses in the league, as the team’s 184 points allowed is the second-worst mark in the NFL. Jerry Jones believes his team is close to contention and could patch up the defense with some trade acquisitions. In a bit of an ironic twist, the Cowboys owner also acknowledged that he’d consider dealing some of the assets he acquired when he traded away defensive star Micah Parsons.
[RELATED: Cowboys Endorse DC Matt Eberflus]
“If we can improve our team and it makes sense for what we give up in the future, all of it’s there,” Jones said (via Jon Machota of The Athletic). “We have major, major, major resources that we wouldn’t have had had we not made that trade. … I promise you, yours truly or anybody associated with the Cowboys has got our eyes really opened to ways we can help this defense and certainly don’t want to preclude anything on offense, either.
“There’s nothing untouchable in our resources to help our team. And there’s no way that I’m at a point right now to where I would not do something because of where we are into the season, six games. I would go as early as I would if we were talking three games back.”
The Parsons trade sent shockwaves through the league, and his subtraction from the Cowboys defense is a big reason why that unit is struggling at the moment. Still, there’s no denying that the front office received two worthwhile assets in the trade, with Green Bay sending a pair of first-round picks to Dallas. The Cowboys are minus a 2026 third-round pick that was sent to the Steelers in the Pickens trade, but the team is otherwise armed with all of their early- and mid-round picks.
While it seems unlikely that a defensive player would become available that would warrant a first-round pick, it should still be encouraging for Cowboys fans that their owner is willing to deal from their stockpile of draft selections. The team’s performance over the coming weeks will surely influence the organization’s approach to the trade deadline.
Besides potential acquisitions, the Cowboys are also counting on some returning players to add a spark to their defense. Jones said the return of DeMarvion Overshown could influence how the team approaches the trade deadline, per Clarence Hill Jr. of DLLS Sports. The linebacker is still working his way back from a torn ACL, MCL, and PCL suffered towards the end of the 2024 season, and it’s uncertain if he’ll be back to his former form when he returns to the field. After missing his entire rookie campaign, Overshown showed flashes in 2024, finishing with five sacks and eight tackles for loss.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/14/25
Today’s minor moves:
Buffalo Bills
- Waived: LB Jimmy Ciarlo
Cleveland Browns
- Signed from practice squad: CB Tre Avery
Dallas Cowboys
- Waived: WR Jalen Cropper
New York Jets
- Waived: DL Leonard Taylor
Cowboys Endorse DC Matt Eberflus
Especially in the wake of the Micah Parsons trade taking place one week before the start of the season, the Cowboys entered 2025 with questions on defense. That side of the ball has indeed been a sore spot so far. 
Through Week 6, Dallas sits at the bottom of the league in total defense and 31st in points allowed. As such, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has increasingly drawn criticism for his performance to date. The former Bears head coach is in his second Cowboys stint, and it is not in danger of ending any time soon.
“Matt Eberflus is a damn good football coach,” head coach Brian Schottenheimer said when asked about potential staffing changes (via Jon Machota of The Athletic). “We have to perform better. But I’ve been him, so part of me being in [the defensive meeting room] is to help as an asset, to tell him, ‘I believe in him. I understand what he’s going through…’ We’re gonna ride this thing out. And we’ll play better. We really will.”
After his first Cowboys stint – as the team’s linebackers coach – Eberflus spent four years as defensive coordinator of the Colts. Indianapolis posted a top-10 finish in points allowed three times under Eberflus, and he parlayed that strong coordinator showing into a head coaching gig. Things did not go according to plan in Chicago, though, and the 55-year-old was fired before his third season in charge was complete. Improvement will be needed if Eberflus is to rebuild his stock during his current Cowboys tenure.
“He’s had tremendous experience,” owner Jerry Jones said on today’s 105.3 The Fan appearance when offering an additional endorsement of Eberflus (h/t Machota). “He’s dealt with adversity. He’s had some great successes… I jumped at it when we had the chance to get him. I still feel as strongly [about him as the day we hired him].”
