Category: Dallas cowboys

 

The Dallas Cowboys have shockingly had the busiest week of any team coming out of the NFL Scouting Combine. Osa Odighizuwa’s four-year $80 million contract kicked things off on Tuesday as Dallas maintained the star in the middle of their defensive front.

 

Many presumed Odighizuwa would be a casualty of a complacent and constrained Cowboys’ cap and hit the free agent market. After all, that is really the only hand this organization played a year ago in the offseason.

 

But thus far, Dallas has gotten active in the days leading up to the start of free agency. They made the deal for Odighizuwa, but also brought back C.J. Godwin, Juanyeh Thomas and Brock Hoffman. These were all in response to the bigger moves made behind the scenes.

 

Nick Bolton And The Cowboys

Nick Bolton And The Cowboys By Tony Fisher

The Cowboys have “flipped the switch” on Dak Prescott’s and CeeDee Lamb’s contracts, restructuring them in ways that now open up more cap space for the team to use potentially this offseason.

 

Some of those resources will go into an expected contract extension for Micah Parsons, but also open up avenues for the team to build through free agency if they choose.

 

As they explore the market, there are needs to be filled across the board, but could the Cowboys try to beef up their defense with another linebacker? Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton is set to hit free agency and could be an option for Dallas.

 

Bolton turned in another solid season in 2024 with 106 total tackles and three sacks, also recovering two fumbles. He may not drive an extremely high price in free agency, so if he wants out of Kansas City, the Cowboys have good reason to show interest.

 

 

While DeMarvion Overshown progresses from his season-ending knee injury, his status for next season is unknown. Veteran Erick Kendricks will become available and Dallas has shown no desire to pursue him just yet.

 

Despite the work done and that to be accomplished with other household names this spring, there remains questions about how the Cowboys construct the middle of Matt Eberflus’ defense. Bolton would silence those immediately.

 

This depends on what the market looks like for Bolton and if it is not to his liking, he could choose to return to the Chiefs. But if he becomes available and holds a reasonable price tag, the Cowboys should do their homework on another impact defensive player.

 

Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce and head coach Andy Reid celebrate after beating the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII in 2023.

Sportico’s 2024 NFL rankings, which were made public on Tuesday, show that the Dallas Cowboys are the first professional sports franchise to be valued at more than $10 billion.

The league’s most valuable team, the Cowboys, owned by Jerry Jones, were valued at $10.32 billion, more than a billion dollars more than the previous estimate of $9.2 billion in February. Jones, 81, has transformed “America’s Team” into a financial powerhouse after acquiring the business in 1989 for an estimated $140 million, or about $355 million in 2024.

In addition to being the team’s general manager, he oversaw its early success and helped build one of the most successful teams of the 1990s, which went on to win the Super Bowl in 1992, 1993, and 1995.

The Cowboys have only managed five postseason victories in the 28 years since they last raised the Lombardi Trophy, though, and have found it difficult to duplicate that magic in recent years.

Despite finishing as the second seed in the NFC and having MVP runner-up Dak Prescott on the roster, Dallas most recently lost to the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round of the 2023 postseason.

Despite Jones’ declaration that he and the team were “all in” on the 2024 season, the offseason was comparatively quiet.

According to Sportico, the Cowboys are still very popular and will make an anticipated $1.2 billion in 2023, which is 50% more than the Los Angeles Rams, the NFL’s second-ranked team.

The Rams, who are worth $7.79 billion, moved up to second place, surpassing the New York Giants, although they are not as good as Dallas.

Despite on-field setbacks and Bill Belichick’s departure, the New England Patriots are still ranked fourth on the list at $7.31 billion, while the San Francisco 49ers complete the top five at $6.86 billion.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the largest risers from the previous year’s rankings, jumping 12 spots to No. 16 with a 33% gain in value of $5.5 billion. The Los Angeles Chargers, who fell four spots to 22nd, are the greatest losers.

