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5 Cowboys Unlikely to Return in 2025 After Poor Start to Season

After a slow start to the current NFL season, don't expect to see these five players back with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025.

By Devon Platana

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) celebrates his first down run against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field.
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) celebrates his first down run against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. / Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
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4. Brandin Cooks, WR

The Cowboys attempted to boost their wide receiver room by acquiring Brandin Cooks from the Houston Texans in March 2023. The six-time 1,000-yard receiver had been one of the NFL's most consistent playmakers and fans were hoping to see more of the same in Dallas.

Cooks' first season with America's Team was a mixed bag. Although the former Oregon State product managed to find the end zone eight times in 16 games, he only averaged 41.1 receiving yards per outing — the worst rate of his 11-year career at the time. His yards per game have now declined in each of the last four years.

Unfortunately, things have only worsened since then. It's been a rough start to the 2024 season for Cooks, who's only recorded nine catches for 91 receiving yards and a touchdown through four games before being placed on the injured reserve with a knee injury.

If Cooks can't produce upon his eventual return, his time in Dallas might be over sooner rather than later. He's set to hit free agency once the offseason begins and the Cowboys won't be inclined to offer him another contract if he can't get back to a higher level of production.

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