7 Cowboys Playing Their Way Out of Dallas' 2025 Plans

The losses continue to pile up for the Dallas Cowboys. Unless things change, these seven Cowboys may have already played themselves out of the franchise's 2025 plans.
Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) celebrates his first down run against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) celebrates his first down run against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images / Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
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5. Linval Joseph, DT

As previously mentioned, the Cowboys have struggled to stop the run throughout the 2024 season. While Smith has played a large role in those issues, so has fellow DT Linval Joseph.

After signing a one-year deal with America's Team this offseason, Joseph hasn't looked like a former two-time Pro Bowl defender. The former East Carolina product has registered just five solo tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble in seven games, resulting in PFF's 47.7 defense grade — 103rd out of 123 eligible interior defenders.

Additionally, Joseph's 30.1 run defense grade is the third-worst at his position in the NFL.

Given that he's only on a one-year deal, it's hard to imagine the Cowboys wanting to re-sign Joseph in the offseason. While he might provide a decent locker room presence, he's a negative asset on the field and that's the last thing Dallas needs if it wants to end its Super Bowl drought.

With his best years in the rearview, it wouldn't be shocking if Joseph is out of the league in the near future.