The NFL is the most profitable sport in the world in terms of club value, with an average franchise valued at $5.93 billion, up 15.4% over the previous year, according to Sportico’s data.

Only 15 non-NFL teams on Sportico’s February ranking of the top 100 most expensive sports teams had a worth higher than the Cincinnati Bengals’ most recent assessment, making them the league’s least valuable team at $4.71 billion.

 

The league’s most valuable team, the Cowboys, owned by Jerry Jones, were valued at $10.32 billion, more than a billion dollars more than the previous estimate of $9.2 billion in February.

Jones, 81, has transformed “America’s Team” into a financial powerhouse after acquiring the business in 1989 for an estimated $140 million, or about $355 million in 2024.

In addition to being the team’s general manager, he oversaw its early success and helped build one of the most successful teams of the 1990s, which went on to win the Super Bowl in 1992, 1993, and 1995.

The Cowboys have only managed five postseason victories in the 28 years since they last raised the Lombardi Trophy, though, and have found it difficult to duplicate that magic in recent years.

Despite finishing as the second seed in the NFC and having MVP runner-up Dak Prescott on the roster, Dallas most recently lost to the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round of the 2023 postseason.

Despite Jones’ declaration that he and the team were “all in” on the 2024 season, the offseason was comparatively quiet.

According to Sportico, the Cowboys are still very popular and will make an anticipated $1.2 billion in 2023, which is 50% more than the Los Angeles Rams, the NFL’s second-ranked team.

The Rams, who are worth $7.79 billion, moved up to second place, surpassing the New York Giants, although they are not as good as Dallas.

Despite on-field setbacks and Bill Belichick’s departure, the New England Patriots are still ranked fourth on the list at $7.31 billion, while the San Francisco 49ers complete the top five at $6.86 billion.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the largest risers from the previous year’s rankings, jumping 12 spots to No. 16 with a 33% gain in value of $5.5 billion. The Los Angeles Chargers, who fell four spots to 22nd, are the greatest losers.

The NFL is the most profitable sport in the world in terms of club value, with an average franchise valued at $5.93 billion, up 15.4% over the previous year, according to Sportico’s data.

Only 15 non-NFL teams on Sportico’s February ranking of the top 100 most expensive sports teams had a worth higher than the Cincinnati Bengals’ most recent assessment, making them the league’s least valuable team at $4.71 billion.

 

 

That Dallas Cowboys’ $240 million contract with Dak Prescott, signed last fall on the eve of the start of the 2024 season? The ink, by now, is of course dry.

 

But the ink can be moved. And in fact, our CowboysCountry.com insider Mike Fisher is predicting we might be about two weeks away from that very thing occurring.

 

Built into the deal with the Dallas QB are void years, future empty vessels in which to move cap money as to spread out and lessen the impact of Prescott’s salary.

 

It was 30 years ago when Jerry Jones and the Cowboys first started utilizing this tool, and Dallas became the model for how to do it.

 

And now it is about to happen again.

 

Writes Fish: “It is very simple and it is very clear: At whatever point the Cowboys wish to do so, they can ‘flip the switch’ on Dak’s existing deal, without having to ask permission or negotiate, and move his 2025 cap hit from $89.89 million to about $50 to $54 million and in doing do will gain about $36 to $40 million in cap room.

 

“And,” Fish adds, “with NFL free agency opening up on March 12, the smart prediction is that Dallas ‘flips the switch’ sometime in the coming days.”

 

Fisher also notes that the Cowboys can (will?) do the same thing with CeeDee Lamb’s deal, with $20 million of room opening up.

 

And as we’ve been reporting for months, if Dallas also does its long-term contract with Micah Parsons in a timely fashion, the Cowboys can end up with about $100 million in cap room with which to go shopping.

