The Dallas Cowboys have undergone a significant overhaul of their defensive end rotation this offseason, reshaping the unit around their cornerstone, Micah Parsons. Widely regarded as one of the NFL’s premier young pass rushers, Parsons remains the undisputed leader of the group. However, the landscape around him has shifted dramatically over the past two offseasons, with key departures and new additions altering the team’s defensive front.
Gone are Dorance Armstrong and DeMarcus Lawrence, who left in successive offseasons, creating voids in the Cowboys’ pass-rushing lineup. Dante Fowler, a familiar face, departed but returned this offseason, while the team bolstered its roster by drafting Marshawn Kneeland and Donovan Ezeiruaku in the second round of the last two drafts. Additionally, the Cowboys brought in free agents Payton Turner and Solomon Thomas to deepen the position. Amid these high-profile moves, one player’s quiet contributions risk being overlooked: Tyrus Wheat, a 25-year-old defensive end fighting to secure his place on the roster.
Player Profile: Tyrus Wheat
Position: Defensive End
Age: 25
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 260 pounds
Hometown: Amite, LA
High School: Amite
College: Mississippi State
Draft: 2023 Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA)
Contract: One-year deal (2025), $1 million
Career Earnings: $1.7 million (per Over The Cap)
A Gritty Rise from Undrafted to Contributor
Wheat’s journey to the NFL was anything but glamorous. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023, he saw limited action as a rookie, logging minimal defensive snaps. However, his hard work and determination paid off in his second season, where he played 165 defensive snaps—a fivefold increase from his rookie year. His increased role last season showcased his potential as a reliable rotational player, stepping up when the Cowboys needed depth during challenging times.
Despite his contributions, Wheat now faces an uphill battle to remain on the active roster. The Cowboys’ defensive end group is stacked with talent, including six first- or second-round picks: Micah Parsons, Marshawn Kneeland, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Payton Turner, Dante Fowler, and Solomon Thomas. The return of Sam Williams from injury further crowds the position, leaving Wheat and Luigi Vilain as the only players in the group without high draft pedigrees.
The Fight for Survival
Wheat’s lack of draft status could push him to the fringes of the roster, potentially relegating him to the practice squad. With the Cowboys’ 2025 schedule demanding a robust defensive front to compete against tough opponents, the team’s investment in high-profile additions signals their intent to prioritize proven talent. Yet, Wheat’s tenacity and work ethic make him a player worth rooting for. His ability to maximize limited opportunities last season proved he can contribute when called upon, and he’ll need to channel that same grit during training camp to secure a spot.
As the Cowboys prepare for the 2025 season, Tyrus Wheat stands as a testament to perseverance. Once an unsung hero who helped carry the team through adversity, he now fights for his own survival on a roster brimming with talent. Whether he earns a place on the active roster or continues to develop on the practice squad, Wheat’s story is one of resilience in the face of steep competition.