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Jalen Tolbert Jalen Tolbert Dazzles on Day 1 Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 9:51 AM Tolbert made a spectacular red-zone catch on the first day of training camp practices Thursday, and quarterback Dak Prescott is expecting a breakout campaign from the wideout, Nick Harris of DallasCowboys.com reports. "He's worked all offseason and he's gonna make another jump from year two to year three as he did from one to two," Prescott said after practice. "Super proud of him and everything he's done. That catch is a testament to our connection, my trust in him and the hard work he's put in this offseason." Analysis: A golden opportunity lies in front of Tolbert to begin camp, as CeeDee Lamb is holding out while seeking a contract extension, Michael Gallup is no longer on the roster and Brandin Cooks will turn 31 years old in September and may have lost a step. A third-round pick in 2022, Tolbert began to turn his athleticism into production last year while suiting up for all 17 games, and if he takes the leap forward that Prescott is predicting, he could become a key target for a QB who led the league in passing TDs in 2023 and finished third in passing yards.
Luke Schoonmaker Luke Schoonmaker Cleared from hamstring issue Thu, Jul 25, 2024, 4:02 PM Schoonmaker (hamstring) has been cleared for the start of Cowboys camp, Nick Harris of the team's official website reports. Analysis: Schoonmaker underwent shoulder surgery following last season and then picked up a hamstring injury that caused him to miss the entirety of OTAs. He's now healthy, and the 2023 second-round pick has the inside track to No. 2 tight end duties behind Jake Ferguson in Dallas. Schoonmaker caught just eight balls for 65 yards and two touchdowns across 17 regular-season games last season, spanning 368 offensive snaps.
CeeDee Lamb CeeDee Lamb Expected to hold out Tue, Jul 23, 2024, 7:48 PM Lamb is not expected to report to training camp Wednesday with his Cowboys teamates, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Analysis: Lamb and Dallas were unable to reach a contract extension during the offseason. The star pass catcher is entering the last year of a deal scheduled to earn him $17.99 million. This news does not come out of nowhere, as he also did not show up for June minicamp. While he is sidelined, Brandin Cooks will presumably handle No. 1 receiving duties, while Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks and KaVontae Turpin also figure to see more reps to build a rapport with Dak Prescott.
Dak Prescott Dak Prescott Out of walking boot Tue, Jul 9, 2024, 11:10 AM Prescott (foot), who has been spotted without a protective boot on his right foot, said Tuesday that there's "absolutely nothing" wrong with his ankle, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Prescott clarified that the walking boot he was spotted wearing in early July was only worn as a precautionary measure after soreness developed in his right ankle, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.com, despite initial reports that the quarterback was nursing a minor sprain. He underwent surgery on that ankle back in 2020 due to a compound fracture and dislocation, so it isn't surprising to see him treating soreness in the ankle with extra caution. At this point, Prescott is showing no signs of discomfort and looks on track to be a full participant for the start of training camp. Prescott also said that his agent and the Cowboys have had conversations about a contract extension, adding that he has plans in place to work out with potential holdout candidate CeeDee Lamb before the start of camp, per Machota.
Dak Prescott Dak Prescott Managing foot sprain Thu, Jul 4, 2024, 1:45 PM Prescott was spotted Thursday wearing a protective boot on his right foot due to a sprain, but the injury isn't considered serious, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports. Analysis: The Cowboys wrapped up the final practice of mandatory minicamp on June 5, which was roughly one month ago, and Prescott has reportedly been wearing his protective boot for about only a week, so it remains unclear how he suffered the injury. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirms that the injury is considered minor, so it doesn't seem like the franchise quarterback's foot sprain is at much risk of impacting his availability for the start of training camp on July 25. Now heading into his age-32 season, Dallas and Prescott have yet to come to terms on a new contract extension, and he remains scheduled for a $55.46 million cap hit in 2024. Meanwhile, star wideout CeeDee Lamb could be a candidate to hold out from training camp if he doesn't receive a new contract of his own.
CeeDee Lamb CeeDee Lamb Could hold out from training camp Mon, Jul 1, 2024, 10:02 AM Lamb isn't likely to report for the start of training camp on July 24 if he doesn't have a new contract by then, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Analysis: Lamb didn't show up for June minicamp, which means he can be fined a little more than $100,000. He's scheduled to make $17.99 million under a fifth-year option in 2024, whereas a long-term contract will cost the Cowboys nearly twice that much per season. It might nonetheless lower Lamb's cap hit for 2024, depending on how the deal is structured, and Machota suggests the most likely outcome is a long-term contract before Dallas players report to camp. If not, Lamb may continue his holdout and accrue further fines while his agent negotiates a deal.