 

We do add a cautionary note to all of this, and an acknowledgement of Cowboys Nation’s skepticism: While not “flipping the switch” on Dak’s deal would leave his cap impact at $89.89 million – a figure so massive it would preclude Dallas from doing much roster-building business at all – COO Stephen Jones’ conservatism on these matters justifies your wait-and-see approach.

 

But this we know for sure: March 12 is coming. So whatever the Cowboys’ cap plan is? You won’t have to wait too long to see.

 

 

 

 

Questions about former Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy’s future in Dallas began doing rounds in October. That was when the Cowboys went 3-3 entering their bye week after a 47-9 home loss to the Detroit Lions. Little more than a month later, they fell to 3-7, as their franchise quarterback was ruled out for the season. Then with just three games remaining in the regular season, the Cowboys were eliminated from the postseason. Owner and GM Jerry Jones, before the season finale, declared, “Hay is in the barn,” succinctly indicating that a change was on the table.

 

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Whether McCarthy should have stayed can be up for debate, but something all might agree with is the way it was done — lousy, to say the least. In fact, McCarthy found himself in a similar situation to that of Jason Garrett in 2019, after the Cowboys were eliminated from the playoffs on the final day of the season. Sure, his contract ran out upon the conclusion of the season but it took the Cowboys seven days to announce his departure. For McCarthy, it was eight. However, there is a major difference between the two situations.

 

As the Cowboys kept Garrett waiting, he wasn’t restricted from another potential opportunity of landing a job in the NFL.

But earlier in January, when the Bears asked for permission from the Cowboys to interview McCarthy for their vacant head coaching position, the former denied it! The catch here is that by that time, McCarthy’s contract had expired. Couple that with Jerry Jones speaking highly of McCarthy and many thought it might be an indication that he would be back. But 6 days after rejecting the Bears’ request, Jones did nothing until McCarthy parted his way. But the fact is McCarthy remains a highly respected figure in the locker room. Hear this.

 

 

 

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ESPN’s Marcus Spears, who played for nearly a decade in Dallas, said, “You would be shocked at how much respect Mike McCarthy has in this league.

And how many people think he’s a really good head coach, and how he sets the temperature of a locker room. …I know this, living in Dallas, them dudes like Mike McCarthy a lot. There’s a high level of respect for him in that locker room.” Dak Prescott expressed the same many times, as have McCarthy’s assistants. Now, looks like that respect for McCarthy has been reflected in a report that just came out. Intriguingly, the same report might also have indicated that the team’s ownership is less popular among the players than its ex-coach.

 

 

Do you think Jerry Jones’ management style is holding the Cowboys back from reaching their full potential?

 

Absolutely, he’s too involved

 

No, he’s doing what’s best for the team

 

Maybe, but the players need to step up

 

It’s not just him, it’s a team issue

 

When did you watch your first NFL game?

 

Yes, experience is key for a Super Bowl win

 

No, Purdy is the future and should be developed

 

Maybe, but only if the deal includes more assets

 

I don’t care as long as they win

 

 

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Support him and let him decide his future

 

Offer him a new contract to stay

 

Focus on finding a strong replacement

 

It’s a personal matter, let him go

 

Do you think Mike Tomlin should prioritize keeping Justin Fields over bringing in Russell Wilson?

 

Yes, Fields has more potential

 

No, Wilson’s experience is invaluable

 

Stick with whoever wants to stay

 

Neither, look for a new option

 

With Eric Rowe’s departure, do you believe the Steelers are making the right moves to rebuild their roster?

 

Yes, it’s time for fresh talent

 

No, they should keep experienced players

 

Depends on who they bring in

 

It’s too early to tell

 

Want to dive deeper?

Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.

 

 

 

Yes, we are talking about the NFLPA Report Card! The annual behind-the-scenes peek at how teams treat their players. Dallas cracked the top 10 this year, earning high marks for its facilities, locker room, and even how it treats players’ families. But ownership? That’s where things got a little dicey.

