Dallas Cowboys News & Rumors

Cowboys Planning To Use Second-Round RFA Tender On KaVontae Turpin

March 3rd, 2025 at 1:12pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Cowboys are interested in keeping a number of their pending unrestricted free agents from hitting the market next week. One of their RFAs, meanwhile, is unlikely to become available.

The Cowboys are likely to use a second-round RFA tender on wideout/returner KaVontae Turpin, Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News reports. After beginning his career in a number of non-traditional football environments, including one season in the USFL, Turpin has spent the past three years in Dallas. That tenure has seen him earn a pair of Pro Bowl invites and a first-team All-Pro nod for his special teams abilities.

In 2025, a second-round tender carries a cost of $5.35MM. Using it will prevent Turpin from reaching the market, and signing it will allow him to receive that amount, which is fully guaranteed. In the event the 28-year-old were to sign an offer sheet from an interested team, the Cowboys would be able to match it; failing that, they would receive a second-round pick as compensation for the former undrafted rookie.

Turpin led the NFL in total (904) and average (33.5) return yardage on kickoffs in 2024. In the punt return game, he averaged 10.4 yards per runback and added a touchdown last year (in addition to one scored on a kickoff). The TCU product will be counted on to remain a dynamic special teams contributor moving forward, although he has also seen his role on offense grow with each passing season. Turpin recorded 420 receiving yards and two scores in 2024.

Dallas’ receiver depth chart is of course topped by CeeDee Lamb, who inked a $34MM-per-year extension last summer. The Cowboys could stand to add a complementary option in free agency, though, especially with Brandin Cooks set to see his contract expire. On that note, ESPN’s Dan Graziano writes the team can be expected to pursue a new No. 2 wideout this offseason. Trade acquisition Jonathan Mingo could develop into that role, but several veterans will be available once the new league year starts.

Turpin logged a 27% offensive snap share last season, and that figure could continue to rise. Even if other WR options are brought in, however, he figures to remain in the Cowboys’ plans for at least one more season.

Cowboys Prepared To Tag Osa Odighizuwa; DeMarcus Lawrence Hopes To Re-Sign

March 2nd, 2025 at 10:07pm CST by Adam La Rose

Micah Parsons‘ pending mega-extension is a key talking point related to the Cowboys’ offseason. The team has other pressing matters in the front seven, though, as free agency approaches.

DeMarcus Lawrence has spent his entire career with Dallas, including the past four as Parsons’ running mate along the edge. The four-time Pro Bowler is on track to reach the open market, and a departure would allow the Cowboys to transition to a younger core in the pass-rush department. Lawrence is aware he could explore other opportunities as a free agent, but his preference would be to remain in place.

“The ball is in their court. I’m not only going to play in Dallas,” the 11-year veteran said (via Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram). “I’m going to have other options, but I’d like to stay here. It would be a glorious thing. My family is here. I love it here. The fans love me here.”

Lawrence played on the franchise tag in 2018, and was tagged again the following year before a five-year deal was worked out. A three-year pact signed in 2022 ensured the former second-rounder would continue with the Cowboys, and Lawrence did not miss a game over the first two campaigns of that stretch. In 2024, though, he was limited to only four contests; that missed time could hinder his market value.

At a minimum, Lawrence’s comments confirm he intends to continue his career in 2025. Entering his age-33 season, the Cowboys were recently reported to be waiting to see how he would proceed. It will be interesting to see if Dallas matches the Boise State product’s desire to work out another new pact. In addition to Parsons (who could soon become the league’s highest-paid defender), the Cowboys’ depth chart along the edge includes recent draftees Sam Williams and Marshawn Kneeland.

Stephen Jones has made it clear talks on a deal preventing defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa from reaching free agency. Talks are ongoing, and reaching agreement on a pact would give the Cowboys clarity along the D-line before the start of the new league year. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes progress has been made recently, and the DT market would lose arguably its most impactful member in the event talks reached the finish line shortly.

