Dallas Cowboys - Sportsnaut

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

Matt Higgins — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:54:39 +0000

Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It’s been a frustrating offseason for Dallas Cowboys fans, to say the least.

After staggering to a 7-10 season where they missed the playoffs entirely, Dallas fired Mike McCarthy only to promote offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach in what many consider an underwhelming move.

According to OverTheCap.com, the Cowboys are sitting on over $53 million in cap space, yet their only significant investment has been a four-year, $80 million extension to defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa.

They’ve made minor moves elsewhere – signing wide receiver/return specialist KaVontae Turpin to a reported three-year, $18 million deal and trading for cornerback Kaiir Elam, a former first-round draft pick, from the Buffalo Bills.

Meanwhile, owner Jerry Jones has yet to secure All-Pro Micah Parsons with an extension as his market value continues to climb, and the roster adjustments so far have lacked the impact needed for a genuine turnaround.

Now, a four-time Pro Bowler is exiting Dallas after 11 seasons.

Defensive stalwart leaves Dallas Cowboys for Seattle Seahawks

Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that four-time Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is departing the Cowboys and signing a three-year, $42 million deal ($18 million guaranteed) with the Seattle Seahawks.

Lawrence appeared in just four games during 2024 after a foot injury sidelined him for most of the season. Despite his limited action, he was remarkably productive, recording three sacks, four tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, and one forced fumble in those appearances.

For Demarcus Lawrence, a 3-year, $42M max deal with $18M guaranteed, a contract negotiated by @davidcanter and @NessMugrabi of @aurasportsgroup. https://t.co/DTtr1ypLYz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2025

This represents a devastating loss for a Cowboys defense that already struggled mightily in 2024, ranking 28th in the league while surrendering 355.2 yards per game. The Seahawks, meanwhile, add a proven edge rusher to bolster their 14th-ranked defense.

Lawrence, a second-round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, spent his entire 11-year career in Dallas, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier defensive ends.

During his tenure with the Cowboys, Lawrence amassed 61.5 sacks, 97 tackles for loss, 126 quarterback hits, two interceptions, 20 pass breakups, and 21 forced fumbles.

More must-reads:

Dallas Cowboys Micah Parsons trade rumors heat up after latest NFL development

Andrew Buller-Russ — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 16:58:38 +0000

Andrew Dieb-Imagn ImagesAndrew Dieb-Imagn Images

Like the Cleveland Browns with Myles Garrett, the Dallas Cowboys have never envisioned a scenario where they trade Micah Parsons. Why is anyone talking about a Parsons trade?

It’s not because the Cowboys missed the playoffs last year, they’re expected to return to competing for a spot in the postseason as Dak Prescott returns to health in 2025. Instead, Parsons trade rumors have emerged because he’s headed into the final year of his rookie contract.

He’s already proven to be one of the NFL’s best players, reaching All-Pro status twice in his first two years in the league and earning a Pro Bowl nod in all four of his seasons. Yet, now it’s time for Parsons to get paid, and the market for pass-rushers is reaching astronomical heights.

Micah Parsons’ future with Dallas Cowboys could be shaky

Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns agreed to give Myles Garrett a four-year contract extension that pays him an average annual salary of $40 million per season. Micah Parsons will surely want a similar contract, but will the Dallas Cowboys, who are already paying five players over $10 million next season, be willing to allocate so much money to yet another star?

Dak Prescott has a cap hit of $52.9 million next season, CeeDee Lamb recently restructured, so he’s down to $15.3 million, but he’s still signed to a contract that averages $36 million per season. Eventually Lamb’s bigger cap hits will come through, along with Prescott’s and Parsons’. Do the Cowboys have room in their budget for three of the NFL’s highest-paid players at three of the league’s most expensive positions?

Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz believes the Parsons situation in Dallas is at least one that bears watching this offseason.

“Sources: For weeks, there have been murmurs about whether the Cowboys will actually give Micah Parsons a record-breaking contract — or if a trade could become a possibility. It still seems far-fetched, but with the market now at $40M per year, this situation is one to watch.”
Jordan Schultz on Micah Parsons

Will the Cowboys pony up and make Parsons one of the NFL’s highest-paid non-QBs, or will they try trading him for what would surely be the biggest trade return of the offseason?

More must-reads:

NFL rumors: Draft analyst predicts Dallas Cowboys will select top wide receiver prospect to give Dak Prescott another playmaker

Matt Higgins — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 02:00:00 +0000

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys are embarking on a new era this upcoming season. Out is Mike McCarthy and in is new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

The Schottenheimer promotion from offensive coordinator was widely panned as the Cowboys offense floundered in 2024. They finished 16th in yards per game (328.4), 27th in rushing yards per game (100.3), and 21st in points per game (20.6).

It also didn’t help that quarterback Dak Prescott played in just eight games after suffering a season-ending hamstring injury that required surgery.