The Cowboys currently lead the league in total offense and rank third in the NFL in scoring. That has only resulted in a 2-3-1 record, however, in large part due to the shortcomings of Eberflus’ unit. It will be interesting to see if trades and/or free agent pickups are sought out to bolster the defense over the coming weeks. In any case, Eberflus’ job security early in his return to Dallas should not be regarded as uncertain at this point.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/11/25
Here are the minor moves and standard gameday practice squad elevations heading into the sixth Sunday of the NFL season:
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed from practice squad: DT C.J. Okoye
- Elevated: QB Tyler Huntley, S Keondre Jackson
- Waived: S Reuben Lowery
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: CB Keion Crossen, G Brandon Walton
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: G Jaxson Kirkland
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: CB Tre Avery
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed from practice squad: WR Jalen Cropper
- Elevated: WR Parris Campbell
- Placed on IR: RB Miles Sanders (story)
Detroit Lions
- Signed from practice squad: S Erick Hallett, DT Quinton Jefferson, CB Nick Whiteside
- Elevated: T Devin Cochran, CB Arthur Maulet
- Placed on IR: T Giovanni Manu (story)
- Waived: C Kingsley Eguakun, DT Chris Smith
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: RB Ameer Abdullah, CB Cameron Mitchell
Los Angeles Rams
- Elevated: CB A.J. Green, LB Elias Neal
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: LB Quinton Bell, CB Isaiah Johnson
New England Patriots
- Elevated: RB Terrell Jennings, DE Truman Jones
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: LB Nephi Sewell
New York Jets
- Elevated: WR Brandon Smith, WR Isaiah Williams
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed from practice squad: WR Ke’Shawn Williams
Seattle Seahawks
- Elevated: CB Shaquill Griffin, S Jerrick Reed II
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: RB Owen Wright
Tennessee Titans
- Signed from practice squad: TE Thomas Odukoya
- Elevated: LB Curtis Jacobs, K Matthew Wright
- Waived: T John Ojukwu
Manu was ruled out for this week with a knee injury after making the first start of his career with Detroit. Unfortunately, he’ll miss the team’s next three games, as well, after being placed on injured reserve.
Wright will fill in as placekicker for the Titans in Week 6. Regular kicker Joey Slye has been ruled out with a calf injury after missing practice all week.
Avery in Cleveland and Walton in Carolina are both being called up as standard gameday practice squad elevations for the third time this year. If either of their respective teams want them to be active for another game, they will need to sign them to the 53-man roster.
Cowboys RB Miles Sanders Out For Season
Cowboys running back Miles Sanders will miss the rest of the 2025 season due to knee and ankle injuries suffered in Dallas’ Week 4 tie with the Packers.
On Friday, team executive and co-owner Stephen Jones made the announcement on 105.3 The Fan (via The Athletic’s Jon Machota), adding that Sanders would need surgery on his knee. Specifically, he is expected to need a chondral tissue graft, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs underwent a similar procedure in January.
Sanders was Dallas’ No. 2 running back to start the season behind bell-cow starter Javonte Williams. Though he was not a featured part of the offense, Sanders recorded 20 carries for 117 yards while catching all eight of his targets across his eight appearances. His touches will likely go to Jaydon Blue, a fifth-round pick out of Texas. The Cowboys raised some eyebrows by designating Blue as a healthy scratch for his first four games, but he was active in Week 5 with Sanders sidelined. An injury to his veteran teammate will give the rookie running back his first expanded opportunities in the NFL, though Blue will still be a clear second-fiddle to Williams.
“We’re so fired up about what Jaydon Blue can do for this offense,” said Jones.
Sanders, meanwhile, is on a one-year deal for close to the veteran minimum. He will have to rehab in Dallas before he hits free agency next spring ahead of his age-29 season. He will likely need to take a ‘prove it’ deal to show that he can come back from a major injury and surgery as he approaches the traditional running back brightline of 30 years old.
