The Dallas Cowboys played their third and final preseason game when they hosted the New Orleans Saints on Friday night, falling 27-24. The Cowboys will begin to make their roster cuts as early as Saturday, which could mean the end of the football journey for several players.
However, one of those in danger of getting released does have another option to continue playing. Rookie wide receiver Jordan Hudson earned the fourth quarter spotlight on Friday, catching two big bombs from Sam Howell, including a touchdown pass. They were his first shining moments of his preseason, and they made it two big wins this week, potentially.
Hudson has little chance of making the team's 53-man roster, but he was among a group of players who were granted TRO against
the NCAA, paving the former SMU product's way to enter the transfer portal and return to college football.
Double-digit football players were granted TROs today against the NCAA as well as the SEC and commissioner Greg Sankey that have them currently eligible to play this season and enter the transfer portal, per @TexasTrialGroup.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) August 27, 2026
Among them is Cowboys receiver Jordan Hudson. pic.twitter.com/vVQpwnW0MW
Sam Howell finds Jordan Hudson again!
— NFL (@NFL) August 29, 2026
This time it's for 6️⃣
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/6K7DVbVrg5
The Cowboys signed Hudson as an undrafted free agent and he’s done little to warrant a place on the roster in any capacity. The team could keep him by signing him to the practice squad, which would force a decision from the WR; stay in the NFL making $13,750 a week (almost $250,000 for 18 weeks), or sign with a college team who might pay him more to play in 2026.
In that scenario, Hudson could stay, trying to make it in the NFL, or go back to college. Choosing the latter would mean he wouldn’t be eligible in next year’s draft, making him a free agent again after the collegiate season is completed.
Being part of the filing might give some insight into Hudson’s path moving forward. He’s seen the writing on the wall with the Cowboys and might not believe he’s got a chance to make the team. In two preseason games, Hudson has just three catches for 23 yards. He’s not in the conversation for making the 53-man roster, but the practice squad could be an option.
If cut and not signed by another team, getting another year in college would give Hudson time to work on his craft, perhaps providing a better opportunity as a free agent in 2027.
Hudson has one more chance to show he belongs in professional football; he’ll see extended action in the Cowboys’ final exhibition contest. After the Saints game, his fate will play out over the course of the next few days.
At the very least, Hudson’s left himself some options in case it doesn’t work out in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys' 4th quarter star could end up back in college football next week
