On Tuesday afternoon, August 26, 2025, the Dallas Cowboys finalized their 53-man roster for the 2025 NFL season, executing a series of bold moves that included 35 roster cuts, two placements on injured reserve, and a surprising trade with the New Orleans Saints. The flurry of activity underscored the team’s aggressive approach to shaping a competitive roster ahead of the new season.
Key Moves Shape the Roster
The day began with the Cowboys placing wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (knee) and defensive end Payton Turner (ribs) on the injured reserve/designated to return list. This designation means neither player counts against the 53-man roster but will be sidelined for at least the first four games of the season. Their eventual return could provide a significant boost to the team later in the year.
In a notable trade, the Cowboys sent offensive lineman Asim Richards and a 2028 seventh-round pick to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round pick. The move signaled a strategic reshuffling of the offensive line depth, with the Cowboys opting for future draft capital over retaining Richards.
Final Cuts: 32 Players Let Go
To meet the NFL’s 3 p.m. deadline for the 53-man roster, the Cowboys made 32 cuts, releasing and waiving a mix of veterans and younger players. Among the most surprising cuts were running back Deuce Vaughn, cornerback Israel Mukuamu, and wide receiver Traeshon Holden, all of whom had shown promise but fell short of securing a roster spot.
The full list of cuts includes:
Released (immediately free agents):
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OT Hakeem Adeniji
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DT Earnest Brown
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OL Saahdiq Charles
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OT Geron Christian
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CB C.J. Goodwin
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QB Will Grier
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CB Kemon Hall
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LB Darius Harris
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LB Buddy Johnson
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S Israel Mukuamu
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CB Michael Ojemudia
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CB Robert Rochell
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OT La’el Collins
Waived (subject to 24-hour claim period):
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DT Tommy Akingbesote
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LB Justin Barron
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WR Jalen Brooks
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S Alijah Clark
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WR Jalen Cropper
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RB Malik Davis
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TE Rivaldo Fairweather
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TE Princeton Fant
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WR Traeshon Holden
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S Mike Smith
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RB Deuce Vaughn
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DE Tyrus Wheat
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OG Nick Broeker
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DT Denzel Daxon
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WR Josh Kelly
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CB Troy Pride
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TE Tyler Neville
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TE John Stephens
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CB Christian Matthew
Waived players can be claimed by any of the 31 other NFL teams within the next 24 hours, with the claiming team required to add the player to their active roster. Players who clear waivers become free agents and are eligible to join any team’s practice squad. Released players, on the other hand, are immediately free to sign with any team.
The 53-Man Roster
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Cowboys’ 53-man roster is as follows:
Quarterbacks (2):
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Dak Prescott
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Joe Milton III
Running Backs (5):
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Javonte Williams
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Jaydon Blue
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Miles Sanders
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Hunter Luepke
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Phil Mafah*
Wide Receivers (5):
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CeeDee Lamb
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George Pickens
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KaVontae Turpin
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Jalen Tolbert
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Ryan Flournoy
Tight Ends (3):
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Jake Ferguson
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Brevyn Spann-Ford
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Luke Schoonmaker
Offensive Linemen (9):
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Tyler Guyton
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Tyler Smith
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Cooper Beebe
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Tyler Booker
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Terence Steele
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Brock Hoffman
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T.J. Bass
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Ajani Cornelius
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Nate Thomas
Defensive Ends (6):
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Micah Parsons
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Dante Fowler
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Donovan Ezeiruaku
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Sam Williams
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Marshawn Kneeland
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James Houston
Defensive Tackles (5):
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Osa Odighizuwa
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Solomon Thomas
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Mazi Smith
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Perrion Winfrey
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Jay Toia
Linebackers (5):
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Kenneth Murray
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Jack Sanborn
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Marist Liufau
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Shemar James
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Damone Clark
Cornerbacks (6):
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Trevon Diggs
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Kaiir Elam
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DaRon Bland
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Zion Childress
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Andrew Booth
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Caelen Carson*
Safeties (4):
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Malik Hooker
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Donovan Wilson
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Markquese Bell
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Juanyeh Thomas
Specialists (3):
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Brandon Aubrey (K)
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Bryan Anger (P)
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Trent Sieg (LS)
*Note: Running back Phil Mafah and cornerback Caelen Carson will be placed on injured reserve on Wednesday after remaining on the roster for at least 24 hours, as per NFL rules. Their spots are expected to be filled by special teams ace C.J. Goodwin and offensive lineman Hakeem Adeniji.
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys’ roster overhaul reflects a calculated effort to balance youth, experience, and positional depth. The trade for a future draft pick and the release of notable players like Vaughn and Mukuamu signal the team’s confidence in their core group while maintaining flexibility for future moves. As the season approaches, attention will turn to the potential return of Mingo and Turner, as well as the development of younger players like Joe Milton III and Jaydon Blue.
With the roster now set, the Cowboys are poised to enter the 2025 season with a blend of star power—led by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons—and emerging talent ready to make an impact. The coming days will reveal whether any waived players are claimed or return to Dallas on the practice squad, further shaping the team’s depth chart.