3 new Dallas Cowboys players that could single-handedly make the team better ahead of 2025 NFL season

So you know the Dallas Cowboys’ free agent signings and draft picks. But you don’t know who will truly move the needle. That’s what we’ll try to answer today.

It’s not an easy question. Take Tyler Booker for example. As the Cowboys’ first-round draft pick labeled by head coach Brian Schottenheimer as an “immediate starter,” he’s poised to be a Day 1 starter. He’s likely to do well. But does he move the needle considering Dallas had Zack Martin last year?

What about second-round pick and edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku? Many called him a draft steal the moment he was picked but is the Cowboys’ starting lineup truly that much better after they lost DeMarcus Lawrence?

Today, I’m highlighting three players I believe can single-handedly improve the Cowboys and not only fill voids but boost the team’s win total in tangible ways. Let’s start with the obvious one.

WR George Pickens

Pickens is the biggest offseason addition by the Cowboys for a reason. Though he will be WR2 in Dallas due to CeeDee Lamb’s presence on the team, we’re talking a WR1 talent here. Pickens is a clear upgrade over Brandin Cooks and one that could truly change the offense in a major way.

One of the biggest problems for the Cowboys in recent memory has been how much they need Lamb to produce and the lack of alternatives when defenses take him away with double coverage. In 2024, other than No. 88, receivers weren’t getting open. With Pickens, not only will Dak Prescott have a playmaker that specializes in contested catches and vertical playmaking, but his top receiver will have an easier life on the field.

RB Jaydon Blue

This is a tricky one. Is Blue better than Rico Dowdle was in 2024? We won’t know until we watch him play football but it’s only fair to say it’s unlikely. Blue’s small size might even keep him from being RB1. At Texas, it’s what kept him from becoming a workhorse.

However, I have him on the list for a simple reason: His explosiveness is something the Cowboys haven’t had on offense in years. He could be the most explosive running back on the team since Tony Pollard’s prime. That should go a long way.

DT Solomon Thomas

Yes. This is another tricky one because Thomas isn’t even projected to start. To be fair, the Cowboys didn’t add many starting-caliber players this offseason. However, with Thomas set to back up Osa Odighizuwa at three-technique, he’s the best depth at defensive tackle Dallas has seen in a good while.

Odighizuwa has been forced to play a very high snap count in large part because there hasn’t been a productive player behind him on the depth chart. Thomas can be that guy. And I don’t know about you, but a fresh Osa sounds even scarier than the $80 million defender already is.