The Cowboys are expected to move Sanders to season-ending injured reserve, though they have yet to officially make the move.
Traded Draft Picks For 2026
Many clubs have made moves to acquire 2026 draft capital. Headlined by the seven trades where first-round picks have changed hands, here are the 2026 picks to have changed hands thus far. When more deals involving picks are made (or conditions on moves already completed become known), that information will be added.
Round 1
- Giants obtained No. 10 from Bengals for DT Dexter Lawrence
- Rams acquired No. 13 from Falcons, sliding down from No. 26 to 46 in deal that sent OLB James Pearce Jr. to Atlanta
- Jets added No. 16 from Colts in trade for CB Sauce Gardner
- Cowboys obtained No. 20 from Packers in trade sending DE Micah Parsons to Green Bay
- Browns added No. 24 from Jaguars, agreeing to move down from No. 2 to No. 5 in swap for WR/CB Travis Hunter
- Chiefs snared No. 29 from Rams in deal sending CB Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles
- Dolphins acquired No. 30 from Broncos in trade sending WR Jaylen Waddle to Denver
Round 2
- Texans added No. 38 from Commanders in four-pick package that re-routed LT Laremy Tunsil to Washington
- Jets acquired No. 44 from Cowboys in trade involving DT Quinnen Williams
- Bears obtained No. 60 from Bills in trade involving WR D.J. Moore
Round 3
- Eagles picked up No. 68 from Jets in March 2024 deal sending OLB Haason Reddick to New York
- Serving as gateway on QB Jaxson Dart‘s New York path (at No. 25 overall), Texans acquired No. 69 from Giants
- Trade for WR George Pickens sent Steelers No. 76 from Cowboys in deal involving three draft choices between 2026 and ’27
- Jaguars hold No. 81 due to Lions climbing 32 spots (to No. 70) in 2025 draft for WR Isaac TeSlaa
- Dolphins added No. 87 from Eagles in trade for OLB Jaelan Phillips
- Dolphins acquired No. 90 from Texans, who moved pick in package for No. 116 in 2025 (RB Woody Marks)
- Cowboys landed No. 92 from 49ers in trade involving DT Osa Odighizuwa
- Dolphins obtained No. 94 from Broncos third in Waddle trade
- Jaguars snagged No. 100 from Lions via Detroit’s 2025 Isaac TeSlaa trade-up maneuver
Round 4
- Tunsil trade also sent Texans No. 106 from Commanders
- Broncos added No. 108 from Saints, sending WR Devaughn Vele to New Orleans
- Broncos acquired No. 111 from Dolphins fourth in trade for Waddle
- Eagles obtained No. 114 from Falcons in trade involving S Sydney Brown
- October 2024 trade for LT Cam Robinson sent Jaguars conditional fourth-rounder from Vikings
- Raiders obtained higher of Jaguars‘ two fourths (No. 117) in trade involving WR Jakobi Meyers
- Falcons added No. 122 from Eagles in Brown trade
- Chiefs added fourth from Bears in swap that sent G Joe Thuney to Chicago
- Patriots snagged selection (No. 125) from Chiefs in 2025 deal that gave Kansas City No. 85 (CB Nohl Williams)
- Lions added No. 128 from Texans in trade for RB David Montgomery
- Bears snared No. 129 from Rams in deal that gave Los Angeles No. 148 (DL Ty Hamilton)
- Waddle swap sent Dolphins No. 130 from Broncos
- Saints acquired No. 132 from Seahawks in trade for WR Rashid Shaheed
Round 5
