Honestly, following the Dallas Cowboys feels like a full-time job where the boss never gives you a straight answer. After a 7-9-1 finish to the 2025 season, Jerry Jones and the front office are staring down a massive roster overhaul. People keep talking about the draft, but the real movement is happening right now in the "Futures" market and the looming free agency shadow.
The team just signed a wave of young talent to reserve/future contracts. These aren't just names to fill space; they are the guys fighting for a 53-man spot in July. We’re talking about Israel Abanikanda, a running back who has shown flashes of explosive speed, and Traeshon Holden, a wideout who was basically the MVP of last year's training camp before getting buried on the depth chart.
Who are the actual new players for Cowboys fans to watch?
The "new" guys aren't always the high-priced free agents. Right now, the Cowboys have locked in eight players to these future deals to ensure they don't wander off to rivals.
- Israel Abanikanda (RB): He’s got that home-run hitting ability the backfield lacked last year.
- Zion Childress (DB): He actually got some burn as a rookie when the injury bug bit the secondary. He’s sticky in coverage and plays with a chip on his shoulder.
- Parris Campbell (WR): A veteran presence who still has wheels if he can just stay on the field.
- Isaiah Land (DE): A developmental pass rusher who fits the mold of what the Cowboys like—long and twitchy.
It's easy to dismiss these signings. Don't. Every year, a guy like T.J. Bass or Brock Hoffman comes out of this "fringe" group to become a meaningful starter. Speaking of Bass and Hoffman, they are heading into restricted free agency, and the team has a huge decision to make on whether to tender them at a high price.
The Quinnen Williams Factor
Wait, did you miss the trade? The Cowboys moved a 2026 second-rounder and a 2027 first-rounder (plus Mazi Smith) to the New York Jets for Quinnen Williams. If you want a "new" player who actually changes the win-loss column, it’s him.
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He is the anchor this defense has needed since, well, forever. Pairing him with Kenny Clark creates a massive wall in the middle. But it comes at a cost. The Cowboys are currently projected to be over $40 million over the cap. That means some fan favorites are going to be packing their bags soon.
Why the 2026 Free Agency is a Minefield
There are 22 players with expiring deals. That is a staggering number. George Pickens and Javonte Williams are the big ones. Pickens was a revelation, putting up 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. He basically took over as the WR1 while CeeDee Lamb dealt with double teams.
If the Cowboys can't reach a long-term deal with Pickens by March 3, expect the franchise tag. It's the "break glass in case of emergency" button that Jerry Jones loves to push. Then you have Jadeveon Clowney, who didn't even join the team until Week 4 and still led them in sacks. Keeping him on a one- or two-year deal is a top priority for the front office, especially with Sam Williams also hitting the market.
What's happening in the Draft?
The draft is where the "real" new players for Cowboys fans usually come from. Because of the 7-9-1 record, Dallas is sitting with two first-round picks (No. 12 and No. 20, the latter coming from the Packers).
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Mock drafts are already screaming for secondary help. Names like Mansoor Delane, the corner out of LSU, are being linked to Dallas at that 20th spot. He’s 6'0", 190 pounds, and plays with the kind of aggression that a new defensive coordinator—whoever that ends up being—will crave.
- Draft a Cornerback: With DaRon Bland coming off foot surgery, the depth is terrifyingly thin.
- Fix the O-Line: Terence Steele is a potential post-June 1 cut candidate to save $14 million. If he goes, the draft is the only way to find a replacement.
- Find a New DC: You can't sign the right players if you don't know the scheme they'll be playing in.
Actionable Steps for the Offseason
If you’re trying to keep track of this mess, here is what you need to do:
Watch the March 11 Deadline: This is when the new league year starts. If Pickens isn't signed or tagged by then, he can walk for nothing. That would be a catastrophe for the offense.
Monitor the Cap Restructures: Look for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to restructure their deals. This isn't just "moving money around"—it's how they create the room to actually sign the rookies and maybe a mid-tier linebacker.
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Pay Attention to the Defensive Coordinator Hire: The Cowboys have interviewed nine candidates so far. A guy like Jim Leonhard would want different types of players than a more traditional 4-3 coach. The roster will shift based on this hire.
The Cowboys are in a "win-now" window that is starting to look like it's closing. They have the star power, but the depth is being rebuilt from scratch. Whether these "new" players like Abanikanda or a draft pick like Delane can actually move the needle is the $40 million question.
Ultimately, the roster you see in January is going to look nothing like the one that hits the field in September. Keep an eye on those future contracts—they usually tell you exactly what the front office is worried about. In this case, it’s clearly speed at the skill positions and depth in the secondary.
Next Steps for Fans: Check the official NFL transactions wire every Tuesday. This is when the Cowboys typically cycle through their practice squad and "Futures" signings. If you see a linebacker signed, it's a signal they aren't confident in the recovery of guys like DeMarvion Overshown or the pending status of Kenneth Murray.