 

NFLPA highlighted: “Owner Jerry Jones’s average rating for perceived willingness to invest in the facilities is 8.59 out of 10 from the Cowboys players, a ranking of 16 out of 32 owners in the league. The players feel that ownership slightly contributes to a positive team culture, a rank of 23 out of 32. The players feel that ownership is committed to building a competitive team, a rank of 25 of the 32 NFL owners.”

 

Players gave Jerry Jones a B (which, let’s be real, probably stings more than an F for a guy who only accepts perfection). The Cowboys ranked 23rd in team culture, 25th in ownership commitment to winning, and—get this—16th in Jones’ willingness to invest in the facilities. Imagine being worth billions and getting called out for not spending enough. But McCarthy? The players credited him for the team’s leadership and culture, and hence, why the Head Coach received a solid A. And yet, Jerry let him walk. Makes sense, right? Only in the Jerry’s World …

 

The letter grade came up to a C for the training staff (from a D+ last year), but the Cowboys still rank 30th when it comes to how the players view the training staff. Only the Cardinals and Browns ranked lower. Just 72% of respondents felt they got enough one-on-one training treatment, and when asked, the players said that the training staff “only slightly contributes” to their overall success. terrible, isn’t it?

 

 

 

Debate

Meanwhile, the strength Coaches received a B+ (18th out of 32). 92% of Cowboys players say they get an individualized training plan from the strength coaching staff, but that ranks the team just 20th leaguewide. And the players responded that the strength coaches contribute only “moderately” to their overall success. No real change from last year, sadly, when they also earned a B+ and finished 17th. But all is not gloomy.

 

The Cowboys scored high marks in areas like treatment of families (A), locker room (A), and weight room (A-), but the cracks start showing when you dig deeper. Food and nutrition? Solid B+.

Team travel? B-. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ training room landed in the bottom five, with players requesting better treatment options and more physical therapists. Considering how banged up this team always seems by December, maybe that should be priority No. 1? But nah, why fix the actual problems when you can just shuffle the coaching staff and hope for different results?

 

The Big D might be expecting a little too much out of Dak Prescott

The Cowboys are at a crossroads. Again.

 

Dallas fans didn’t exactly throw a parade when Jerry Jones promoted Brian Schottenheimer to head coach. Another familiar face. Another safe choice… And yet another year of wondering if this team can actually take the next step.

 

But as long as Dak Prescott is under center, the Cowboys will always have a shot. That’s not just the company line—it’s reality.

 

“With all the [Troy] Aikmans and the [Tony] Romos and the Daks, someone is falling into a Tier 2 quarterback or higher every time,” an NFL executive told The Athletic’s Mike Sando. “You are going to be in the mix whether you hire Jason Garrett, Mike McCarthy or really anyone.” Translation? The Cowboys’ success is tied to Prescott, not whoever is wearing the headset.

 

 

 

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But let’s be real. “In the mix” doesn’t cut it. Since 1995, this franchise hasn’t sniffed a Super Bowl. Heck, they haven’t even made it to an NFC Championship Game. The post-Barry Switzer era has been a carousel of head coaches—Gailey, Campo, Parcells, Phillips, Garrett, McCarthy, and now Schottenheimer. The result? 12 playoff appearances, four postseason wins, and a fanbase running out of patience. At some point, you have to ask: is the problem really just coaching, or is it deeper than that?

 

The Cowboys seem to think part of the solution is adding a young quarterback behind Prescott. With a $90 million cap hit looming, Stephen Jones admitted that finding a young signal-caller is a ‘preference’ in the upcoming draft. Right now, Will Grier is the only other QB under contract. Cooper Rush and Trey Lance? Both are free agents. Dallas has to decide if it’s rolling with Prescott long term or hedging its bets.