Failing that, Fowler’s colleague Dan Graziano notes the franchise tag could come into play. Using the tag in 2025 would result in a one-year guarantee of $25.12MM in Odighizuwa’s case – a massive raise compared to his rookie deal. The top of the position’s market has surged in recent years, and at the age of 26 the former third-rounder will be in position to command a lucrative long-term deal with Dallas or an outside suitor. Using the tag (a decision which must be made by Tuesday afternoon) would give the Cowboys until mid-July to negotiate a multi-year Odighizuwa pact. Fowler’s latest update on the situation confirms the Cowboys are indeed prepared to use the tag in this case.

Dallas’ list of in-house priorities also includes the likes of slot corner Jourdan Lewis and running back Rico Dowdle. As the team weighs its options on those fronts, Lawrence and Odighizuwa will remain names to watch closely over the coming days.

Cowboys, Micah Parsons Begin Negotiations; Latest On Osa Odighizuwa’s Asking Price

March 2nd, 2025 at 7:03pm CST by Sam Robinson

After taking their time on CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott extensions last year — to the point the ultra-rare game-day deal came to pass before Week 1 (with Prescott) — the Cowboys are at least starting the Micah Parsons process.

As of last week, the sides were not talking. They are now, per the Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins, who describes these as general discussions. They will pertain to a monster extension, as Parsons joins a few edge rushers in the running to alter the position’s financial landscape this offseason.

Parsons has said he hopes an extension will be in place by training camp, later communicating there is a plan in place between he and the team regarding his second contract. This came after Parsons indicated in December he wanted a deal before free agency. That seems almost certain not to happen, as the Cowboys regularly hammer out their top extensions — save for the first Prescott re-up, which featured a franchise tag deadline — late in the summer.

Parsons joins T.J. Watt and Trey Hendrickson in contract years, with Myles Garrett squarely on the extension radar — with the Browns or another team, depending on how his trade saga ends — despite two seasons remaining on his deal. Parsons has said he expects to the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback. Other edge rushers will be in the mix for that title, as will Ja’Marr Chase.

Trade rumblings have come out on Parsons, who would fetch more than Garrett would due to his age (26 in May). Jerry Jones did his best to refute those, but a report last month had the Cowboys at least discussing the matter internally. As the Cowboys have Prescott and Lamb tied to top-market deals, a third landmark payday would restrict their ability to round out a roster. Dallas deciding to trade the youngest of their top trio would be an interesting move, as Parsons is probably the team’s best player. For now, the conversation will center on an extension, rather than a seismic swap.

Beginning his career with three All-Pro nods, Parsons is one of the NFL’s premier players. He will command a deal north of Nick Bosa‘s $34MM-per-year accord. The cap has climbed by $55MM since the Bosa deal came to pass. With Garrett, Watt and Hendrickson also in play for new contracts, this market being topped by a $40MM-AAV pact will not be out of the question come Week 1. The Cowboys are currently low on cap space, holding barely $3MM. They also will face a $26.4MM Zack Martin dead money bill from his retirement, though the future Hall of Fame guard could work with the team — as Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox did the Eagles — to help save money via a post-June 1 transaction.

The Cowboys have a while on Parsons, but they are running out of time with Osa Odighizuwa. The ascending D-tackle has been in talks with the team on a second contract for weeks, and he is poised to be one of this year’s top free agents. As such, Watkins views $20MM per year as a floor for the four-year starter. Odighizuwa and Milton Williams are expected to fetch big contracts on this year’s DT market, but the Cowboys could buy more time by franchise-tagging their free agent-to-be. Of course, that would require maneuvering to create cap space, as it would cost $25.12MM for the team to tag Odighizuwa. The Cowboys have used the tag in six of the past seven years.

Unable to break through to snap their NFC championship game drought — now the NFC’s longest — with Parsons and Odighizuwa on rookie contracts, the Cowboys will now see their roster become more expensive. They have until 3pm CT March 4 to tag Odighizuwa and until 11am March 10 to conduct exclusive negotiations.

Ashton Jeanty Plans To Visit Cowboys, Bears

March 1st, 2025 at 9:14pm CST by Adam La Rose

Attention for all NFL prospects will soon turn away from the Combine to the next step in the pre-draft process. In the case of top running back Ashton Jeanty, he will draw considerable interest over the coming weeks.