- Browns collected Raiders fifth in trade involving QB Kenny Pickett
- Texans obtained pick (No. 141) from Browns in trade sending OL Tytus Howard to Cleveland
- Ravens added Jets fifth by moving out of No. 176 (DE Tyler Baron)
- Titans obtained Ravens pick (No. 142) in trade for OLB Dre’Mont Jones
- August 2024 Ernest Jones trade — the first of the two swaps involving the LB last year — sent Rams pick from Titans
- Titans obtained pick (No. 144) back from Rams in trade involving CB Roger McCreary
- Browns added Bengals fifth (No. 149) in trade for QB Joe Flacco
- Eagles acquired fifth from Falcons by dealing No. 96 to Atlanta (S Xavier Watts)
- Packers added No. 153 from Eagles in trade involving WR Dontayvion Wicks
- Panthers obtained No. 158 from Vikings in trade sending WR Adam Thielen back to Minnesota
- Ravens collected Chargers fifth (No. 162) in trade involving OLB Odafe Oweh, S Alohi Gilman
- Vikings acquired Eagles fifth (No. 163) in trade involving QB Sam Howell
- Moore trade sent Bills fifth (No. 165) from Bears
- Trade for DE Bryce Huff positioned to send Eagles conditional fifth from 49ers
- Jaguars obtained Eagles conditional fifth (No. 166) in trade involving RB Tank Bigsby
- In deal that sent G Kenyon Green to Eagles and S C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Texans, Philadelphia obtained Houston’s fifth
- Texans reacquired pick (No. 167) in trade that sent TE Harrison Bryant from Eagles in exchange for WR John Metchie
- McDuffie trade sent Chiefs No. 169 from Rams
- Shaheed trade sent Saints No. 172 from Seahawks
Round 6
- Browns added sixth from Jets, trading DT Jowon Briggs to New York
- Jaguars obtained sixth from Browns in trade involving CBs Tyson Campbell, Greg Newsome
- Raiders added sixth from Jaguars in Jakobi Meyers swap
- Bills added No. 182 from Raiders in trade for CB Taron Johnson
- Raiders added sixth from Jaguars in Jakobi Meyers swap
- Jaguars obtained sixth from Browns in trade involving CBs Tyson Campbell, Greg Newsome
- Nick Harris pick-swap trade sent Seahawks sixth back from Browns
- Jaguars acquired pick from Seahawks in trade involving DT Roy Robertson-Harris
- Isaac TeSlaa terms sent No. 188 to Lions from Jaguars
- Jaguars acquired pick from Seahawks in trade involving DT Roy Robertson-Harris
- October 2024 trade for DE Josh Uche sent Patriots No. 191 from Chiefs
- Giants acquired No. 192 from Dolphins in exchange for retired TE Darren Waller‘s rights
- Intra-NFC East swap involving DT Jordan Phillips brought Giants No. 193 from Cowboys
- Phillips being on Cowboys’ gameday roster for two games finalized trade
- Trade-up move involving K Tyler Loop (at No. 186) sent Jets sixth from Ravens
- Titans obtained No. 194 from Jets in trade involving CB Jarvis Brownlee
- Vikings collected No. 196 from Colts in deal for CB Mekhi Blackmon
- Eagles acquired No. 197 from Falcons in Sydney Brown trade
- Texans added sixth from Vikings in October 2024 RB Cam Akers swap
- Vikings reacquired choice from Texans in deal for G Ed Ingram
- Pick-swap deal centered around RB Jordan Mason sent choice to 49ers
- Patriots netted No. 198 from 49ers in trade involving DE Keion White
- Pick-swap deal centered around RB Jordan Mason sent choice to 49ers