 

Meanwhile, the offense is shifting. Schottenheimer and his staff are dialing up a more physical approach—winning in the trenches, pounding the rock, setting up play-action. “Coach Schottenheimer’s talked about it, and it’s going to be a physical identity,” offensive line coach Conor Riley said. “We have to win up front on both sides of the football.” The idea? Take the pressure off Prescott, open up the passing game, and stop making him carry the load alone.

 

 

 

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Will it work? Maybe. Dak Prescott is still the guy. The Cowboys need him to be efficient, make smart decisions, and deliver in big moments. But this plan only works if the offensive line holds up and the run game actually becomes a legitimate threat. Otherwise, it’s just another offseason promise that won’t hold up past week 5.

 

Dallas is entering a pivotal year. Prescott’s contract, Schottenheimer’s new vision, and the ever-present expectation of winning it all—something has to give. Will this new approach finally break the cycle? Or will it be another season of being “in the mix” without ever finishing the job? The clock is ticking.

 

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The Dallas Cowboys will need to find a replacement for right guard Zack Martin this offseason, but they may not find it in the player who could be the most coveted offensive lineman to hit free agency.

 

 

FRISCO — The Dallas Cowboys the somewhat expected yet nonetheless brutal news last week that Zack Martin intended to retire from the NFL after 11 seasons. Martin represented a significant leadership presence who set a high standard around The Star for the past decade.

 

His illustrious career consisted of nine Pro Bowl appearances and nine All-Pro selections. Needless to say no Cowboys player in recent history has come close to topping that level of sustained success.

 

That makes the process of finding his replacement all the more difficult. Martin may have been on the decline last season, but there is no real substitute for the entire package he brought.

 

Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium.

Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas

One option fans and analysts had theorized would be for the team to go after Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith. However, that plan may not be a possibility for the Cowboys after a recent development.

 

According to Chiefs’ insider Nate Taylor, there is a “growing optimism” that Kansas City will re-sign their star guard to a long-term deal in the coming weeks. If that becomes the case, that would mean the Chiefs sacrificing the opportunity to re-sign several other key free agents as they are already strapped for cap space.

 

Of the significant number of free agents set to hit the market from last year’s team, Smith could demand the largest contract of the lot. The Super Bowl champion guard will be entering his prime in the next few years and may demand a contract to the likes of Carolina Panthers guard Robert Hunt.

 

Osa And The money

If that is the case, the Cowboys will have to turn to alternatives in the NFL Draft or elsewhere around the league. Already young and experiencing the growing pains of some developing linemen, there is some risk in using a selection presumably in the later rounds for a Martin replacement.

 

Brock Hoffman held the role when Martin missed time last season and Dallas has the option to bring him back. But his contract expires in March, meaning he could decide to take his talents elsewhere.

 

Smith’s anticipated return to Kansas City may put a damper on some initial offseason hopes for Cowboys’ fans. Regardless, Jerry Jones and his staff will need to show some aggression on finding Martin’s replacement as they look to solidify their roster over the next few months.

 

 

 

Jerry Jones promised big changes for the Dallas Cowboys, aiming to end the historic franchise’s title drought. They haven’t won a Super Bowl in three decades and the NFC East looks daunting in the near future with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders.

 

His first big move was letting go of Mike McCarthy without offering him a contract extension. Then, when everyone expected a big-name replacement, Jones chose a familiar face, promoting Brian Schottenheimer, who had been the offensive coordinator for the past two years.

 

Now, the key lies in Schottenheimer’s coaching staff. These decisions are crucial for a project that already has three stars like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons, but needs to strengthen the supporting cast.

 

 

Who is the new Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator?

The Dallas Cowboys confirmed that Matt Eberflus will be the team’s new defensive coordinator. The former head coach of the Chicago Bears takes the place of Mike Zimmer, who was with the team for just one season.

 

Who is Matt Eberflus?

Matt Eberflus already has experience working for the Cowboys. Between 2011 and 2017, he was part of Jason Garrett’s staff, holding various positions such as pass game coordinator and linebackers coach.