Jeanty plans to take top-30 visits with the Cowboys and Bears, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. It comes as no surprise Dallas is among the teams which intends to host the Boise State standout. Jeanty himself said in November he would welcome the opportunity to play for his hometown team.

The Cowboys elected to attempt a committee approach in 2024 after allowing Tony Pollard to depart in free agency. A reunion with Ezekiel Elliott did not work as planned, although Rico Dowdle topped 1,000 rushing yards by handling by far the heaviest workload of his career. After Dallas ranked just 27th in the NFL in production on the ground, though, adding a new top back (especially if Dowdle departs in free agency) is an obvious goal, something which could come as early as the 12th overall pick in the draft.

The Bears (owners of the No. 10 selection) were among the numerous teams which made a splash on the veteran market last offseason. D’Andre Swift inked a three-year, $24MM deal in free agency and handled a career-high 295 touches during his debut Chicago campaign. The former Lion and Eagle’s base salary for 2025 ($7.93MM) will be guaranteed in full by March 17, so he will be counted on to remain a central figure in the Bears’ offense next year.

Chicago traded away Khalil Herbert midway through the 2024 season, while Travis Homer and Darrynton Evans are pending free agents. The team could therefore look to April’s draft to add depth behind Swift and Roschon Johnson. The 2025 class is lauded for its crop of running backs, however, so the Bears (and others) could wait until Day 2 or 3 and find impact players at the position.

Jeanty is seen as a first-round candidate based on his massive output during his time with the Broncos. His 2,601 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns in 2024 alone helped him earn a number of accolades, including an All-American nod and the Maxwell Award. The Heisman runner-up did not take part in on-field drills at the Combine, but he will do so at Boise State’s Pro Day. As the lead-in to the draft continues, visits with several other teams will no doubt be arranged.

Cowboys Expect Trey Lance To Depart, Plan To Draft QB

February 24th, 2025 at 10:30pm CST by Adam La Rose

With Dak Prescott on the books for the foreseeable future, the top of the Cowboys’ quarterback depth chart is set. Dallas may well have a new backup in place for 2025, though.

Trey Lance is a pending free agent with his rookie contract set to expire. The former No. 3 pick’s brief time with the 49ers ended via trade in 2023, with the Cowboys acquiring him for a fourth-round selection. Lance did not not see any playing time during his first Dallas campaign, though, and this past season he made only one start despite Dak Prescott‘s missed time.

“We took a shot a Trey and wanted to do that,” COO Stephen Jones said on Monday (via David Moore of the Dallas Morning News). “We think the world of Trey. But us having Dak signed up for the long-term, I think he’s probably going to be looking for something different.”

Indeed, it would come as no surprise if Lance were to head elsewhere on the open market. The 24-year-old is unlikely to draw much in the way of free agent interest having only made 12 regular season appearances and five starts to date, but a team could allow him the opportunity to compete for a backup gig in the summer. The QB2 role has belonged to Cooper Rush for much of his Cowboys tenure, but he too is set to see his contract expire in March.

Jones spoke positively about Rush, 31, when asked about his situation. The former UDFA has made 13 starts across the 2022 and ’24 campaigns when Prescott has been sidelined through injury. Rush’s last contract (two years, $5MM) was the most lucrative one of his career, but Jones noted he could receive a raise by means of a free agent departure. Especially if that takes place, the Cowboys can be expected to draft Prescott’s next backup (something Moore notes new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and quarterbacks coach Steve Shimko support).

“You know, I think one of our goals is to get a young quarterback in the draft,” Jones said. “I don’t know where that’s going to be. It seems like all the quarterbacks, even guys we have in the fourth round, go in the first. They always go so much higher than what you think.”

The Cowboys are currently projected to have 10 picks in April’s draft, including four in a stretch from Nos. 150-174. That range could give the team the opportunity to add an inexpensive backup while Dallas manages the cap implications of Prescott’s historic 2024 extension.