The Cowboys are looking to improve upon their 7-10 record and hold the 12th overall pick in the first round.

With Dallas needing to fill many holes, including at running back, offensive line, defensive tackle, cornerback, and linebacker, a top NFL Draft guru predicts the Cowboys will select this playmaker in the first round.

NFL draft guru: Dallas Cowboys will pick top wide receiver prospect

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

ESPN’s Jordan Reid has the Cowboys taking wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona with the 12th-overall pick.

“The Cowboys desperately need a running mate for wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. McMillan is a big-bodied target at 6-foot-4, 219 pounds with a good catch radius. He can also run well after the catch, ranking third in the FBS among receivers with 27 forced missed tackles. McMillan is capable of playing the slot and outside, making him an ideal WR2. There are some questions about his long speed, which won’t be answered until Arizona’s pro day on March 18 since he didn’t work out at the combine,” Reid wrote.

In 2024, McMillan led the Big 12 in receiving yards with 1,319, while also accumulating 15.7 receiving yards per reception and tallying eight receiving touchdowns. His combination of size and production made him one of college football’s most impressive receivers.

Pairing McMillan with Lamb will give Prescott and the Cowboys offense another playmaker they desperately desire.

In the second round, Reid has the Cowboys filling their running back need by taking Quinshon Judkins from Ohio State.

More must-reads:

Dallas Cowboys could use franchise tag on pricey pending free agent

Andrew Buller-Russ — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 21:17:19 +0000

Matt Kartozian-Imagn ImagesMatt Kartozian-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys have several free agents this offseason, some of them have earned multiple Pro Bowl nods and even All-Pro status. Yet, the team did recently reveal their “aggressive” free agency plans, which should have fans more excited about this offseason’s plans compared to last year’s results.

However, the Cowboys also indicated a preference to take care of their own free agents before considering which players to add from other teams. Now, they’re reportedly fixated on trying to re-sign a player before he officially becomes a free agent later this offseason. To do so, they may have to use the franchise tag.

Dallas Cowboys may be forced to franchise tag Osa Odighizuwa

Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Arguably the best up-and-coming Dallas Cowboys free agent is Osa Odighizuwa. The 26-year-old defensive tackle is coming off a career-high 4.5 sacks and is in line for a big contract.

Yet, according to ESPN’s NFL insider Dan Graziano, the Cowboys could be trending toward using the franchise tag on Odighizuwa.

“The Cowboys have done enough work on an Osa Odighizuwa extension that I wouldn’t be surprised to see them use the franchise tag on him if a deal isn’t completed by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline — just to give them more time to complete that deal. They’re also hopeful of bringing back free agent cornerback Jourdan Lewis, and they haven’t totally ruled out a DeMarcus Lawrence return. However, regardless of how that shakes out, Dallas will be looking to get younger up front on defense.”
ESPN on Osa Odighizuwa

The franchise tag for defensive tackles is set at $25.1 million this offseason. That would mean the Cowboys have four players with a cap number of over $24 million in 2025, with Dak Prescott leading the way at $89.5 million. CeeDee Lamb is next at $35.3 million. Micah Parsons would be just behind Odighizuwa at $24 million, but he’s likely to become the highest-paid defender in NFL history this offseason.

More must-reads:

NFL insider suggests blockbuster Dallas Cowboys trade involving superstar talent

Andrew Buller-Russ — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 17:45:47 +0000

Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesKevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Last year’s plan to go “all-in” resulted in the Dallas Cowboys holding onto their poker chips, only opting to execute long-term spendy contract extensions with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Will this offseason be different for Jerry Jones and company?

The Cowboys and every other team have representatives at the NFL Scouting Combine where NFL trade rumors run rampant. This time, there’s a Cowboys rumor that focuses on the potential swap of two of the NFL’s best players.

Could a Micah Parsons for Myles Garrett trade be in Dallas Cowboys’ plans?

Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Usually, Jerry Jones can’t resist babbling on about the Dallas Cowboys. Jones holds a press conference every year from his luxurious bus, discussing the offseason ahead while taking questions about the scouting combine. Yet, this year, Jones decided to skip it, meaning he hasn’t addressed the media or answered a swath of questions regarding his team’s potential plans.

His silence has prompted Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio to speculate on the possibility that the Cowboys have a big move up their sleeves and simply don’t want Jones to accidentally let something leak.

Of course, IF the Cowboys have something in the works, there are a wide range of potential outcomes, but Florio leaps to the speculation that Dallas could even be weighing the decision to trade Micah Parsons to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Myles Garrett. As crazy as it sounds, Florio suggests the logic behind the move could come from Dallas avoiding a potential contract dispute with Parsons while bringing Garrett to his home state of Texas.

