The Dallas Cowboys have made a bold move to bolster their receiving corps, addressing the long-standing issue of lacking perimeter threats beyond star wideout CeeDee Lamb. In a blockbuster trade, the Cowboys acquired former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, adding a dynamic playmaker to their offense. Coupled with the anticipated growth of Jalen Tolbert, this move significantly upgrades Dallas’ firepower on the outside. However, as with any high-profile acquisition, the ripple effects have put one player’s roster spot in serious jeopardy: Jalen Moreno-Cropper.
The Cowboys’ wide receiver depth chart has become increasingly competitive heading into the 2025 season. In addition to the Pickens trade, Dallas has made several other moves to strengthen the position. KaVontae Turpin, the team’s electrifying return specialist, is set to take on a more prominent role as a pass-catcher. The Cowboys also traded for Jonathan Mingo and signed veteran Parris Campbell, who will compete with Jalen Brooks and Ryan Flournoy for roster spots. With so many proven names now in the mix, Moreno-Cropper’s chances of sticking with the team deep into 2025 are slim.
Moreno-Cropper joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State, where he showcased his productivity with at least 83 receptions in each of his final two college seasons, totaling nearly 2,000 yards and 16 touchdowns. Despite his impressive college stats, his undersized frame—standing at 5-11 and weighing just 173 pounds—caused him to go undrafted and has limited his role in the NFL.
Over the past few seasons, Moreno-Cropper has clung to the back end of Dallas’ roster, primarily serving as depth. With Turpin firmly entrenched as the team’s top returner, Moreno-Cropper has struggled to carve out a meaningful role in the receiving game. The expanded roles for Turpin and the influx of new talent make it even harder for him to secure consistent playing time.
For Moreno-Cropper to remain with the Cowboys, he would need a miracle. His best hope lies in Dallas opting to keep seven wide receivers on the 53-man roster, a decision that could hinge on whether Campbell or Flournoy is cut. Even then, Moreno-Cropper’s lack of size and limited special teams contributions—especially with Turpin handling return duties—put him at a significant disadvantage.
At just 24 years old, Moreno-Cropper still has time to develop and potentially find a home elsewhere in the NFL. His youth and college production suggest that his best football may still be ahead of him. However, with the Cowboys’ receiver room now stacked with talent, he’ll need some extraordinary luck to avoid being a casualty of Jerry Jones’ aggressive roster overhaul.
As training camp approaches, Moreno-Cropper’s time in Dallas appears to be running out. The addition of George Pickens and other key pieces signals the Cowboys’ intent to compete at a high level in 2025, but for Moreno-Cropper, it may mean the end of his tenure with America’s Team.