The Dallas Cowboys underwent a whirlwind offseason, marked by a significant coaching shakeup and key roster changes. Brian Schottenheimer stepped in as head coach, replacing Mike McCarthy, and his arrival has brought a fresh energy to the team. On the roster front, the Cowboys made waves by acquiring wide receiver George Pickens in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Paired with CeeDee Lamb, Pickens forms an elite receiving duo, and he’s already turning heads in minicamp.
However, with competition driving the Cowboys’ roster decisions, not everyone is guaranteed a spot on the 53-man roster. Several players are fighting for their jobs, and for some, the odds are slim. Here are three Cowboys players on thin ice as training camp approaches.
Payton Turner, EDGE
Payton Turner, selected 28th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2021 NFL Draft, has struggled to live up to his first-round billing, largely due to injuries that limited him to just 31 games in New Orleans. Now in Dallas, Turner faces a steep challenge in a crowded defensive line room. While other former first-round picks like Kaiir Elam have seized their opportunities—especially with injuries to Trevon Diggs and Shavon Revel opening the door—Turner has yet to stand out. With limited opportunities to make an impact, he may not secure a spot on the Cowboys’ roster.
Will Grier, QB
At quarterback, the Cowboys have their top two spots locked in with Dak Prescott and Joe Milton III. Will Grier is the only other signal-caller currently under contract, giving him a clear path to the QB3 role. However, that role may not be enough to guarantee his place on the 53-man roster. If Dallas opts to carry only two quarterbacks, Grier could be cut. The team may hope to retain him on the practice squad, but that move carries the risk of another team claiming him off waivers.
Deuce Vaughn, RB
Running back Deuce Vaughn captured fans’ hearts when his father, a Cowboys scout, informed him of his draft selection. However, Vaughn has struggled to translate that emotional moment into on-field production. Entering his third season, he has just 110 yards on 40 rushing attempts. A connection to new offensive line coach Conor Riley could offer a lifeline, but the emergence of Miles Sanders has further clouded Vaughn’s future. With competition heating up, Vaughn’s roster spot is far from secure.
As training camp looms, these three players face an uphill battle to prove their worth. For Turner, Grier, and Vaughn, every snap will be critical in determining whether they remain with the Dallas Cowboys or find themselves looking for new opportunities elsewhere.