“There are other possibilities that would explain the secrecy. How about (and this is PURE speculation) a possible straight-up swap of Micah Parsons for Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett? The Cowboys would avoid having to break the bank for Parsons, and Garrett would get a chance to come home to Texas. (Then again, Garrett wants to play for a contender.)”
PFT’s Mike Florio on Dallas Cowboys

It seems incredibly unlikely that the Cowboys would trade their franchise icon for a player that is four years older than him. That’s four fewer years that the Cowboys would be able to benefit off his likeness, whether it’s jersey sales, ticket sales or other promotions.

Yet, it is certainly possible for the Cowboys to have something sneaky in the works.

More must-reads:

Dallas Cowboys reveal ‘aggressive’ free agency plans

Andrew Buller-Russ — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 22:54:57 +0000

Jason Parkhurst-Imagn ImagesJason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Last year, Dallas Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones said they were “all-in.” They proceeded to do nothing in free agency, going against their bold claims to the media. Dallas ultimately ended up finishing the season with a 7-10 record, although injuries played a major factor.

This time around, the Cowboys hope to avoid the same mistakes, yet they’re already stating their intention to make a big splash once the 2025 NFL free agency process officially kicks off.

Dallas Cowboys going to be ‘selectively aggressive’ in 2025 NFL free agency

Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Last offseason saw the Dallas Cowboys reach massive contract extensions with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. This offseason, it is Micah Parsons’ turn to get a contract extension, and he’s likely to become the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.

Yet, when it comes to adding talent, unlike last year, the Cowboys have much bigger plans.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones recently spoke to The Athletic where he revealed plans to be “selectively aggressive.”

“We’re going to look at everything we can. We’re going to be selectively aggressive. There are things in this league [you have to consider]. You have a certain amount of resources they allow you to have. We’ll look at that. We’re going to try to improve our football team. Not try. We’re going to improve our football team. We expect to have success next year.”
Cowboys’ EVP Stephen Jones

Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones says Dallas’ offseason plan is to be “selectively aggressive.” pic.twitter.com/CE1dNHUNFQ
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) February 24, 2025

Considering the Cowboys still came close to securing a playoff spot, even after Dak Prescott missed nine games due to injury, Dallas should expect to have success in 2025, but making the right offseason moves will surely help.

More must-reads:

Insider reveals potenial historic cost of Micah Parsons contract extension for Dallas Cowboys

Matt Johnson — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:53:01 +0000

Tim Heitman-Imagn ImagesTim Heitman-Imagn Images

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has earned a reputation for letting contract talks with his team’s best players drag out longer, ultimately costing the club more money. If that same approach is taken with a Micah Parsons contract extension, it could hinder the club even more for years to come.

Between Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs, the Cowboys are using $139.4 million of cap obligations to just three players on a 53-man roster. While restructured contracts can lower that commitment in 2025, it will come at the cost of long-term financial flexibility.

Micah Parsons stats (ESPN): 23 QB hits, 12 TFLs, 12 sacks, 2 forced fumbles in 13 games

It’s one of the reasons why teams like the Philadelphia Eagles sign their best players to contract extensions early. Philadelphia gets ahead of the market, extending its top talent at the most important positions before other deals reset the average annual salary at said positions. Dallas takes the opposite approach.

That’s why Prescott is the first $60 million player in NFL history, Dallas backed itself into a corner that gave all the negotiating leverage to its quarterback. Even before reaching that point with Parsons, the All-Pro edge rusher seems poised to reset the market for defensive players.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated wrote that Parsons wouldn’t be out of line to ask the Cowboys front office for a multi-year extension worth $40 million per year this offseason. Of greater concern for Dallas, the cost will likely be even higher if they wait.

Related: Dallas Cowboys mock draft 2025

Micah Parsons contract (Spotrac): $24.007 million cap hit in 2025, NFL free agent in 2026

San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa is currently the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL at $35 million. Meanwhile, fellow top pass rushers like Aidan Hutchinson, T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby are all seeking new deals that would push well north of $35 million per season, likely in the ballpark of a $40 million AAV.

If the Cowboys extend Parsons before his peers get new long-term deals, they would end up needing to spend less long-term and his contract could become a relative bargain in a few years. However, the club’s recent history suggests that Jones will drag out contract negotiations as long as possible. If history repeats itself, Parsons will still sign with Dallas but for millions of dollars more per year than the team could get right now.

More must-reads:

Multi-time All-Pro retires from Dallas Cowboys after likely Hall of Fame career

Andrew Buller-Russ — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 22:31:55 +0000

Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesGeoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys haven’t experienced the postseason success they would have liked in the past decade-plus, but they’ve still had several high-profile superstars. Right now, that group includes the likes of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons.

Yet, there are several others on the roster who have played at an All-Pro and sometimes even Hall of Fame level. Now, one of them is retiring.

