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Stephen Jones took some time at the league meetings in West Palm Beach to answer a few questions and give Cowboys fans hope that the team isn't quite done in free agency. Even though most of the big signings are already old news, Jones hinted that the team may still be looking for veteran options at a few key positions. He also provided an update on the push by some to ban a certain play that's been a staple of their division rivals, and he made a surprising admission about how the front office underestimated the market for several free agents this offseason.
Elsewhere, Cowboys fans are getting the inside story on just how close Dak Prescott came to becoming a free agent himself, as his agent reveals the quarterback's mindset in the days before signing a $240 million deal just hours before the 2024 season opener. We'll also look at the team's best options for Prescott's backup, why the Cowboys need to be concerned with more than just a Micah Parsons contract right now, and why a major reshuffle might be the best thing for the O-line. We'll tell you why one of the draft's top prospects might suddenly be dreading comments he made in an old interview, we'll look at this year's official draft hats, we'll examine the new "type" that Brian Schottenheimer's offense may require, and we'll explain what had Jerry Jones squarely in the crosshairs of none other than... Kelly Clarkson?!?
Link
As we all remember, Prescott's $240 million contract came down to the final hours before the 2024 season began. Now we're learning just how close the quarterback came to possibly playing somewhere else in 2025. “He was willing to bet on himself. He’s like, ‘That’s fine. If they don’t want to do a contract, I’ll be a free agent,‘” agent Todd France said. “Of course, the Cowboys were banking on the star on the helmet and that no matter what, he’s going to come back. It wasn’t going to work out that way, had a deal not worked out. I really believe that.”
Link
Stephen Jones continues to infuriate the team's fanbase, this time admitting that the club missed out on a few free agent signings "in terms of the number just being a lot higher than we thought it would be on a couple guys." Either they didn't know the market price for certain top players, or they knew and refused to meet it out of sheer stubbornness. They freed up a ton of cap money with restructures; why didn't they use it to land real difference-makers?
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"We're still open to looking at a really explosive number two that could upgrade us," Stephen Jones said from Florida. He gave shout-outs to Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, and Jonathan Mingo, but free agency, the draft, and the trade market all have to be considered possibilities if the team is serious about adding a legitimate weapon opposite CeeDee Lamb.
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Jones also stated that quarterback is a position the team is still looking at in free agency. Bringing in a veteran now on a two-year deal before drafting a quarterback in 2027 would make a lot of sense. But the Cowboys have also been rumored to have interest in trading for Patriots QB Joe Milton III; he would most likely cost somewhere in the range of a third or fourth-round draft pick. Dallas will likely have to use its third-rounder on a position of immediate need, and they don't have a fourth-round pick to spend.
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Like Micah Parsons, DaRon Bland is also entering the final year of his deal, and he's expected to cash in with his next contract. The Cowboys need to be taking an urgent approach with signing both to long-term pacts. Making Bland even more of a must-do is the uncertainty around Trevon Diggs at corner; he's played just 13 games since signing his $97 million deal and is no lock to stay on the Dallas roster. Bland won't reset the market at his position, but he has to be a top priority.
Link
Podcast footage from early 2023 features the Arizona wide receiver saying he doesn't watch football "at all." And, McMillan adds, "I don't like watching film either. I don't ever need to watch it by myself because we go over it as a receiver group." Of course, that may have changed over the past two years, when he posted monster numbers with the Wildcats. But the big-bodied receiver's love of the game and study habits will certainly be called into question now as a presumed first-round call awaits.
Link
Bookmark the link for quick access to the latest tally of who's coming to The Star for one of the Cowboys' 30 national visits, who's expected to show as the local prospects come calling on Dallas Day, and which draft-day hopefuls have reportedly met with the team in some other capacity.
Link
Love them or hate them, the official on-stage hats of the NFL draft always spark some debate. This year's model has the team name, logo, and city (or nickname) embroidered on a black background. Olive branches on the bill may be an odd touch, but each cap also features a team-specific pin that showcases some local flavor. For the Cowboys, it's the star logo sitting atop the United States with the stars and stripes emblazoned all the way across. America's Team, indeed.
Link
There may be some flexing on the Cowboys' offensive line this season, with Cooper Beebe and Brock Hoffman possibly switching spots. The team might as well consider other moves, too. If Tyler Guyton doesn't show vast improvement at LT, it may be time to go to Asim Richards. Or even Tyler Smith, who was drafted to be the left tackle of the future. T.J. Bass was once the heir apparent at right guard; he could jump in at left guard. Maybe Guyton is better at right guard- where he played in college- than Terence Steele. In short, the new coaching staff in Dallas may want to look at the entire O-line with an open mind.