 

 

NFL News: Jerry Jones makes big decision about Dak Prescott contract and future with Cowboys

FRISCO – The Dallas Cowboys have chosen Brian Schottenheimer as their head coach of the future following a brief yet chaotic search after Mike McCarthy’s exit. Schottenheimer has garnered support from both the front office and coaching staff, though some outside the organization remain skeptical due to his limited track record.

This will be Schottenheimer’s first head coaching opportunity, making it a challenging promotion considering his background and the expectations that come with the position.

Cam Newton, however, doesn’t believe Schottenheimer will last. He appeared on ESPN’s “First Take” to offer his far-fetched theory, suggesting that Schottenheimer is merely a placeholder for two prominent college names.

“I think they’re tanking for Arch,” Newton stated. “It makes perfect sense. Schottenheimer has ‘one-and-done’ written all over him.”

“You get the first pick of the draft,” he continued. “Then I’m going into my godfather bag and saying, Jerry Jones is a businessman, and he’s going to channel his Don Corleone side and offer Nick Saban a deal he can’t turn down.”

Newton’s shallow theory overlooks many factors, especially how the Cowboys’ franchise operates. Jerry and Stephen Jones selected Schottenheimer due to his familiarity with the team and other considerations.

Whether Schottenheimer is the best choice or not, he’s not just a stopgap for the role. The Cowboys’ intentions do not involve tanking for a high draft pick, and even if Manning stays at Texas for only one season, the Cowboys aren’t intentionally positioning themselves for a future pick.

As for Saban, it’s evident he’s winding down his coaching career and enjoying a rise in the media. Leaving that behind to take one of the toughest coaching roles in sports at his age would be completely out of character for him.

National analysts often miss the mark when making bold statements or trying to stir the pot regarding the Cowboys, an easy target for such takes. But Newton’s offbeat strategy is pure nonsense.

The Cowboys have entrusted Schottenheimer with the role, hoping to salvage the Dak Prescott era. While the team took a step back last season, they appear driven to turn things around at The Star.

 

 

Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer outlines his vision for Dak Prescott moving forward.

 

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Let’s get to it, the Dallas Cowboys ushered in a new era Monday as Brian Schottenheimer was formally introduced as head coach during a press conference at The Star in Frisco.

 

Schottenheimer was appointed as the tenth head coach in franchise history on Friday, succeeding Mike McCarthy who led the team from 2020 to 2024, and departed with a 49-35 record during his five-season tenure at the helm.

 

After serving as Dallas’s offensive coordinator since 2023, Schottenheimer now takes control following the team’s disappointing 7-10 season.

 

Brian Schottenheimer – Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer during training camp at the River Ridge Fields.

The 51-year-old first time head coach’s intimate knowledge of the Cowboys’ offense—which he orchestrated for the past two seasons—positions him uniquely to lead the franchise’s turnaround effort.

 

While a head coach’s vision shapes a team’s direction, its success ultimately hinges on quarterback performance—a reality Schottenheimer will face as he takes the helm of one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.

 

Luckily for Dallas, Dak Prescott has fostered a strong partnership with Schottenheimer since the latter’s arrival in 2022, and their collaborative relationship is one area the organization is leaning on in the Cowboys’ pursuit of a championship.

 

Brian Schottenheimer – Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott talks with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer during training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, CA. /

Schottenheimer’s confidence in Prescott’s leadership and support for his quarterback will be a cornerstone of their strategy moving forward.

 

“He’s gonna play elite level football,” Schottenheimer said during his introductory press conference . “He’s gonna lead us to championships. We got the right guy. We’re gonna win. We’re gonna win a championship.”

 

For a team that hasn’t won a Super Bowl since 1995, Schottenheimer’s confidence in his quarterback provides a glimpse into how he plans to break that streak: by building around the proven partnership between coach and quarterback that’s already shown promise before.