Dallas Cowboys player fighting for starting job makes a savvy chess move that sets up a much more interesting 2025 NFL season

Why Juanyeh Thomas signing with Athletes First sets up crucial season

Thomas will play the 2025 season on a contract year and he's set to make $1.03 million in base salary. Going into training camp, he's projected to back up Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson. However, in limited playing time he's shown flashes of starting-caliber play. 

With Wilson entering a contract year at 30 years old and Hooker having no guaranteed money left on his deal, Thomas could be one year away from emerging as a potential Cowboy starter. Heck, it wouldn't be a huge surprise if he stole the starting gig this year. 

Now, he's better prepared for the opportunity should it come up. Athletes First represents several of the best players in the NFL, including multiple Cowboys. That includes Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons. 

This could turn out to be quite a battle between agency and team as Dallas players keep joining the agency. Earlier this offseason, offensive guard Tyler Smith also signed with Athletes First.

Unlike Smith—who has already established himself as a top-tier starter that's likely to sign a huge deal very soon—Thomas still has to prove himself. 

With a new coaching staff in town, cracking the starting lineup is on the table for the former undrafted free agent coming out of Georgia Tech. According to Nick Harris from the Forth Worth Star-Telegram, Thomas got some burn with the starting lineup in OTAs/minicamp.