- Vikings reacquired choice from Texans in deal for G Ed Ingram
- Deadline deal involving OLB Za’Darius Smith gave Browns sixth from Lions
- Bengals obtain No. 199 from Browns in deal for QB Joe Flacco
- Patriots landed No. 202 from Steelers in trade that sent S Kyle Dugger to Pittsburgh
- Trade involving Gardner-Johnson, Green sent Texans sixth from Eagles
- Eagles obtained sixth, TE Harrison Bryant from Texans in exchange for WR John Metchie, 2025 fifth
- Tank Bigsby trade sent Jaguars No. 203 from Eagles
- Eagles obtained sixth, TE Harrison Bryant from Texans in exchange for WR John Metchie, 2025 fifth
- Lions added No. 205 from Jaguars in deal for WR Tim Patrick
- Browns acquired No. 206 from Bears in trade for DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
- Rams obtained sixth from Texans in swap that sent WR Ben Skowronek to Houston
- Titans acquired pick from Rams in Ernest Jones trade
- Rams reacquired No. 207 from Titans sixth in trade involving CB Roger McCreary
- Titans acquired pick from Rams in Ernest Jones trade
- In intra-AFC East deal for CB Brandon Codrington, Jets received sixth from Bills
- Raiders acquired No. 208 from Jets in trade involving QB Geno Smith
- Commanders nabbed No. 209 from 49ers in exchange for RB Brian Robinson
- McDuffie trade sent Chiefs No. 210 from Rams
- Trade involving DL John Franklin-Myers, agreed to on Day 3 of 2024 draft, sent Jets sixth from Broncos
- Vikings acquired pick from Jets in deal involving DL Harrison Phillips
- Eagles added choice from Vikings in trade for Sam Howell
- Ravens obtained No. 211 from Eagles in trade involving CB Jaire Alexander
- Eagles added choice from Vikings in trade for Sam Howell
- Vikings acquired pick from Jets in deal involving DL Harrison Phillips
- Seahawks added sixth from Browns in deal that sent C Nick Harris back to Cleveland
- Jaguars snared pick from Seahawks in October 2024 deal for DL Roy Robertson-Harris
- Lions obtained No. 213 from Jaguars in pick-swap deal for Isaac TeSlaa
- Jaguars snared pick from Seahawks in October 2024 deal for DL Roy Robertson-Harris
- Colts obtained No. 214 from Steelers in trade involving WR Michael Pittman Jr.
- Falcons obtained No. 215 from Eagles in Brown deal
Round 7
- Cowboys added No. 218 from Titans in trade involving DT Solomon Thomas
- Brandon Codrington trade sent Bills No. 220 from Jets
- Cowboys added seventh from Giants in Jordan Phillips trade
- Bengals added No. 221 from Cowboys in trade involving LB Logan Wilson
- Za’Darius Smith pick-swap trade brought Lions No. 222 from Browns
- Patriots acquired seventh from Saints in deal involving DT Davon Godchaux
- Steelers acquired No. 224 from Patriots in trade involving Kyle Dugger
- Cowboys collected conditional seventh from Chiefs for TE Peyton Hendershot
- Titans grabbed No. 225 from Cowboys in trade for DT Solomon Thomas
- Bills snagged seventh from Cowboys in exchange for CB Kaiir Elam
- Raiders acquired pick from Bills in trade involving CB Taron Johnson
- Jets added No. 228 from Raiders in trade for QB Geno Smith
- Raiders acquired pick from Bills in trade involving CB Taron Johnson
- Steelers obtained No. 230 from Colts in trade for WR Michael Pittman Jr.
