The Dallas Cowboys finalized their initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season by keeping three quarterbacks and releasing several notable veterans, including running back Jaydon Blue and edge rusher Sam Williams.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said multiple times recently that the Cowboys’ roster is better on paper than it was a year ago. That competitive upgrade created difficult choices across the board as the team reached Sunday’s cut-down deadline.
Team owner Jerry Jones acknowledged the fluid nature of the roster following the final preseason game, noting that the front office remains active.
Jones added that all 31 other teams are evaluating potential improvements, and the organization intends to examine every opportunity aggressively before opening day.
Quarterback Depth and the Three-Man Decision
The competition behind starter Dak Prescott between Joe Milton III and Sam Howell went down to the wire during training camp at The Star in Frisco. Both players performed well enough that Dallas opted to retain three quarterbacks on the initial roster rather than cutting one.
Schottenheimer described the backup race as neck and neck. Milton displayed strong overall play throughout training camp and the first two preseason games, while Howell gained significant experience and finished strong in the preseason finale. Milton’s athletic ability to execute quarterback sneaks similar to Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia could give him an edge in specific game-day packages.
“That’s one where we may just split the difference and have two backup quarterbacks.”
Jerry Jones
Running Back Shakeup and Notable Cuts
The running back room underwent a significant trim, led by the decision to waive Jaydon Blue. The reasoning behind waiving Blue tied back to special teams development, as Blue did not progress in that phase as the coaching staff had hoped. By going light at running back initially, the team created room for players who contribute heavily in the kicking game.
The initial running back group features Javonte Williams, Malik Davis, and Hunter Luepke. Davis rushed for 250 yards with Dallas the previous season and is positioned to handle carries behind Javonte Williams, while Luepke offers versatility as a runner, blocker, and receiver.
Wide Receiver Depth and Rookie Roster Surprises
Wide receiver stands out as arguably the deepest room in the NFL, featuring CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, Jonathan Mingo, and undrafted rookie Camden Brown.
Brown dazzled during the preseason, climbing from a long shot to secure a spot ahead of multiple veterans and seventh-round pick Anthony Smith. Mingo likewise earned his place with critical preseason receptions and a touchdown-saving special teams tackle against Seattle that drew praise from the coaching staff.
Defensive Overhaul and Edge Roster Math
Defensively, the Cowboys added significant size along the interior with Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark. The late offseason signing of veteran edge rusher Von Miller heightened competition across the back end of the defensive front.
All teams must submit waiver claims before noon Central time Monday, meaning further adjustments to the initial 53-man roster remain likely as players transition through waivers and practice squad formations.
