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 / Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

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6. Brandin Cooks, WR

Brandin Cooks was one of the Cowboys' top scoring threats during the 2023 season. Although his 657 receiving yards were far from his usual performance, he still racked up eight touchdown grabs on 54 receptions, marking the second-best total of his lengthy career.

Cooks opened the 2024 campaign with a strong outing, recording 40 yards and a touchdown on four receptions in the 33-17 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. Unfortunately, it's been downhill since then. In the three subsequent games he's played, the ex-Oregon State receiver only has five catches for 51 yards without a score despite being targeted 12 times during that stretch.

Cooks has been sidelined for the last four weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a knee issue. He's since returned to practice last week, however, it remains to be seen if his knee will hold him back down the stretch.

Considering how the current season is the last on Cooks' contract, he must have a strong end to the year whenever he returns. Otherwise, it's going to be hard to convince teams — not just the Cowboys — that he's deserving of another NFL contract.

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