Although it would have been nice for the Dallas Cowboys to end their preseason on a high note, the 27-24 loss to the New Orleans Saints still provided useful insights into who is secure on the roster, and who let opportunities slip away. With the preseason complete, Dallas can shift fully toward the season opener against the New York Giants. Before the cutdown to 53, here are the hardest decisions the coaches and personnel department face.
1. Keeping three quarterbacks?
After a fierce competition for the backup job, Dallas faces
a tough call between Joe Milton and Sam Howell. Milton was terrific in the first two games but took a step back against the Saints (8-of-15 for 92 yards). Howell seized the opportunity with a strong second-half showing (12-of-18 for 155 yards and two touchdowns). He displayed resilience and calm under pressure, including a tough two-point conversion run that tied the game. That doesn’t erase Milton’s strong summer and the improvements he has shown.
Do the Cowboys choose one over the other, or try to keep both? Howell may offer the higher floor, while Milton has the higher ceiling. In a scenario where Dak Prescott misses extended time, whom would you rather have? With an expected improvement on defense, does one style complement the unit better than the other? If roster space allows, Dallas should try to keep both.
2. Dropping Izzy and/or Mafah?
Who stays and who goes between Phil Mafah and Israel Abanikanda? Or are they both gone? The Cowboys surprised some observers by sitting Jaydon Blue and Malik Davis against the Saints, giving the primary work to Abanikanda and Mafah. That decision raises the question of whether either will make the 53-man roster.
Mafah was the more productive runner, while Abanikanda had a costly fumble. Blue’s and Davis’ inactivity strongly suggests both have made the team. Counting fullback Hunter Luepke, that would mean Dallas is already carrying four players in the backfield. The sense is that if the team waives both, it feels comfortable reclaiming at least one via waivers. This may not be the hardest call, but one that will have to be made.
3. Exposing Camden Brown to waivers?
Are the Cowboys brave enough to put Camden Brown on waivers in hopes of sneaking him onto the practice squad? Brown has made one play after another this summer. His strong practices translated to the games: six receptions for 166 yards (27.7 average) and two touchdowns. He shows exceptional ability to locate the ball to make difficult catches, and he shows consistency as he delivered another highlight-reel high-point grab versus the Saints.
The top four receivers—CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, and KaVontae Turpin—are locked in. Dallas must also decide on Jonathan Mingo (who didn’t dress), Anthony Smith, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Mingo’s absence suggests that final receiver battle is between keeping Brown or not keeping a sixth WR. Dallas would be crazy to cut Brown, but stranger things have happened.
4. Do they need to sign a veteran tackle?
Drew Shelton saw extended playing time throughout the preseason. While he had positive moments, he still needs more development before he’s ready as the primary swing tackle. Nate Thomas has also been inconsistent. That leaves the question of whether the team can afford to stand pat or whether it should add a veteran.
Among currently available options are Joseph Noteboom (who has Dallas-area ties) and Cam Robinson (who brings extensive starting experience). Once cuts take place league-wide, Dallas will have additional choices and can make a more informed decision on whether to get outside help or stick with the current group.
What’s your top roster question the team needs to answer?