Stephen Jones: Cowboys Will Be “Selectively Aggressive” This Offseason

February 24th, 2025 at 8:43pm CST by Ben Levine

The Cowboys are hoping to steal headlines this offseason, but the team is making it clear that they won’t force any moves. While speaking with reporters at the combine today, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones told reporters that his team will be “selectively aggressive” when it comes to transactions.

“Obviously, our goals historically have been to try to fill as many of our musts and needs before the draft so you can pick the best player on your board,” Stephen Jones said (via ESPN’s Todd Archer). “Didn’t get that totally accomplished last year, but certainly that’s always the goal. And every year is different in terms of what those musts and needs are, and then you also have to marry what’s in free agency vs. where the draft is heavy and where we can help ourselves in the draft.”

The Cowboys’ 2024 season ended in disappointment and change, as the team moved on from Mike McCarthy after failing to make the playoffs. Part of the team’s lack of success was due to Dak Prescott‘s season-ending hamstring injury, although the Cowboys were only 3-5 in their quarterback’s eight starts.

There’s clearly work to do if the Cowboys hope to return to the postseason. The team has holes on both sides of the ball, and while they’ll find a few options via the draft, they’ll be reliant on some newcomers to be productive. That could require the front office to pony up, and it seems like they could be willing…to an extent.

Further, similar to last year, the Cowboys will also be focused on extending their star players. After inking Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to new deals, the team’s now motivated to sign pass rusher Micah Parsons to a new pact. We’ve heard the Cowboys have also talked to defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa‘s camp about a new deal, and the team has a long list of additional players who are set to hit free agency.

Therefore, when Jones says his team will be “selectively aggressive,” it could come in many forms. While fans would naturally like to see a big splash via free agency or trade, the team’s notable moves may be more in-house. Still, Jones wasn’t shy about exploring every possible route to improve the Cowboys.

“We’re going to look at everything we can,” Jones said (via Archer). “You have a certain amount of resources they allow you to have. But we’re going to try to improve our football team. Not try. We’re going to improve our football team and we expect to have success [this] year.”

Cowboys Begin Negotiations With Osa Odighizuwa; Team Hopes To Retain Jourdan Lewis, Rico Dowdle

February 24th, 2025 at 10:00am CST by Adam La Rose

Much of the Cowboys’ offseason will center on the Micah Parsons extension situation. The team has other priorities as the new league year approaches, though, and that includes talks with a number of pending free agents.

One of those is Osa Odighizuwa. The former third-rounder is currently set to be one of the top defensive tackles in free agency, but there is still time for the Cowboys to work out a deal preventing him from reaching the market. COO Stephen Jones recently made it clear talks have begun on a second contract for Odighizuwa.

“We have had negotiations with Osa,” Jones revealed during an interview with David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. “I just think Osa is a really good football player. He’s an important piece.”

The 26-year-old has started all but four of his 67 career games, collecting 13.5 sacks to date. Improving against the run is a key need for the Cowboys this offseason, and multiple changes in the front seven could be in store as a result. With the chance of a departure to Washington (and thus a reunion with Dan Quinn) looming, it will be interesting to see if an agreement can be reached before the start of the new league year in March.

As for other roster priorities, Jones noted the Cowboys also hope to retain slot corner Jourdan Lewis and lead running back Rico Dowdle. Lewis has spent his entire eight-year career in Dallas, playing out his rookie contract, a three-year deal worth an average of $4.5MM per year and the less lucrative one-year accord signed last March to keep him in place. Approaching his age-30 season, Dallas could make another short-term commitment while DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs remain perimeter starters.

The Cowboys opted for a committee approach early in the 2024 season in particular, and it did not go according to plan. The shift in approach later in the year allowed Dowdle to surpass 1,000 rushing yards while handling by far the heaviest workload of his career, though, something which could help his market value. Dallas ranked 27th on the ground last year, and improving in that department could involve selecting a running back in April’s draft, one which is viewed as being deep at the position. Re-signing Dowdle would nevertheless allow for backfield continuity and at least provide the team with an experienced backup.