- Rams acquired No. 232 from Ravens in 2024 Tre’Davious White deadline deal
- May 2023 trade gave Jaguars conditional seventh (No. 233) from Lions in exchange for K Riley Patterson
- Adam Thielen clearing 10-game mark in 2025 sent Vikings No. 235 from Panthers
- Titans obtained seventh from Chargers in exchange for DB Elijah Molden
- Jets added seventh from Titans in Jarvis Brownlee trade
- Dolphins acquired No. 238 from Jets for S Minkah Fitzpatrick
- Jets added seventh from Titans in Jarvis Brownlee trade
- Jaguars snared seventh from Eagles in deal sending T Fred Johnson back to Philadelphia
- Browns obtained pick from Jaguars in Greg Newsome trade
- Bears pried No. 239 from Browns in Joe Tryon-Shoyinka swap
- Browns obtained pick from Jaguars in Greg Newsome trade
- Browns–Bills‘ trade involving WR Amari Cooper sent Cleveland seventh
- In Jowon Briggs trade, Jets added No. 242 from Browns
- Deadline deal involving DT Khalil Davis gave Texans No. 243 from 49ers
- Vikings acquired No. 244 from Texans in trade involving RB Cam Akers
- Texans added seventh from Rams in Ben Skowronek trade
- Jaguars collected No. 245 from Texans in trade for WR Christian Kirk
- Nick Harris trade sent Browns No. 248 from Seahawks
NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Lawrence, Eagles
Jerry Jones is optimistic the Cowboys will have most of their injured players back in the next couple of weeks. The Cowboys are without starters CeeDee Lamb and Tyler Booker on offense, but neither is on IR. That duo will be set to return soon, while cornerback Caelen Carson is in the IR-return window. Rookie running back Phil Mafah will also be an option to come off IR. Jones expressed more hesitancy during a 105.3 The Fan appearance (via The Athletic’s Jon Machota) regarding DeMarvion Overshown and Cooper Beebe. The longtime owner/GM said he does not expect either to return until after the Cowboys’ Week 10 bye. Though, Jones did inject some optimism here by mentioning he does not expect the linebacker or center to miss much (if any) time beyond that point.
Overshown is recovering from a severe knee injury, which resulted in ACL, MCL and PCL tears. A September report pointed to October as a possible early return window; Jones’ latest offering pours cold water on that. Overshown, who missed his entire 2023 rookie season due to an ACL tear, looks likelier to come back at some point in November. Beebe has missed the past three Cowboys contests with a lateral ankle sprain and fractured foot. A return shortly after Dallas’ Week 10 bye would be in line with the initial recovery timetable provided.
Here is the latest from the NFC East:
- The Cowboys benched Kaiir Elam in Week 5, doing so after he started the team’s first four games. DaRon Bland had already returned in time for Week 4, complementing Trevon Diggs after the duo had barely played together since Diggs’ September 2023 ACL tear. Elam still played 35 defensive snaps in a rotational role during a blowout win over the Jets, but via Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Reddy Steward lined up in the slot alongside Diggs and Bland. Elam has worked as an outside corner but has not shown much improvement from his Bills days. The Cowboys did not pick up the 2022 first-rounder’s fifth-year option in May.
- Dexter Lawrence has seen some less accomplished defensive tackles pass him over since he signed his Giants extension (four years, $90MM) in May 2023. The Giants gave him an incentive package in July, and The Athletic’s Dan Duggan details those markers. Lawrence can earn $1.5MM in playing time-based incentives, with $500K escalators in place for 51%, 60% and 70% of the Giants’ defensive snaps this season. An additional $1.5MM in performance incentives are present, with those benchmarks including separate $500K bumps for five-, six- and seven-sack seasons. With the same three-tiered setup in place for the performance marks, Lawrence must become a first- or second-team All-Pro — and see the Giants improve on either total yardage, yards per carry or yards per pass from 2024 — to cash in on any of the $500K levels.
- The Commanders benched Brandon Coleman last month, turning to fourth-year option Chris Paul at left guard. This was part of a multi-guard changeover, with Andrew Wylie replacing ex-Chiefs teammate Nick Allegretti at RG (while Sam Cosmi finishes his ACL rehab). Coleman’s health contributed to the benching, per Kliff Kingsbury, who said (via NBC4Sports’ JP Finlay) nagging injuries partially contributed to the demotion. Coleman, who started 12 games as a rookie, has not played since Week 2.
- Landon Dickerson made it back from preseason meniscus surgery to play in Week 1, but he will be sidelined for the Eagles‘ Thursday-night matchup against the Giants. Dickerson sustained an ankle injury against the Broncos and has been ruled out for Week 6, with the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane indicating a two-game absence is likely in play for the Pro Bowl guard. Brett Toth replaced Dickerson at LG. Elsewhere on the Eagle injury front, long snapper Charley Hughlett underwent successful core muscle surgery, per his agent. Placed on IR last week, Hughlett is expected to miss multiple months.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/7/25
Today’s practice squad moves in the NFL:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released: S Patrick McMorris
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: CB Jalen Kimber, LB Baylon Spector
- Released: LB Otis Reese
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: CB Keion Crossen, G Darrian Dalcourt
- Released: S Israel Mukuamu, G Aiden Williams
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: S Julius Wood
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: CB Troy Pride Jr.
