2024 is going to be a critical year for the Dallas Cowboys. After years of falling short in the postseason, the front office is putting pressure on head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Dak Prescott. Each enters the final year of their contract and could be on the way out if they don’t finally get over the hump.
It’s a bold strategy from the Jones family and could have disastrous consequences. If the Cowboys fail and Prescott leaves, they watch a top-tier quarterback walk with nothing in return. That can set the franchise back several years — as opposed to teams such as the Houston Texans rebuilding when they traded their signal-caller.
Of course, Jerry Jones has always done things his way so that won’t stop now. All we can do is watch the drama unfold, which will really ramp up when training camp kicks off in late July. The goal there will be to put the best possible 53-man roster together which is what we’re about to predict here.
Quarterback (2): Dak Prescott, Trey Lance
Dallas kept three quarterbacks throughout the season in 2023 but that’s not how it starts here. Initially, they go with Dak Prescott, the unquestioned starter, and Trey Lance as the backup.
While Cooper Rush isn't on this initial 53-man roster, that doesn't mean he won't be on the team. Dallas has often had a nod-and-wink deal with Rush to release him during the final cuts only to re-sign him to the practice squad. As a vested veteran, he doesn't hit the waiver wires, so they can use his spot to move players around, often bringing him back up when someone inevitably heads to the IR.
Running Back (5): Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman, Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Luepke
This position remains the biggest concern for Dallas heading into the 2024 season. They were correct to let Tony Pollard walk considering the contract he secured from the Tennessee Titans. They were also smart to avoid overpaying a free agent for the sake of doing something.
Having said that, their moves left a lot to be desired. Dallas needed to grab a rookie in the draft but decided against that and now has Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle as the primary options. They’re hoping Deuce Vaughn can turn things around but he struggled mightily as a rookie.
Other than Elliott, their only other outside addition was Royce Freeman. He’s an intriguing option but far from consistent. The group is rounded out with Hunter Luepke, the fullback who spent most of his rookie campaign on special teams.
If there’s one position where the Cowboys need to monitor the waiver wire, this is it.
Wide Receiver (6): CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Brooks, Ryan Flournoy
CeeDee Lamb was phenomenal in 2023 and wants to cash in. As the Jones family often does, they allowed this negotiation to drag out and he’s about to force them into a mega deal — or be on the way out soon. Lamb needs to be retained since he’s the one true threat they have.
Brandin Cooks is a savvy veteran and came on strong at the end of 2023, but he’s not a No. 1 at this point in his career. Behind him, there are more questions than answers. That’s why they go six deep with Jalen Tolbert and Jalen Brooks fighting for the No. 3 spot following a strong offseason.
Ryan Flournoy has also turned heads but the rookie is still raw. This year will be about development for him. KaVontae Turpin is also on the team and while he’s a return man first, he showed flashes last year of being a weapon on offense and needs more opportunities.
Tight End (4): Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, John Stephen, Jr., Brevyn Spann-Ford
Jake Ferguson took off in 2023, making it even more frustrating that Dallas reached for Luke Schoonmaker in the second round. As Ferguson developed into a star, Schoonmaker struggled through a lackluster rookie campaign. Despite this, his draft status keeps him around as the TE2 for now.
John Stephens, Jr. was a star during training camp before suffering a knee injury. The converted wide receiver offers a versatile passing threat off the bench and pushes out Peyton Hendershot, who is talented but struggling with durability. Undrafted free agent Brevyn Spann-Ford is the fourth option and he might be able to develop into a solid No. 2 down the road.
Offensive Line (10): Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Zack Martin, Terence Steele, Chuma Edoga, T.J. Bass, Brock Hoffman, Asim Richards, Nathan Thomas
Dallas deserves a lot of criticism for their work this offseason but they also deserve praise for how they addressed the offensive line. In need of two starters, they successfully flipped the 24th pick to Detroit for the 29th and 73rd. They then added Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe, who are expected to start.
Thankfully each player has a stud to work alongside with Guyton lining up next to Tyler Smith while Beebe is sandwiched between Smith and Zack Martin. There will be questions about the rookies and Terence Steele, who struggled mightily in 2023.
Their bench is decent too with T.J. Bass, who has the makings of a starter at guard. Chuma Edoga can play guard or tackle as can Asim Richards. Brock Hoffman is the backup center but performed well when asked to start in the past. Nathan Thomas also finds his way to the roster as a developmental swing tackle.
