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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Brett Davis-Imagn Images

An optimist's guide to the 2025 Dallas Cowboys

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 3:30 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys fell short of expectations in 2024 but there’s plenty of reasons to be optimistic about next season. Here’s just a few.

1. Dak Prescott

Aside from signing a four-year, $240M contract to make him the highest paid player in NFL history, last year was one to forget for the team’s 31-year-old quarterback. The deal came hours before the team’s opening game, a 33-17 victory over the Browns, one of only three wins Prescott would see.

A hamstring injury ended his season in Week 9 while Dallas went 4-5 without him but things should be different this year. While not yet cleared for full contact, Prescott participated in all aspects of recent OTA practices, taking every first-team rep in seven-on-seven drills, per ESPN’s Todd Archer.

"Pretty much can do it all. Feel good," Prescott told reporters. That’s great news for Cowboys fans eager to see the third-leading passer in franchise history make good on his massive contract.

2. George Pickens

After years of frustration, Dallas may have finally found its No. 2 receiver in George Pickens. The Cowboys gave up a third-round pick in 2026 to get Pittsburgh’s top pass-catcher, who will be playing on the last year of his rookie deal.

Pickens had 174 catches for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns in three years as a Steeler and led the team in receiving in each of the last two seasons.

Paired with No. 1 receiver CeeDee Lamb, Pickens will look to keep up in a division loaded with complementary receivers like the Eagles’ Davonta Smith and new Commander Deebo Samuel.

Dak Prescott, George Pickens, CeeDee Lamb pic.twitter.com/ZHOnwmUkqI
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 20, 2025

3. O-line

Future Hall of Fame guard Zack Martin won’t be back after announcing his retirement in the offseason. He’ll be replaced by rookie Tyler Booker, one of three first-round picks to join the team’s offensive line in recent years.

First came left guard Tyler Smith, a Texas native and two-time Pro Bowler who’s made 47 of a possible 51 starts since arriving in 2022. Next came Tyler Guyton. By his own admission, the former Sooner struggled as a rookie in 2024 but according to reports, the 6-foot-7, 322-pound lineman has apparently looked much better during OTA practices.

“He has not missed a day,” new head coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters. “He looks great and he’s playing at a high level right now, going up against some good speed rushers.”

A fit and motivated left tackle and solid play from center Cooper Beebe and right tackle Terrence Steele could be all the team needs to improve on last year’s disappointing performance.

4. 'Schotty'

Schottenheimer, son of legendary NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer, became the 10th head coach in franchise history after the team moved on from Mike McCarthy. He has 14 years of NFL experience and has worked for six teams, including the Cowboys, as an offensive coordinator.

He also brings quite a bit of energy. When asked about the coach during OTA practices, linebacker Marist Liufau admired Schottenheimer’s swagger.

“Just coach Schotty bringing in that energy every day, just showing up to work really,” Liufau said. “I love it, that’s his personality. I love that he is who he is, kind of has that swagger and just brings it to the table every day.”

Assuming he can keep the energy up in the regular season, Schottenheimer could be the shot in the arm the team needs after missing the playoffs in 2024.

Bruce Ewing

Bruce Ewing is 183 pounds of twisted steel and Happy Meals. His work has appeared on Yardbarker, 5th Down Fantasy, Inside the Iggles and MSN. Give a Philly fan a break and follow him on Twitter/X at @fantasybruce.

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