The Dallas Cowboys have finalized their 53-man roster, and two surprising cuts have sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Wide receiver Jalen Tolbert and defensive tackle Mazi Smith, both expected to play significant roles in 2025, have been left off the roster in favor of depth and emerging talent. Here’s a breakdown of the Cowboys’ roster decisions, highlighting the tough choices made on both sides of the ball.
Offensive Roster Breakdown
Quarterback (3): Dak Prescott, Will Grier, Joe Milton III
In a surprising twist, Will Grier has secured the No. 2 quarterback spot over Joe Milton III. Milton’s lackluster performance during training camp and the preseason opened the door for Grier, who showed more consistency. While Milton remains on the roster as the third quarterback, his development will be closely monitored on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Running Back (5): Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, Deuce Vaughn, Phil Mafah, Hunter Luepke
The running back room is stacked with talent and versatility. Javonte Williams leads the group, supported by the explosive Jaydon Blue and shifty Deuce Vaughn. Phil Mafah and Hunter Luepke add depth and physicality, giving the Cowboys a balanced backfield.
Wide Receiver (6): CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, KaVontae Turpin, Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy, Traeshon Holden
The biggest shocker on offense is the exclusion of Jalen Tolbert, a 2024 starter who showed promise at training camp. Despite his talent, the Cowboys prioritized depth, opting to keep Ryan Flournoy and Traeshon Holden to avoid losing them to waivers. CeeDee Lamb remains the centerpiece, with George Pickens and KaVontae Turpin providing big-play potential.
Tight End (3): Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Brevyn Spann-Ford
Jake Ferguson anchors a reliable tight end group, with Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford offering solid blocking and receiving options. This trio provides flexibility in both the passing and running game.
Offensive Line (9): Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker, Terence Steele, Nate Thomas, Asim Richards, Brock Hoffman, T.J. Bass
The offensive line is a strength, but the Cowboys went thinner than expected here. Asim Richards was the final cut, though the team hopes to bring him back to the practice squad. If Richards is claimed, veteran La’el Collins could be an option due to his ability to play both guard and tackle.
Defensive Roster Breakdown
Defensive Line (9): Micah Parsons, Osa Odighizuwa, Solomon Thomas, Dante Fowler Jr., Donovan Ezeiruaku, Marshawn Kneeland, Sam Williams, Jay Toia, James Houston
The defensive line is loaded with pass-rushing talent, led by superstar Micah Parsons. The surprise here is the inclusion of James Houston, whose standout camp and preseason performances earned him a spot. Unfortunately, this came at the expense of 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith, who failed to live up to expectations in his two years with the team.
Linebacker (5): Kenneth Murray, Marist Liufau, Jack Sanborn, Damone Clark, Justin Barron
The linebacker corps is solid, with Kenneth Murray and Marist Liufau leading the way. DeMarvion Overshown’s placement on the PUP list opens opportunities for Jack Sanborn and Damone Clark to step up, while Justin Barron adds depth.
Cornerback (6): DaRon Bland, Kaiir Elam, Kemon Hall, Andrew Booth, Zion Childress, C.J. Goodwin
The cornerback group is talented but thin due to injuries. Trevon Diggs, Shavon Revel Jr., and Josh Butler are on the PUP list, leaving DaRon Bland and Kaiir Elam as the top options. The Cowboys opted to keep C.J. Goodwin for his special teams prowess, but they could move him to the practice squad if they need to make room for Mazi Smith.
Safety (4): Malik Hooker, Juanyeh Thomas, Israel Mukuamu, Markquese Bell
The safety group is led by Malik Hooker, with Juanyeh Thomas, Israel Mukuamu, and Markquese Bell providing versatility and depth. This unit should hold up well in coverage and run support.
Specialists (3): Brandon Aubrey (K), Bryan Anger (P), Trent Sieg (LS)
The special teams unit remains a strength, with Brandon Aubrey’s accuracy, Bryan Anger’s punting consistency, and Trent Sieg’s reliable long-snapping.
The Tough Decisions: Tolbert and Smith Left Out
The decision to cut Jalen Tolbert was driven by the depth in the wide receiver room. Despite his flashes of potential, the Cowboys couldn’t risk losing Flournoy or Holden to waivers. Tolbert’s talent makes him a likely candidate to be claimed by another team, but Dallas may try to bring him back to the practice squad.
Mazi Smith’s exclusion is even more shocking. As a 2023 first-round pick, expectations were high, but he failed to adapt to the Cowboys’ defensive scheme. The coaching staff, with no ties to the previous regime, prioritized players like James Houston who better fit their vision. Cutting Smith could give him a fresh start elsewhere, while Dallas moves forward with a defensive line that emphasizes speed and disruption.
What’s Next for the Cowboys?
These roster decisions reflect the Cowboys’ commitment to building a competitive team for 2025. By prioritizing depth at key positions and making tough calls on underperforming players, Dallas is positioning itself for a playoff push. However, the loss of Tolbert and Smith raises questions about the team’s draft evaluation process and long-term planning.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how these choices play out. Can Flournoy and Holden step up in Tolbert’s absence? Will the defensive line thrive without Smith? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the Cowboys are making bold moves to shape their roster for success.