- Released: CB Mike Hilton
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: WR Tim Jones
- Released: WR Erik Ezukanma
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: P Brad Robbins
Minnesota Vikings
- Released: T Matt Waletzko
New England Patriots
- Signed: RB Jashaun Corbin
- Released: G Royce Newman
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: WR Ronnie Bell, TE Moliki Matavao
- Released: T Sataoa Laumea, WR Tommy Mellott
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Released: LB Ja’Whaun Bentley
San Francisco 49ers
- Released: S Jaylen Mahoney
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: RB Owen Wright
- Released: G Sua Opeta
Tennessee Titans
- Released: CB Alex Johnson
Cowboys Place S Malik Hooker On IR
The Cowboys placed safety Malik Hooker on injured reserve on Saturday, per The Athletic’s Jon Machota.
Hooker started the team’s first four contests of the season before exiting last week’s game against the Packers with a toe injury. Now, he will be out for at least four games and will be eligible to return in Week 9.
The eight-year veteran has gotten off to a rough start in 2025, allowing a perfect 158.3 passer rating when targeted, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He has been better as a run defender, consistently playing downhill to meet ballcarriers in the hole and missing just one of his 16 tackles.
Hooker will be replaced in the starting lineup by Juanyeh Thomas, who closed out the game in Week 4. The 2023 UDFA has been a depth safety and core special teams player during his three years in Dallas, so starting in Hooker’s absence is a major opportunity.
The Cowboys also signed safety Alijah Clark to the active roster from the practice squad. The undrafted rookie will further reinforce the secondary while helping out on special teams as well. Wideouts Jalen Brooks and Jalen Cropper were both elevated from the practice squad for Week 5 to bolster a receiving room that will be without CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin on Sunday.
Cowboys Open To George Pickens Extension?
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones indicated (via Clarence Hill of All City DLLS) that Dallas was open to signing wide receiver George Pickens to a contract extension.
Jones praised Pickens as an “exemplary teammate” and again referred to the Micah Parsons trade as an opportunity to sign multiple players for the price of one.
Pickens was traded to the Cowboys in May and initially said that he was planning to play out the final year of his contract. That may still be the case, but he indicated in August that he was open to an extended stay in Dallas. Pickens also hinted that he was more comfortable in the locker room relative to his time in Pittsburgh, which was marked by attendance issues and sideline outbursts.
The 24-year-old wideout got off to a good, but not great start in Dallas with 13 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns in his first three games. But after CeeDee Lamb went down with a high ankle sprain, Pickens exploded for an 8-134-2 stat line in his first full game as the Cowboys’ WR1. He is now on pace for career-highs across the board, though Lamb’s eventual return will eat into his target share. Continuing to produce will certainly keep him as a featured target in the Cowboys offense, even when Lamb retakes his role.
Pickens could be in line for a massive contract if he finishes with another 1,000-yard season, especially if he reaches 4,000 career receiving yards by the end of his fourth season. Fellow 2022 draftee Jameson Williams signed a three-year, $80MM extension earlier this year, though that value is inflated by per-game roster bonuses, workout bonuses, and a non-guaranteed option bonus due in the final year of the deal. Williams has significantly less production than Pickens, so the latter should be able to match or eclipse that deal with a more player-friendly structure.
Signing Pickens to an extension would certainly make sense given that the Cowboys gave up third- and fifth-round picks for him (and a sixth-rounder in a pick-swap exchange) in the offseason. That is not too high a price for a one-year rental, but trading for a young, productive player at the end of his rookie deal suggests that Dallas made the move with the future in mind.