Jalen Brooks Jalen Brooks Could push for No. 3 role Tue, Jun 25, 2024, 10:28 AM Brooks looked good during spring practices and may get a chance to compete for the No. 3 receiver role in Dallas, ESPN.com's Todd Archer reports. Analysis: Jalen Tolbert is the favorite for the role, having essentially split it with Michael Gallup (now on the Raiders) last season. Brooks, meanwhile, played 77 snaps on offense and 82 on special teams in seven games as a rookie seventh-round pick, with four of his six catches coming in a 49-17 win over the Giants in Week 10. He was often a healthy scratch last season but now has an opportunity to move up to third or fourth on the depth chart behind entrenched starters CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks.
Jake Ferguson Jake Ferguson Logging impressive offseason Thu, Jun 13, 2024, 12:15 PM Coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday that Ferguson is "having a great offseason" and praised the tight end's "consistency and his passion," Patrik Walker of the Cowboys' official site reports. Analysis: Ferguson, a 2022 fourth-round pick, enjoyed a real breakout season as Dallas' top tight end last season, with a 71-761-5 receiving line and Pro Bowl honors. The third-year pro is now reportedly improving at multiple facets of the game, and he could be positioned to take the next step forward as a fantasy producer. Dak Prescott's clear top target will be CeeDee Lamb, with Brandin Cooks working as the No. 2 wideout, but at this stage 2023 second-rounder Luke Schoonmaker (hamstring) doesn't look like a true threat to Ferguson's workload.
CeeDee Lamb CeeDee Lamb Holding out from minicamp Tue, Jun 4, 2024, 9:40 AM Lamb is holding out from June minicamp in pursuit of a new contract, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports. Analysis: Lamb didn't attend voluntary OTAs and now is missing the first mandatory activities of the offseason. David Helman of FOX Sports reports that the Cowboys can fine Lamb around $100,000 in the likely event he misses all three days of June minicamp, though the wideout presumably won't care much if it helps him secure a new contract. He's likely looking for a deal that's similar or slightly south of the four-year, $140 million extension that Vikings WR Justin Jefferson is signing this week. If nothing gets done before training camp, Lamb may well continue his holdout into August.
Peyton Hendershot Peyton Hendershot Making gradual progress Fri, May 31, 2024, 6:36 PM Hendershot has been easing back into action following offseason ankle surgery, Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reports. Analysis: Hendershot underwent ankle surgery following the close of the 2023 season and isn't yet back up to full speed. He's expected to fill a depth role at tight end for Dallas in the coming campaign.
Luke Schoonmaker Luke Schoonmaker Missing OTAs with hamstring issue Wed, May 22, 2024, 11:56 AM Coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday that Schoonmaker (hamstring) could miss the entirety of OTAs due to a new injury, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Schoonmaker is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, though per Todd Archer of ESPN.com, McCarthy confirmed that his rehab from shoulder surgery has gone well. The 2023 second-round pick has had issues staying healthy in his young career, having missed time last spring due to a foot issue, though he did play all 17 games as a rookie despite battling a shoulder issue.
Deuce Vaughn Deuce Vaughn Could take slot snaps? Mon, May 20, 2024, 3:14 PM Vaughn (ankle) is a candidate to earn more work out of the slot this offseason, Reid Hanson of USA Today reports. Analysis: Vaughn only suited up for seven games as a rookie before landing on IR, across which he totaled just 80 yards from scrimmage without a touchdown. Now presumably healthy, the 5-foot-6 running back could have a clearer path to backfield opportunities with Tony Pollard having moved on to Tennessee, even with Ezekiel Elliott now back atop the depth chart. The slot could be a more natural fit for Vaughn, though to emerge as an actual fantasy contributor in Year 2, he'll need to earn more than the occasional designed play.
Jalen Tolbert Jalen Tolbert Should have larger role in 2024 Fri, May 3, 2024, 10:11 AM Tolbert is in line for a larger role this season after working as the Cowboys' No. 4 WR in 2023, David Moore of The Dallas Morning News reports Analysis: After playing just 89 snaps on offense as a rookie, the 2022 third-round pick got a lot more playing time (477 snaps) in his second season, essentially splitting the No. 3 receiver role with Michael Gallup for much of the year. Gallup is now in Las Vegas and hasn't been replaced by a similar veteran or early draft pick, leaving Tolbert as the likely third WR behind entrenched starters CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks. While the role won't necessarily entail a large quantity of targets, Tolbert at least would be positioned for a degree of fantasy value if Lamb were to miss any time with an injury.
Trey Lance Trey Lance 2025 option declined by Dallas Wed, May 1, 2024, 6:43 PM The Cowboys declined Lance's 2025 fifth-year option, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: This was a no-brainer, as Lance has been a mega-bust to this point in his career after the 49ers traded up to select Lance at No. 3 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He didn't play a single snap for Dallas last season after the team traded for him prior to Week 1. Lance will compete with Cooper Rush for backup duties behind Dak Prescott.
Ezekiel Elliott Ezekiel Elliott Gets $1.75 million guaranteed Wed, May 1, 2024, 9:16 AM Elliott's one-year, $2 million contract with the Cowboys includes $1.75 million guaranteed, and he can earn up to $1 million more via incentives, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: All of the incentives require Dallas making the playoffs, with the other parts entailing Elliott playing more than half the team's snaps ($500,000), scoring 10 touchdowns ($250,000) or reaching 1,100 yards from scrimmage ($250,000). He did all three of those things in 2021, and two of the three in his most recent season with the Cowboys (2022). A one-year sojourn to New England proved less productive, though Elliott handled some huge workloads late in the season after Rhamondre Stevenson suffered a high-ankle injury, averaging 14.8 carries and 5.2 catches over the Patriots' final six games. The Cowboys probably won't call on him that often, even with their other backfield options -- Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Royce Freeman, Malik Davis and Snoop Conner -- being less than stellar. The Cowboys didn't draft a running back in April, and none of their veterans besides Elliott has ever run for more than 521 yards in a season.
Tyron Billy-Johnson Tyron Billy-Johnson Signs with Dallas Tue, Apr 30, 2024, 5:19 PM Johnson agreed to terms on a contract with the Cowboys on Tuesday. Analysis: Johnson signed a reserve/future contract with the 49ers following the 2022 season before being let go prior to OTAs. He subsequently landed with the Cowboys, but the pass catcher failed to make it through to the 53-man roster. However, he did spend the entire season on the team's practice squad. He will now look to make more of an impression with Dallas this training camp.
Rico Dowdle Rico Dowdle Joined by Zeke in shaky backfield Mon, Apr 29, 2024, 2:42 PM The Cowboys are signing Ezekiel Elliott to join Dowdle in a backfield that otherwise lacks experienced players and early draft picks, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: The Zeke reunion has been in the works for weeks, but most people still expected the Cowboys to add at least one running back during the 2024 NFL Draft. They ultimately didn't select one, leaving Royce Freeman, Malik Davis, Snoop Conner and 2023 sixth-round pick Deuce Vaughn as the competition behind Elliott and Dowdle. An undrafted free agent or two likely will be added to that mix, but it should still be a favorable situation for Elliott and Dowdle to earn playing time.
Ezekiel Elliott Ezekiel Elliott Returning to Dallas Mon, Apr 29, 2024, 7:41 AM Elliott agreed to terms Monday to a contract with the Cowboys, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Analysis: Pending a physical, Elliott will attempt to reignite his career in Dallas, the team with which he spent the first seven years of his NFL career and earned two All-Pro nods. The Cowboys recently lost Tony Pollard to free agency and, to the surprise of most analysts, opted not to select a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft, giving Elliott an easy path to the No. 1 role in a backfield that also includes Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn (ankle). It's unclear how much the former rushing champ has left in the tank entering his age-29 season, as across 17 games with the Patriots last season he carried 184 times for just 642 yards (3.5 YPC) plus three scores, while adding a 51-313-2 receiving line.
Royce Freeman Royce Freeman Picked up by Dallas Tue, Apr 16, 2024, 7:23 PM Freeman signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys on Tuesday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: Freeman spent his first three seasons with the Broncos before before stops with the Panthers, Texans and Rams the last three years. The journeyman tallied 319 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in Los Angeles last year across 14 games. Dallas lost Tony Pollard to free agency, so the running back room is currently filled with the likes of Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn (ankle), Malik Davis and Snoop Conner. Thus, Freeman will presumably have an opportunity to carve out a role for himself. However, the team could still opt to invest at the position in the draft.
CeeDee Lamb CeeDee Lamb Seeking new contract Mon, Apr 15, 2024, 10:16 AM Lamb is not expected to attend the start of Dallas' offseason workouts as he continues negotiations with the team on a contract extension, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Analysis: Lamb is currently entering the final season of his rookie contract, which would see him earn roughly $18 million on the fifth-year option, but he's been clear about his desire to come to terms on a long-term deal to keep him with the Cowboys. Patrik Walker of the team's official site reports that Lamb recently responded to rumors of a potential holdout by saying he'll "be in Dallas" this season, though mandatory workouts won't begin until minicamp in early June. DeVonta Smith, a 2021 first-round pick, is fresh off signing a three-year, $75 million extension including $51 million guaranteed with the Eagles, but Lamb's production could well warrant a top-of-the-market deal closer to $30 million per year.