Jones added the Cowboys are awaiting a decision from defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence on his future. The 33-year-old was limited to just four games last year and is a pending free agent. Lawrence received the franchise tag twice, and his career earnings also include the five- and three-year Cowboys pacts he has played on. After seeing that fellow 2014 draftee Zack Martin intends to retire, Lawrence could do the same; taking that path would leave Dallas in need of at least a depth addition along the edge.

As for Parsons, Jones declined to give a firm timeline on when negotiations for his pending mega-extension will begin. He did say, though, that talks will pick up over the coming weeks as the team navigates the lead-in to free agency while preparing for the draft. Parsons has a case to become the league’s highest-paid defensive player, but before a deal reaching (or approaching) that mark is worked out the Cowboys will look to attain clarity on how their 2025 roster shapes up at several positions.

S Keanu Neal Retires

February 23rd, 2025 at 4:01pm CST by Adam La Rose

Keanu Neal did not play in 2024, and he will not make a return next season. The veteran safety announced his retirement on Sunday.

“20 years ago, I started this journey,” Neal’s announcement reads in part. “Today, I am retiring from the NFL… I am incredibly grateful for the coaches and teammates I had the privilege of working with along the way… All the lessons learned through the game has helped mold me into who I am today.”

A first-round pick of the Falcons in 2016, Neal entered the league with high expectations. He had a strong start to his Atlanta tenure, recording 100-plus tackles in each of his first two seasons and earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2017. Neal’s first playoff run saw him make 30 tackles en route to a Super Bowl appearance.

Across the 2018 and ’19 campaigns, however, the Florida product played a combined total of only four games. Neal returned to full health during his final Falcons campaign, but he was unable to land a notable commitment from any suitor during his free agent spells. A one-year Cowboys contract (which saw him spend time at middle linebacker) was followed by a return to the NFC South in 2022 with Tampa Bay.

After serving as a part-time Buccaneers starter, Neal inked a two-year free agent pact with the Steelers. Early in his Pittsburgh tenure, he served as a key member of the secondary with eight starts, 50 tackles and an interception. A ribs injury ended Neal’s campaign, though, and he was released last March. After failing to land a deal on the open market in 2024, he will turn his attention to his post-playing days.

In all, the 29-year-old made 94 combined regular and postseason appearances during his time in the NFL, starting 74 of them. Thanks in large part to the size of his rookie pact, Neal amassed roughly $25.5MM in career earnings.

Extension Talks Between Cowboys, Micah Parsons Have Not Started

February 21st, 2025 at 8:21pm CST by Ely Allen

Cowboys outside linebacker Micah Parsons has been extremely vocal about wanting to remain in Dallas under an extended contract, especially over the last three months. In what has become typical Cowboys fashion, though, talks between the two parties have not started, according to Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News.

To be clear, this seems to directly conflict with a report from just over a week ago from the team’s website, following a meeting between Parsons and team owner/president/general manager Jerry Jones. After the meeting, Parsons stated that the talks went well and that “there’s definitely a plan in place.” The more recent report from Watkins seems to indicate that Jones and company didn’t take Parsons’ plan as seriously as Parsons did.

Typically, as Watkins points out, team officials will wait for the NFL Scouting Combine to start contract talks with players’ agents. While Parsons and Jones met in the building where Parsons laid out his expectations for what the team’s website called “an exceptionally complex and lucrative contract,” it appears the source with knowledge of the situation communicating with Watkins is indicating that those preliminary talks were just window dressing until the real talks with Parsons’ agents can begin.

This continues a worrying trend wherein Jones and the Cowboys seem to be operating with no sense of urgency. Waiting to secure extensions for quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb last year cost the Cowboys millions as other players around the league set new markets at the same positions with their own extensions. Jones’ baffling decision to let former head coach Mike McCarthy‘s contract expire instead of firing him earlier not only gave every other team with an opening a head start on interviewing and hiring replacement head coaches, but he also allowed the assistant coaches’ contracts to expire. When he eventually promoted offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to the top position, the new head coach was unable to retain many of his assistants from 2024 as they had already started to explore other opportunities following the expiration of their deals.