Link
What Brian Schottenheimer has described for 2025 is almost the "anti-spread" offense. If true, wide receivers will need to block, similar to the way running backs and tight ends are asked to. Blocking will also be a key component of what the Cowboys tight ends must do, and the fullback stands to see a lot more action. Don't be surprised if these new needs influence the team's draft picks.
Link
The Texas native, multiple Grammy winner, original American Idol, and lifelong Cowboys fan opened up about the frustration of following the five-time Super Bowl champs. “Our team is probably one of the most hated,” Clarkson told Kylie Kelce on her podcast. “Because I also think, too, we’re always so hopeful. I don’t think there’s been more dreamers since the ‘90s. Every year is our year.” She called out Jones in particular for saying "now is the time," just like he did last year, and the year before...
Link
The proposal to ban the popular short-yardage play appears to have some legs within the competition committee. At the league meetings, Jones explained, "We don't allow the linebackers to push the defensive linemen on extra points, and we're just trying to be consistent." The play does have its supporters, too, including the Eagles, their former coordinators who have gone on to get head coaching gigs of their own, and others who expressed a reluctance to punish one team for designing a play that no one seems able to consistently stop. A vote is expected Tuesday.
Link
Adam Rank lists Cowboys-Panthers as a low-key grudge game to watch in 2025. It's the Rico Dowdle storyline that does it, as the new Carolina running back faces his former team... and Miles Sanders squares off against his old squad while wearing the star. (Rank admits that Cowboys-Seahawks would have been even better after the whole Micah Parsons-DeMarcus Lawrence beef, but alas, they're not scheduled to meet in the regular season.)
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys News: Jones still looking to add; Dak was nearly free agent
Continue reading...
Elsewhere, Cowboys fans are getting the inside story on just how close Dak Prescott came to becoming a free agent himself, as his agent reveals the quarterback's mindset in the days before signing a $240 million deal just hours before the 2024 season opener. We'll also look at the team's best options for Prescott's backup, why the Cowboys need to be concerned with more than just a Micah Parsons contract right now, and why a major reshuffle might be the best thing for the O-line. We'll tell you why one of the draft's top prospects might suddenly be dreading comments he made in an old interview, we'll look at this year's official draft hats, we'll examine the new "type" that Brian Schottenheimer's offense may require, and we'll explain what had Jerry Jones squarely in the crosshairs of none other than... Kelly Clarkson?!?
Dak Prescott’s agent: QB was ready to ‘bet on himself’ amid wait for new Cowboys deal :: Dallas Morning News
Link
As we all remember, Prescott's $240 million contract came down to the final hours before the 2024 season began. Now we're learning just how close the quarterback came to possibly playing somewhere else in 2025. “He was willing to bet on himself. He’s like, ‘That’s fine. If they don’t want to do a contract, I’ll be a free agent,‘” agent Todd France said. “Of course, the Cowboys were banking on the star on the helmet and that no matter what, he’s going to come back. It wasn’t going to work out that way, had a deal not worked out. I really believe that.”
Cowboys executive admits team continues to underestimate free agent market :: Cowboys Wire
Link
Stephen Jones continues to infuriate the team's fanbase, this time admitting that the club missed out on a few free agent signings "in terms of the number just being a lot higher than we thought it would be on a couple guys." Either they didn't know the market price for certain top players, or they knew and refused to meet it out of sheer stubbornness. They freed up a ton of cap money with restructures; why didn't they use it to land real difference-makers?
Cowboys looking to add 'really explosive' number two wide receiver :: The Mothership
Link
"We're still open to looking at a really explosive number two that could upgrade us," Stephen Jones said from Florida. He gave shout-outs to Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, and Jonathan Mingo, but free agency, the draft, and the trade market all have to be considered possibilities if the team is serious about adding a legitimate weapon opposite CeeDee Lamb.
Who will be Dak Prescott’s backup in 2025? Why a veteran or trade makes sense :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Link
Jones also stated that quarterback is a position the team is still looking at in free agency. Bringing in a veteran now on a two-year deal before drafting a quarterback in 2027 would make a lot of sense. But the Cowboys have also been rumored to have interest in trading for Patriots QB Joe Milton III; he would most likely cost somewhere in the range of a third or fourth-round draft pick. Dallas will likely have to use its third-rounder on a position of immediate need, and they don't have a fourth-round pick to spend.
