We are approaching final roster cuts of the 2026 season when the Dallas Cowboys will have to make their decisions about who to roll with to start the new year. There’s usually some roster gymnastics included as teams make last-second deals and grab guys from other teams, but who do you expect to see on the list? Here is a final 53-man roster predictions for the Cowboys.
Quarterback
Dak Prescott, Joe Milton III, and Sam Howell
What’s changed: After the final preseason game showed some flashback flaws for Milton
and reminded us that Howell is still pretty decent, the team could choose to go long at the game’s most important position.
Running Back
Javonte Williams, Malik Davis, Jaydon Blue, and Hunter Luepke
What’s changed: Not playing Davis or Blue in the preseason finale cements their spot on the roster, while Phil Mafah or Israel Abanikanda have done nothing to sway opinions.
Tight End
Jake Ferguson, Brevyn Spann-Ford, and Luke Schoonmaker
What’s changed: Nothing. This one has been set for a while as the only thing up for consideration was if undrafted free agent Michael Trigg would earn a spot, which he hasn’t.
Wide receiver
CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, and Jonathan Mingo
What’s changed: Nothing. The roster battle between Mingo and UDFA Camden Brown still goes to the veteran. The rookie has had a great camp and deserves to make it, but the team also has other young choices like draft pick Anthony Smith and fellow UDFA Jordan Hudson who will clear waivers if Brown doesn’t.
Offensive line
Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker, Terence Steele, T.J. Bass, Nick Leverett, Nate Thomas, and Drew Shelton
What’s changed: This group still has the most questions. Trevor Keegan still has his shot in the dark, but Leverett has been the more impressive interior guy in preseason action. Much to the chagrin of the fanbase, Shelton sticks around as a development project. He played considerably better in the finale. Nate Thomas is an enigma and could be a surprise cut if the team opts to look outside for a veteran tackle. Second-year tackle-turned-guard gets a roster spot; however, he could start the season on injured reserve after dealing with a knee issue.
Outside Linebacker
Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Von Miller, Malachi Lawrence, and Sam Williams
What’s changed: The team has really pushed hard to see what Sam Williams and Marist Liufau could do in the new system, but the results haven’t been good. Liufau broke his wrist in Friday night’s game, so he’ll start the year on injured reserve if they keep him. Williams played deep into the game. He might be left off if the coaches go with James Houston, and don’t write off the guy everyone loves to write off, Tyrus Wheat. He continues to do a little bit of everything and is just one of those guys coaches love to have on their team.
Defensive tackle
Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Otito Ogbannia, LT Overton, and Jay Toia
What’s changed: No changes, but the dependent factor here is the health of veteran free agent Jonathan Bullard. If his groin/abdomen is good to go, he makes the team. If he starts on injured reserve, second-year nose tackle Toia slides into his spot.
Linebacker
DeMarvion Overshown, Dee Winters, Jaishawn Barham, and Shemar James
What’s changed: Nothing. The first three are rock solid, with the speed of second-year draft pick James rounding out the last spot. Justin Barron or Curtis Robinson have an outside chance for one of those final spots, but it seems very reasonable that they’ll clear waivers and return on the practice squad.
Cornerback
DaRon Bland, Cobie Durant, Shavon Revel Jr., Caelen Carson, Devin Moore, and Derion Kendrick
What’s changed: No adjustments from last time. The first three are chalk, the last three are a little cringe. Carson may have his problems, but he can be pesky as depth corners go. Moore is a development project taken in the fourth round, so it’s assumed he’ll be given a chance. Kendrick remains the off-script selection as he continues to do well in preseason action. Word on the street is that an outside free agent will take one of these spots, with Adoree Jackson’s name floated around a lot, so prepare for that.
Safety
Caleb Downs, Malik Hooker, Jalen Thompson, P.J. Locke, and Markquese Bell
What’s changed: Nothing. The team loves all these guys. Julius Wood is a pet cat of many who has played well and rung bells, but the coaches appear to have rung their own Bell when it comes to the safety pecking order.
Special teams
Brandon Aubrey, Bryan Anger, and Trent Sieg
What’s changed: Absolutely nothing, and we’re perfectly happy about that.
Here is the final 53 with injury designations projected.
Note: only 52 spots are filled, as one is being left for an outside player, whether it’s a free agent or a claim from another team.
