With the 2026 NFL schedule newly released, what better time to release a way too early 53-man roster prediction for the 2026 Dallas Cowboys.
We will break this series up into two parts. First, we will start with the offense. Unlike the defensive side of the ball, a lot of the names projected to make the Cowboys 53-man roster are very familiar names. Let’s take a deep dive into an early projection on what the Cowboys offense could look like in 2026.
Quarterbacks (2)
1. Dak Prescott
2. Joe Milton
One of the few positions that could look a little
different in 2026 is the quarterback position. While Dak Prescott is cemented into the starting job for his 11th season, what the depth chart looks like behind him could be one of the top story lines on the offensive side of the ball this offseason.
As of today, Joe Milton is predicted as the only other quarterback on the roster and the QB2 behind Prescott. Despite his disappointing play in limited regular season reps last season, Milton still has the traits you want to develop in a backup quarterback. The Cowboys signed veteran Sam Howell to a one-year, $2.5-million dollar deal this offseason to provide Milton with some tough offseason competition. This offseason will be huge on deciding who the QB2 will be in Dallas, but as of today, we are sticking with the younger and higher upside option.
Running Back (4)
1. Javonte Williams
2. Jaydon Blue
3. Phil Mafah
4. Hunter Luepke
The running back position in 2026 will feature all familiar faces. While Javonte Williams will return as the Cowboys RB1 (something he did not have at this time last year), how things play out behind him will be a story line this offseason.
Despite impressing last season in limited work, Malik Davis is likely a guy to land on the practice squad as of today. The Cowboys have had high hopes for Phil Mafah, and after stashing him on IR for most of the 2025 season, they will likely want Mafah to earn his way onto the roster this offseason during training camp and preseason games. The same can be said for second-year back Jaydon Blue. Blue was projected to play a much larger role in his rookie season, but maturity concerns led him to the inactive list more often than naught last season. Blue is the one running back on this roster that can truly scare defenses with his explosiveness, that alone will likely give him another shot at breaking camp on the Cowboys 53-man roster.
Wide Receiver (5)
1. CeeDee Lamb
2. George Pickens
3. Ryan Flournoy
4. KaVontae Turpin
5. Traeshon Holden
Wide receiver is another position on offense that could see some change from 2025 to 2026. While the top four are likely a lock, whether the Cowboys decide to carry five or six wide receivers could depend on how things play out this offseason. For now, we have the Cowboys carrying five receivers, and that final spot will be very competitive. Second-year wideout Traeshon Holden spent his first season on the practice squad after impressing in the 2025 season and making a case for a roster spot. Holden will have to have another big offseason to beat out veterans Jonathan Mingo, Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Tyler Johnson, and 2026 seventh-round pick Anthony Smith.
Tight End (4)
1. Jake Ferguson
2. Brevyn Spann-Ford
3. Luke Schoonmaker
4. Michael Trigg
The tight end position will in all likely hood look very similar to how it did last year, with the addition of UDFA Michael Trigg out of Baylor. Despite his struggles, Luke Schoonmaker still has sponsors in the room in Lunda Wells and Brian Schottenheimer, so he will more than likely be back in 2026.
Trigg is the most interesting conversation. Based solely on his tape, he was a draftable prospect in this year’s draft, but maturity concerns and multiple incidents at Ole Miss and Baylor had him fall out of the draft. Trigg is dynamic receiving weapon and could provide the Cowboys with more explosive plays from the tight end position that was lacking from the offense in 2025.
Offensive Line (10)
1. Tyler Guyton
2. Tyler Smith
3. Cooper Beebee
4. Tyler Booker
5. Terence Steele
6. Drew Shelton
7. Ajani Cornelius
8. Nathan Thomas
9. T.J. Bass
10. Matt Hennessy
Similar to tight end and wide receiver, the offensive line in Dallas will look eerily familiar in 2026. The only spot for change is the 10th spot in which free agent addition Matt Hennessy will battle things out with Trevor Keegan. The coaching staff seemed to be high on Keegan after adding him off of waivers last year, but Hennessy’s 24 starts make him an intriguing addition to the offensive line in 2026. Hennessy has played primarily at center in his NFL career after being selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft. Hennessy’s ability to start games at center with Brock Hoffman now in Pittsburgh, along with his versatility to play left guard if Tyler Smith has to move out to left tackle, gives him the edge over Keegan as of today.
Which picks do you disagree with? Who would be your offensive roster picks?