In addition, not only have the Cowboys seemingly not been working night and day to retain their best defensive player (perhaps their best player overall) on a long-term deal, but there have also been internal discussions about trading the star pass rusher. With how unabashed Parsons has been about wanting to stay in Dallas, it’s truly stunning to see the Cowboys continue to slow play the situation and explore other options.

Cowboys G Zack Martin Plans To Retire

February 20th, 2025 at 10:05pm CST by Sam Robinson

One of the greatest interior offensive line careers is set to end. Zack Martin will follow through on retirement, informing the Cowboys he plans to walk away after 11 seasons, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports.

The decorated blocker played out a six-year extension, one adjusted after a 2023 holdout, and was set to hit free agency for the first time. Barring a course change, Martin will pass on testing the market ahead of an age-35 season. This will both strip another O-line constant from Dallas’ roster and tag the team with significant dead money.

Tabbing Martin as a key piece on an offensive line featuring fellow first-rounders Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick, the Cowboys saw him become one of the greatest players in franchise history. He earned seven first-team All-Pro honors and received nine Pro Bowl invites, placing the Notre Dame alum among the very best in NFL history for any O-line position. He was a vital piece for the Cowboys during their Tony Romo– and Dak Prescott-centered periods.

Martin signed a six-year, $84MM contract in 2018, giving the Cowboys seven years of control. As that contract term waned, Martin successfully secured the final two years guaranteed. The Cowboys caved during their top lineman’s 2023 holdout, giving him $36.85MM guaranteed. That covered the 2023 and ’24 seasons. As a result of Martin’s retirement, the Cowboys will be hit with $26.46MM in dead money.

The Cowboys were able to avoid a void years-driven cap crunch with Prescott, giving him a record-smashing extension hours before their Week 1 game. Martin’s money was set to void had he not re-signed with the team before the start of the 2025 league year. This retirement will not help, as it still represents a departure. Although the many restructures the Cowboys performed with Martin’s contract will put them in a bit of a bind thanks to this exit, he rewarded the team for over a decade. Few clubs had comparable options during Martin’s tenure.

Martin’s seven first-team All-Pro nods match Hall of Famers John Hannah and Randall McDaniel for most in NFL history among guards. Among guards to begin their careers in the 21st century, the former Fighting Irish tackle is two above anyone else in this area. Only four offensive linemen (Jim Otto, Ron Mix, Anthony Munoz, Jim Parker) are ahead of Martin in terms of first-team All-Pro placements. Of that quartet, only Munoz began his career after the 1970 merger. One of the most distinguished players on the 2010s’ All-Decade team, Martin will be a safe bet to book a Canton invite in 2030.

Last season, Martin landed on IR due to an ankle injury. The seven missed games matched the most of his career. The only seasons that did not end with a first- or second-team Martin All-Pro distinction involved season-ending injuries (2020, ’24). Beyond that, the Cowboys could bank on him elevating their offense. One of the Jerry Jones–Will McClay era’s top finds, the former No. 16 overall pick helped the Cowboys to six playoff berths. Dallas also accomplished a historically rare feat by seeing DeMarco Murray and Ezekiel Elliott win rushing titles three years apart, with Elliott adding a second crown in 2018 as well. Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle also produced 1,000-yard rushing seasons during Martin’s career, though the latter effort came partially while he was down with injury.

Last summer, Martin floated the possibility 2024 would be his last season. Although a rumor circulated earlier this month Martin was waiting for his injured ankle to heal before making a final decision, he will pass on testing the market. While Martin did quite well for himself ($111.6MM in career earnings), he joins Smith in seeing a lengthy contract prevent him from maximizing his value. Excepting Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys had done well to tie their standout performers to five- and six-year deals; Smith’s lasted eight years. But Martin is the last of the Cowboys’ Romo- and Prescott-era core blockers to depart. Frederick retired after the 2019 season, while Smith joined the Jets in free agency last year.

Dallas has identified another guard standout, installing Tyler Smith there after initially having planned for him to succeed Tyron Smith at LT. The team, which struggled to replace the elder Smith and center Tyler Biadasz last year, now must replace the most decorated O-lineman in its history.

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