Zack Martin retiring from NFL after 11-year Dallas Cowboys career

Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

While he had been scheduled for free agency, Dallas Cowboys offensive guard has decided to retire instead.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Martin has informed the Cowboys that he won’t be playing football during the 2025 season.

Martin joined the league as the 16th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He became an immediate starter and remained in his role as the Cowboys’ right guard for 11 consecutive seasons, starting 162 games in all.

According to Spotrac, Martin earned $111.9 million in his career.

The 34-year-old earned seven All-Pro selections, made nine Pro Bowl appearances and was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s All-Decade team in the 2010s. That could be where he’s headed next, with a bronze bust and a gold jacket in Canton.

Zack Martin was named 1st-Team All-Pro 7 times in his career, tied with Hall of Famers Randall McDaniel and John Hannah for the most by any guard in NFL history. #DallasCowboys https://t.co/o54ZDAgQkx
— Tony Holzman-Escareno (@FrontOfficeNFL) February 20, 2025

More must-reads:

Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys linked to landing high impact one-time Pro Bowler in free agency

Jason Burgos — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:01:57 +0000

Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

A new report claims the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys are likely landing spots for a four-time 1,000-plus yard receiver that could become available in NFL free agency very soon.

With the 2024-25 NFL season in the rearview, all 32 teams around the league are now focused on the start of free agency next month and the NFL Draft in April. While the Chiefs and Cowboys are huge brands in the sport, they enter the offseason in very different situations.

Kansas City is just a few weeks removed from a crushing defeat in the Super Bowl that saw their three-peat hopes go up in flames. However, 2024 was a major disappointment for the Cowboys. After three straight 12-win seasons, they went 7-10 this season and missed the playoffs. It leads to Mike McCarthy being replaced by Brian Schottenheimer and a new direction for the club.

Yet, while the two teams are in different places in the NFL pecking order, an interesting new team links both organizations to a talented veteran receiver who could soon be a cap casualty.

Could Tyler Lockett land with the Kansas City Chiefs or Dallas Cowboys soon?

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, ESPN Seattle Seahawks reporter Brady Henderson looked at the unsure future of 10-year veteran Tyler Lockett with the franchise. In 2024 he had one of his worst seasons as a pro. And over the last year, former first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba has usurped his spot as the No. 2 receiver on the depth chart.

That is why he expects he will be a cap casualty this month. And he believes Kansas City and Dallas are logical landing spots for the one-time Pro Bowler.

Tyler Lockett stats (2024): 49 catches, 600 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns

“If the Seahawks and Lockett do part ways in the coming weeks, the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs would make sense as potential landing spots,” Henderson wrote. “Beyond having bona fide quarterbacks and rosters built to compete, each city could have personal appeal.

“Lockett’s father lives in Kansas City. Both have starred at nearby Kansas State, where his younger brother currently plays wide receiver. Lockett spends much of the offseason in Texas. Where he’s practiced real estate as a licensed agent since 2022,” he added. “The Cowboys’ new head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, was Lockett’s offensive coordinator for three of his best seasons in Seattle.”

More must-reads:

NFL Draft rumors: Insiders reveals position Dallas Cowboys ‘would love’ in Round 1

Matt Johnson — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 01:03:45 +0000

Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesKirby Lee-Imagn Images

Coming off a seven-win season, the Dallas Cowboys landed the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft order. It will be the highest the team has picked in the first round since 2021 when the club landed All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons. A few years later, Dallas has its eyes on another impact position early in the 2025 NFL Draft.

There are a myriad of Cowboys draft needs in 2025 that also must be addressed. From a No. 2 edge rusher opposite of Parsons to glaring holes on the offensive line and at skill positions around Dak Prescott, there’s significant room for improvement.

However, the 2025 NFL Draft class isn’t as deep in top-end talent as previous years and it is shallower at positions like edge rusher and wide receiver. A lot can also change during the pre-draft process and NFL free agency, even for a team with a recent history of not spending much on outside help. As of now, though, Dallas does seem to have a top position in mind with the No. 12 pick.

According to Sportskeeda‘s Tony Pauline, the Cowboys front office “would love for a top receiver” to slide to them in the first round. Specifically, Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is a name to keep an eye on during the draft.

McMillan, the consensus best wide receiver prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class has drawn multiple comparisons to Atlanta Falcons wideout Drake London. The stylistic similarity would make him an ideal complement to CeeDee Lamb, providing Prescott with a natural separator and YAC threat in Lamb and a physically imposing 6-foot-5 offensive weapon on the outside.

As for where McMillan is drafted, early mock drafts have him projected to go as high as No. 4 overall to the New England Patriots with other analysts having him land outside the top-14 picks. While the NFL Scouting Combine at the end of February will certainly influence his draft stock, there’s at least a chance he’ll be on the board for the Cowboys with the 12th overall pick.

More must-reads: