Notable headlines surrounding America’s team.
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott tabbed ‘long shot’ in 2025 NFL MVP race – Randy Gurzi, Sports Illustrated
There are worse bets to make than trusting #4 to put up stats.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon gave reasons to believe Prescott could win the award despite these odds, pointing to his 2023 season as proof that Prescott can get the job done.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott scrambles against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. / Brett Davis-Imagn Images
“For: Just a year ago, the highly-paid veteran led the league with 36 touchdown passes while posting a 105.6 passer rating as the MVP runner-up.” — Gagnon, Bleacher Report
Gagnon also had reasons to believe Prescott won’t be in the running, which include his injury history and the talent they have to face in the NFC East.
“Against: Prescott, who turns 32 this month, has missed large chunks of three of the last five seasons. His offensive line might also face major challenges on the edge, and the Cowboys have the second-lowest odds to win the NFC East. ” — Gagnon, Bleacher Report
Cowboys pushed biggest offensive investment, $3.75 million, to side 1 month after signing – K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire
Has Dallas invested enough in the trenches?
To somewhat stop the bleeding from the loss of Martin, the club signed Robert Jones, a full-time starter formerly of the Miami Dolphins. Jones hasn’t played at the level of Martin’s reputation at any point of his career, but Martin was nowhere near that standard in recent years either. Martin posted pedestrian Pro Football Focus grades in 2024, with a 65.2 overall and a 62.0 pass protection mark. Jones wasn’t that, with an overall grade of 56.1, but it’s not as big of a drop off as it would’ve been going from the Martin of 2022 and before. Jones comes to Dallas as a serviceable starter with some upside.
[…]
Profile
Jones has 30 starts under his belt acros his four NFL seasons, including all 17 from his final year with the Dolphins. On the outside, it initially appeared Jones would be in competition with ERFA re-signing Brock Hoffman, giving him more money than any other free-agent on offense, $3.75 million, but that was before Dallas spent the No. 12 overall selection on Tyler Booker from Alabama.
Now, Jones is in competition to be a game-day active backup, with outside training camp competition from fellow free agent signings Saahdiq Charles and Hakeem Adeniji, neither of whom played in 2024. Jones’ age indicates his best days are ahead of him, as do his small-school background and the general notion that it takes a while for a mid-tier UDFA to acclimate himself to the league before he can reach his full potential.
Cowboys’ once dominant position has taken a back seat – Mario Herrera Jr, Inside The Star
Oh, how the times have changed.
Ezekiel Elliott: The Last Bellcow
In 2016, the Cowboys tried to recapture their old formula by drafting Ezekiel Elliott fourth overall.
Behind a dominant offensive line, Elliott led the NFL in rushing as a rookie and quickly became the face of the franchise. His physical running style and durability brought balance to a young offense led by rookie QB Dak Prescott.
From 2016 to 2019, Elliott was arguably the most important player on the roster, keeping the Cowboys in contention and controlling games with his ability to grind out tough yards.
Though his production waned in later years, Zeke was the last Dallas back truly relied upon as a three-down workhorse.
From Stars to Committee
Today, the Cowboys have joined the rest of the NFL in moving away from featured backs.
With Elliott gone, the team has relied on a committee approach, deploying players like Tony Pollard, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and Royce Freeman.
None are expected to carry the offense like their legendary predecessors. It’s a reflection of a league-wide trend that favors versatility and cap flexibility over star power in the backfield.
Cowboys 2026 mock draft gives Dak Prescott a terrifying George Pickens replacement- Jerry Trotta, The Landry Hat
Give Dak the weapons he deserves.
Dallas Cowboys 4-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft
*The Cowboys included their 2026 third-round pick in the George Pickens trade
Round 1, Pick 20: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Williams is the standout of a loaded Clemson receiver room. He was a 2024 first-team All-SEC selection as a sophomore after exploding onto the scene with 75 catches for 904 yards and a conference-leading 11 touchdowns.
While the 5’11” Williams doesn’t have Pickens’ size, he is among the cleanest route runners in the country. He placed in the 94th percentile in separation rate against single coverage last season, per Pro Football Focus.
The Tigers’ star on the shifty side, but that didn’t stop him from hauling in 58 percent of his contested targets in 2024. His ability to play outside and in the slot will allow the Cowboys to move CeeDee Lamb all around the line of scrimmage, which is when he’s at his best.
Dallas Cowboys WR KaVontae Turpin arrested Sunday morning on two misdemeanor charges – RJ Ochoa, Blogging The Boys
Certainly not a positive headline for Dallas.
Word began to circulate on Sunday morning that Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin was arrested. It was confirmed by Joe Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News that this was in fact the case.
Turpin was reportedly booked for two misdemeanors in possession of marijuana (less than two ounces) and unlawful carrying of a weapon.
It goes without saying that this is not ideal for any player on the Cowboys. With regards to Turpin specifically, it should be noted that this is not his first off-the-field issue. While playing at TCU he was arrested on assault charges. This led to his dismissal from the team.
You will recall that the Cowboys signed Turpin to a three-year extension this offseason and avoided any restricted free agent drama, something we commended them for. He is an important part of the team and one of the best return men across the NFL at large, but conduct like this is surely not something the front office or coaching staff appreciates.