There will be plenty of competition for roster spots and starting jobs for the Cowboys in 2026, so who do we project to make the team?
Quarterback (2)
Dak Prescott, Joe Milton III
Dallas is expected to carry just two quarterbacks, but Sam Howell was brought in as a free agent this offseason and will make a case to stick around behind Dak Prescott and Joe Milton III. Since he was a 17-game starter for Washington in 2023, Howell has made just two appearances over the past two seasons.
Running back (4)
Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, Malik Davis, Hunter Luepke
Javonte Williams returned to the Cowboys on a three-year deal this offseason, and the question will be whether second-year runner Jaydon Blue can step up as a 1B option after a shaky rookie campaign. If not, Malik Davis flashed as the backup in 2025, and don’t forget about Phil Mafah and Israel Abanikanda if Dallas keeps a fourth running back in addition to fullback Hunter Luepke.
Wide receiver (6)
CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, Jonathan Mingo, Marquez Valdes-Scantling
There is still some mystery about George Pickens—after signing the franchise tag—until he actually hits the field, but the time for a trade seemed to quickly pass during the week of the draft. Pickens should again form a top duo with CeeDee Lamb, and the locks behind them are Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin. For the final one or two spots, I think the investment in Jonathan Mingo is enough to believe in untapped potential, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling is insurance for Pickens as a big-bodied vertical threat. The other options to watch include Tyler Johnson, Traeshon Holden, seventh-rounder Anthony Smith, and undrafted rookie Jordan Hudson.
Tight end (3)
Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Brevyn Spann-Ford
Another undrafted free agent to keep tabs on this summer is Michael Trigg—as he’s a talented player who can make the roster if he’s focused. Princeton Fant is another player who will battle for one of the final spots on the team, but it’s probably safe to project Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford to fill in behind Jake Ferguson once again.
Offensive tackle (4)
Tyler Guyton, Terence Steele, Nate Thomas, Drew Shelton (R)
Former first-round pick Tyler Guyton has not lived up to expectations through two seasons, and the team has said there will be a battle for the starting job at left tackle after Nate Thomas—drafted in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft—filled in nicely last year. Terence Steele is set at right tackle and rookie Drew Shelton was taken in the fourth round, so 2025 sixth-rounder Ajani Cornelius is on the outside looking in.
Guard (4)
Tyler Smith, Tyler Booker, T.J. Bass, Trevor Keegan
Dallas has one of the best guard duos in the NFL with Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker, and T.J. Bass is a top backup with 10 starts over the past three seasons. I have Trevor Keegan making it right now, but this could be a position where the Cowboys roll with three players depending on how the numbers shake out for the rest of the roster.
Center (2)
Cooper Beebe, Matt Hennessy
Matt Hennessy signed a modest one-year deal this offseason, but he did it relatively early in free agency—suggesting he’s in a good spot versus Nick Leverett to be the backup to Cooper Beebe.
Interior defensive line (5)
Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Otito Ogbonnia, LT Overton (R), Jonathan Bullard
The remade defensive interior for Dallas is now set with Otito Ogbonnia signed to be the nose tackle between Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark—but Osa Odighizuwa is obviously a big piece that is now gone (traded to the 49ers for a third-round pick). With LT Overton drafted in the fourth round, Jonathan Bullard signed in free agency, and Clark having experience at nose tackle as well, Jay Toia is off the roster for this projection.
Edge defender (5)
Rashan Gary, Malachi Lawrence (R), Donovan Ezeiruaku, James Houston, Sam Williams
One of the more intriguing stories to watch for Dallas this summer will be 2024 third-round pick Marist Liufau transitioning to the edge—which frankly seems like a questionable fit based on his skillset. The team would surely love for Liufau to make the team following the change, but I doubt he beats out James Houston (5.5 sacks in limited action last year), and Sam Williams is a former second-rounder that Dallas kept on a one-year deal. Plus, rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham having edge versatility only makes it a deeper group behind Rashan Gary and first-round pick Malachi Lawrence.
Linebacker (4)
DeMarvion Overshown, Dee Winters, Jaishawn Barham (R), Shemar James
A full offseason for DeMarvion Overshown after a November return from his severe knee injury in 2024 should have him flying around (it’s also a contract year for him), and the Cowboys added a steady complement to him in Dee Winters. Third-round pick Jaishawn Barham should mix in as well, and perhaps his unique role will leave room for both Shemar James and Curtis Robinson to make the team.
Cornerback (6)
DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel Jr., Devin Moore (R), Cobie Durant, Reddy Steward, Derion Kendrick
No. 11 overall pick Caleb Downs starting in the slot only further crowds the outlook at cornerback, but there are enough quality options to believe six might make it here. One thing we know for sure is that DaRon Bland will be one of the starters on the perimeter, and I’m guessing Shavon Revel Jr. has the lead for the other outside job. Durability concerns for Revel and talented fourth-round rookie Devin Moore should also be considered, but I have Cobie Durant and Reddy Steward as the next safest to make it—with Derion Kendrick sneaking on ahead of Caelen Carson and Corey Ballentine.
Safety (5)
Malik Hooker, Jalen Thompson, Caleb Downs (R), P.J. Locke, Markquese Bell
He’s entering his age-30 season, but Malik Hooker has settled very nicely in Dallas over the past handful of years, and he’ll be joined by Jalen Thompson on the backend—while Caleb Downs (who was our top prospect in the 2026 class) begins his career in the slot. P.J. Locke and Markquese Bell give the Cowboys excellent depth at safety, so things appear set.
Special teams (3)
Brandon Aubrey, Bryan Anger, Trent Sieg
Brandon Aubrey received the biggest contract for a kicker in NFL history last month, and Dallas isn’t messing with the formula on special teams with Bryan Anger as the punter (and holder) and Trent Sieg as the long snapper.