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Cowboys 'Built to Stay Relevant, Not Challenge' In 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jul 12, 2025 11:21 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys like to "hang around the rim" when it comes to contention, and coming into the 2025 season, Brian Schottenheimer's team, for some, is nowhere near it.

Granted, others are more bullish on Dallas' chances with the sweeping coaching changes and personnel that have walked through the door, but right now, it is hard to get a proper read on what the Cowboys will be.

The big addition was George Pickens, who we think was a dart throw worth taking, even if others think otherwise, given what it could do for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox likes the move to, but when looking at Dallas' offseason in totality, he has a rather brutal take.

“I like the fact that Dallas finally got itself a No. 2 receiver, even if I don't love how the team went about doing it," Know wrote. "Trading for George Pickens in a contract year was a major risk, but, at least, Dak Prescott will have more than one threatening perimeter target—assuming he can stay healthy this season.

"I feel better about the Cowboys than I did at the end of the draft, and far better than I felt about them last offseason. However, I still feel like this is a team that is built to stay relevant and not one built to challenge for a championship."

Now, Knox isn't necessarily wrong when he says the Cowboys are built to stay relevant, because it doesn't matter how good or bad the team is or what else is going on in the NFL world, Dallas is always in the conversation, or "above the fold" if you will, headlining TV shows, talk shows, podcasts and everything in between.

But we know Schottenheimer's team has a real chance of being more relevant than last season's team. The moves made on both sides of the ball have given fans a small air of confidence heading to Oxnard, with the run game still so-so until we see otherwise.

However, when looking back on Dallas' offseason, you can't help but be impressed with what's been accomplished.

Now, that has to translate to on-field success, and not just hanging around the rim to stay relevant.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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