Defensive Line (9): DeMarcus Lawrence, Mazi Smith, Osa Odighizuwa, Micah Parsons, Sam Williams, Marshawn Kneeland, Chauncey Golston, Justin Rogers, Viliami Fehoko
On the edge, the Cowboys still look good despite losing Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler, Jr. in free agency to the Washington Commanders. Micah Parsons is one of the top pass rushers in the game and has continued to increase his numbers each season.
Across from him is the veteran DeMarcus Lawrence and while he doesn’t rack up elite numbers, he is one of the best in the business.
Dallas can still turn to the bench for some relief thanks to Sam Williams who has 8.5 sacks in his first two seasons and is ready for more. They also added rookie second-round pick Marshawn Kneeland who has a lot of potential. The question — as it always is — will be how well the interior holds up.
Mazi Smith was misused as a rookie and should improve as the 1-tech but he’s still an unknown. Mike Zimmer will be tasked with getting the most out of him but with only Justin Rogers as a backup, all their eggs are in the Smith basket.
At the 3-tech, Osa Odighizuwa typically starts strong but hasn’t been able to elevate to the next level. From there, they roll with Chauncey Golston and Viliami Fehoko. Both have a lot to offer but are natural defensive ends who have moved inside. The speed is there but as Green Bay showed them in the postseason, the strength needs to improve.
Linebacker (4): Eric Kendricks, Damone Clark, DeMarvion Overshown, Marist Liufau
Eric Kendricks was originally on his way to the San Francisco 49ers until Mike Zimmer came in and called an audible. The new (old) Dallas defensive coordinator has a previous relationship with Kendricks dating back to their days with the Minnesota Vikings.
Adding Kendricks is huge for two reasons. One, it shores up a major weakness from 2023. After losing Leighton Vander Esch to a neck injury, the Cowboys linebacking corps became a problem. The second reason is his familiarity with Zimmer. Having someone who can be a quarterback for the defense will help everyone get on the same page.
That should be a huge help for Damone Clark who needs to get back to playing without overthinking. He has the talent, and a savvy veteran alongside should push him in the right direction. The other two linebackers are DeMarvion Overshown and rookie Marist Liufau. Overshown was great in the preseason before suffering an injury and Liufau has been a standout so far in offseason workouts.
Cornerback (6): Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, Jourdan Lewis, Caelan Carson, Eric Scott, Jr., C.J. Goodwin
There are six cornerbacks here but it's really just five. C.J. Goodwin makes the cut but could just as easily be placed in the 'specialists' category since that's where he shines. Still, he's listed as a corner and can play there if needed.
As for the others, Trevon Diggs is coming back from a torn ACL and DaRon Bland is fresh off a record-setting season. Jourdan Lewis returns on a one-year deal after nearly signing with Washington, giving them an underrated slot corner. Rookie Caelen Carson is an intriguing player too, and could be a day-three steal.
The last spot goes to Eric Scott, Jr. who beats out Gareon Conley and Nahshon Wright simply due to being a draft pick in 2023. That could change at any moment if Conley or Wright impress.
Safety (4): Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, Markquese Bell, Juanyeh Thomas
Safety went from an afterthought to a strength under Dan Quinn and that will be his legacy with the Dallas Cowboys.
Gone are the days of pretending Jeff Heath is a superstar as Quinn was able to convince the Cowboys to sign Damontae Kazee, Jayron Kearse, and Malik Hooker during his tenure. Kazee was a one-year stop gap but Kearse and Hooker turned into fixtures on the defense. Quinn even helped Donovan Wilson blossom into a star while developing Markquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas.
Entering 2024, Kearse is gone and his role will likely be filled by Bell — who spent 2023 playing linebacker. Hooker and Wilson will remain the technical starters but there will be three safeties out there often.
The fourth is Thomas, who has the makings of a starter. If the Cowboys go thin elsewhere, Israel Mukuamu could make the cut but for now, he just misses out.
Specialists (3): Brandon Aubrey, Bryan Anger, Trent Sieg
Dallas was so successful with their Brandon Aubrey signing that they continue to kick the tires on every UFL player they can find. Aubrey, the soccer player who turned kicker, was 36-of-38 on field goals in 2023. That includes an unbelievable 10-of-10 from 50 yards or more. He's calm and confident and there's no reason to expect anything less in 2024.
At punter, the Cowboys again turn to Bryan Anger, one of the best in the business. He's been in the league since 2012 and with Dallas since 2021. He's made two Pro Bowls for the Cowboys and averaged a career-high 51.4 yards per punt last year.
Last is Trent Sieg, the long snapper who joined the team in 2023. He held the job with the Raiders for five seasons and has his spot locked down with the Cowboys now.
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