NFL record holder needs to be Cowboys' contract priority alongside Parsons :: Cowboys Wire
Link
Like Micah Parsons, DaRon Bland is also entering the final year of his deal, and he's expected to cash in with his next contract. The Cowboys need to be taking an urgent approach with signing both to long-term pacts. Making Bland even more of a must-do is the uncertainty around Trevon Diggs at corner; he's played just 13 games since signing his $97 million deal and is no lock to stay on the Dallas roster. Bland won't reset the market at his position, but he has to be a top priority.
Controversial video of Cowboys draft target Tetairoa McMillan debated :: SI.com
Link
Podcast footage from early 2023 features the Arizona wide receiver saying he doesn't watch football "at all." And, McMillan adds, "I don't like watching film either. I don't ever need to watch it by myself because we go over it as a receiver group." Of course, that may have changed over the past two years, when he posted monster numbers with the Wildcats. But the big-bodied receiver's love of the game and study habits will certainly be called into question now as a presumed first-round call awaits.
2025 Cowboys Pre-Draft Visit Tracker: 30 national, Dallas Day, interest and meetings :: Cowboys Wire
Link
Bookmark the link for quick access to the latest tally of who's coming to The Star for one of the Cowboys' 30 national visits, who's expected to show as the local prospects come calling on Dallas Day, and which draft-day hopefuls have reportedly met with the team in some other capacity.
2025 NFL Draft hats explained: What each team’s pin means :: The Athletic
Link
Love them or hate them, the official on-stage hats of the NFL draft always spark some debate. This year's model has the team name, logo, and city (or nickname) embroidered on a black background. Olive branches on the bill may be an odd touch, but each cap also features a team-specific pin that showcases some local flavor. For the Cowboys, it's the star logo sitting atop the United States with the stars and stripes emblazoned all the way across. America's Team, indeed.
Why moving 2x Pro Bowler may end up being best move for Cowboys OL in 2025 :: Cowboys Wire
Link
There may be some flexing on the Cowboys' offensive line this season, with Cooper Beebe and Brock Hoffman possibly switching spots. The team might as well consider other moves, too. If Tyler Guyton doesn't show vast improvement at LT, it may be time to go to Asim Richards. Or even Tyler Smith, who was drafted to be the left tackle of the future. T.J. Bass was once the heir apparent at right guard; he could jump in at left guard. Maybe Guyton is better at right guard- where he played in college- than Terence Steele. In short, the new coaching staff in Dallas may want to look at the entire O-line with an open mind.
New Cowboys scheme demands these 3 positions are stocked with highly versatile players :: Cowboys Wire
Link
What Brian Schottenheimer has described for 2025 is almost the "anti-spread" offense. If true, wide receivers will need to block, similar to the way running backs and tight ends are asked to. Blocking will also be a key component of what the Cowboys tight ends must do, and the fullback stands to see a lot more action. Don't be surprised if these new needs influence the team's draft picks.
Kelly Clarkson shades Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for franchise’s continued failures :: Us Weekly
Link
The Texas native, multiple Grammy winner, original American Idol, and lifelong Cowboys fan opened up about the frustration of following the five-time Super Bowl champs. “Our team is probably one of the most hated,” Clarkson told Kylie Kelce on her podcast. “Because I also think, too, we’re always so hopeful. I don’t think there’s been more dreamers since the ‘90s. Every year is our year.” She called out Jones in particular for saying "now is the time," just like he did last year, and the year before...
Cowboys' Stephen Jones speaks out on possible 'tush push' rule change at league meetings :: Cowboys Wire
Link
The proposal to ban the popular short-yardage play appears to have some legs within the competition committee. At the league meetings, Jones explained, "We don't allow the linebackers to push the defensive linemen on extra points, and we're just trying to be consistent." The play does have its supporters, too, including the Eagles, their former coordinators who have gone on to get head coaching gigs of their own, and others who expressed a reluctance to punish one team for designing a play that no one seems able to consistently stop. A vote is expected Tuesday.
NFL schedule: Bears-Commanders, Eagles-Chiefs among top 10 revenge games in 2025 :: NFL.com
Link
Adam Rank lists Cowboys-Panthers as a low-key grudge game to watch in 2025. It's the Rico Dowdle storyline that does it, as the new Carolina running back faces his former team... and Miles Sanders squares off against his old squad while wearing the star. (Rank admits that Cowboys-Seahawks would have been even better after the whole Micah Parsons-DeMarcus Lawrence beef, but alas, they're not scheduled to meet in the regular season.)
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys News: Jones still looking to add; Dak was nearly free agent
Continue reading...
