The Dallas Cowboys’ season is taking a nosedive, now at 3-6 after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10. With the playoffs looking less likely, the team could miss out for the first time since 2020—unless they can win nearly every game left.
It’s safe to say owner Jerry Jones is likely planning big changes for the offseason. While some players will stick around despite the rough year, others may not be as lucky. In fact, a few of them probably should’ve been traded last week.
Here are seven Cowboys who might not be part of the team’s future.
#1. Trey Lance, QB
With Dak Prescott sidelined by a hamstring injury, many Cowboys fans were hoping head coach Mike McCarthy would give Trey Lance a shot at quarterback. Lance, a former No. 3 overall pick in 2021, has been sitting as the team’s emergency QB since being traded from the 49ers in August 2023.
Instead, the Cowboys played it safe by starting Cooper Rush in Week 10. Rush lasted three quarters before Lance took over but struggled in his limited time, completing only 4 of 6 passes for 21 yards and throwing an interception.
Even though Lance didn’t get much time to play, some fans wondered if he’d get a full game to prove himself, given Rush’s lackluster performance. However, McCarthy has decided to stick with Rush as the starter for Week 11 against the Texans at AT&T Stadium.
With Lance on an expiring contract, he’s running out of chances to impress the team. If McCarthy continues to choose Rush, it’s a clear sign that Jerry Jones likely doesn’t see Lance as part of the Cowboys’ future plans.
#2. Ezekiel Elliott, RB
According to Jerry Jones, Ezekiel Elliott’s return to the Cowboys has been a positive move. But most Dallas fans would disagree.
While Elliott had great moments in the past, it’s clear that he’s not the same player anymore. In his first eight games back, he’s only surpassed 40 rushing yards once, turning 54 carries into just 171 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Things got so bad that he was a healthy scratch in Week 9 — the first time in his NFL career.
Some fans hoped that being benched would motivate Elliott, but it didn’t change much. He came back in Week 10 with only 22 rushing yards on six carries and even fumbled once, showing he might not be up to NFL standards anymore.
The bright side? Elliott’s on a one-year deal, so the Cowboys can easily move on after this season. As exciting as his comeback was at first, there’s no real reason to keep him around for 2025.
#3. Tyrus Wheat, DE
After a solid three-year stint at Mississippi State, Tyrus Wheat joined the Cowboys as an undrafted rookie in 2023. The Louisiana native mainly played on special teams in his first year, making two solo tackles in 12 games.
Cowboys fans were curious to see how he’d progress in 2024. Although he’s played more snaps this season — 165 compared to just 31 last year — his performance has been disappointing. So far, Wheat has managed only six solo tackles and half a sack in seven games. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranks poorly among edge defenders, sitting 109th in overall defense and 107th in run defense.
While there’s still time for the 24-year-old to turn things around, it might not be in Dallas. With free agency looming, the Cowboys may not be eager to give him another chance based on his current performance.
#4. Mazi Smith, DT
The Cowboys’ defensive line has struggled this season, and first-round pick Mazi Smith hasn’t helped the cause. Despite a focused offseason and the addition of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, Smith’s potential remains untapped. His Pro Football Focus grade of 30.3 ranks him dead last among interior defenders.
Smith’s struggles go beyond advanced stats. In the box score, he has only 13 solo tackles and has failed to clog gaps, evidenced by a poor 29.5 run defense grade. The Cowboys invested a first-round pick in Smith in 2023, expecting far better results. If he continues to underperform, his time in Dallas might be cut short.
#5. Luke Schoonmaker, TE
Remember when Cowboys fans questioned the team’s decision to draft Luke Schoonmaker 58th overall last year? With more pressing needs at positions like running back and defensive line, many felt the tight end room didn’t need reinforcements.
Those concerns turned out to be valid. As a rookie, Schoonmaker managed just eight catches for 65 yards and two touchdowns over 17 games. While there was hope he’d step up in his second season, that hasn’t happened. So far in 2024, he has only eight receptions for 56 yards with no touchdowns, and his passer rating when targeted has dropped from 104.2 to 83.9.
Adding to the disappointment, Schoonmaker’s blocking has regressed as well, with lower grades in both run and pass protection compared to last year. Though Jake Ferguson remains the Cowboys’ top tight end, it’s clear Dallas may need to look for a more reliable backup. Relying on Schoonmaker as a fallback option could be a big risk if Ferguson were to miss time with an injury.
#6. Deuce Vaughn, RB
It didn’t take long for Deuce Vaughn to fade into the background of the Cowboys’ offense. With uncertainty in the running back group, fans hoped Vaughn could step up, especially after he flashed potential in the preseason.
But instead of making the most of his chances, Vaughn has struggled. The 5-foot-6 rookie has averaged just 2.9 yards on seven carries and only caught two passes for 14 yards. His role has dwindled, and he hasn’t played an offensive snap since Week 4.
While it was exciting to see him make the roster, it’s becoming evident that Vaughn isn’t ready for the NFL level. Unless something changes quickly, his future in Dallas seems doubtful.
#7. Brandin Cooks, WR
Cowboys fans haven’t seen much of Brandin Cooks this season. The veteran receiver has been sidelined with a knee injury since Week 4, and it’s been a disappointing year so far. Despite being a key player last season with 54 catches, 657 yards, and eight TDs, Cooks only managed nine catches for 91 yards and one touchdown before getting hurt.
Though he’s ramping up his rehab, there’s no guarantee he’ll bounce back to form. With a hefty $10 million cap hit, Cooks needs a big second half to prove he’s worth keeping around in 2025. Given his age and declining production, his future in Dallas seems uncertain, especially with the Cowboys needing fresh talent in the WR group beyond CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert. Cooks might be running out of time in Big D.
