Cowboys Send Strong Message Giving Brandin Cooks' Jersey To New Free Agent

In the midst of free agency, the Dallas Cowboys have announced new jersey number assignments for the 2025 NFL season.

There are 14 new players who have joined the team so far. After each of them signed their new contracts it was time to allocate numbers they will wear.

Maybe re-joined the team is a better way to put it in the case of Dante Fowler Jr.

The linebacker spent two seasons with the Cowboys (2022-23) before a hiatus to the nation's capital with the Washington Commanders.

This offseason, Fowler has signed back with America's Team for his 11th season in the league. He agreed to terms on a one-year contract this free agency.

He spoke to DallasCowboys.com about the opportunity to return to The Star.

"It feels amazing to be back, I'm definitely happy to be here in Dallas," Fowler Jr. said. "I'm ready to get going with the guys for sure. I'm definitely excited to be back in this defense and to help get this defense to be one of the top defenses in the league and to help the team get some wins."

In the jersey announcements, Fowler (who wore No. 56 during his first stint in Dallas) was given No. 3 ... an interesting digit that reminds Cowboys Nation of another notable free agent.

Receiver Brandin Cooks - who wore No. 3 in Dallas in 2024 - is still available on the market.

We have seen when players sign elsewhere their jersey number immediately opens up for the next crop of players. Notably Solomon Thomas taking over DeMarcus Lawrence's No. 90.

But Cooks hasn't signed a new contract anywhere yet ...

Does this all but spell the end of his time with the Cowboys?

Cooks has had plenty to say this offseason. Despite him accusing the Cowboys of "not using him right", he claims the "door's not shut" on a return to Dallas.

But all indications have still pointed to the Cowboys moving on from the veteran wideout - the latest being them giving up his returning jersey number.

Dallas has recently added a veteran receiver in Parris Campbell along with the re-signing of KaVontae Turpin.

There are still multiple impact-level targets on the free agency market for the Cowboys to pursue as well. Then the NFL Draft.

Of course, Cooks could always surprise us and sign back, then switch numbers ... but who knows what owner Jerry Jones has up his sleeve.

All we can say for certain is the new No. 3 for the Dallas Cowboys is a familiar face all the same ... and his name is Dante Fowler Jr.