At 3-7, the Dallas Cowboys are inching closer to a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While the season hasn’t gone as planned, there’s a silver lining: the potential to reload with high-end talent. To fully capitalize, the Cowboys might need to embrace what some call “organic tanking.”
This isn’t about outright sabotage—no missed tackles or blown plays on purpose. Instead, it’s about leaning into the situation, prioritizing player development, and planning for the future. Here’s a 10-step guide to tank with purpose.
1. Rest CeeDee Lamb
The star wideout is battling foot, shoulder, and back injuries, but in a normal season, he’d push through. Instead, let him recover. Use this opportunity to develop younger receivers like Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy, and Jalen Brooks. They need the reps, and Lamb needs to be healthy for the future.
2. Ease Up on Zack Martin and Tyler Smith
Both linemen are nursing injuries, with Martin’s ailments so severe they aren’t fully detailed on the injury report. It’s time to let them sit and evaluate rookie center Cooper Beebe at guard. Why wait until 2025 to see what Beebe can do? Treat the remaining games as a training camp for the young players.
3. Test Luke Schoonmaker at Tight End
Jake Ferguson’s concussion forces the Cowboys’ hand here, but this is a chance to finally see what second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker can bring. Undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford has shown flashes, but Schoonmaker needs extended reps to prove his worth.
4. Shift Focus in the Backfield
Veteran Ezekiel Elliott shouldn’t get another carry this season. Instead, prioritize Hunter Luepke, who some compare to a young Mike Alstott. Rico Dowdle, headed for free agency, should also take a backseat as the Cowboys assess Luepke’s potential.
5. Start Trey Lance Over Cooper Rush
Cooper Rush may give the Cowboys a better shot at winning now, but that’s not the point. Trey Lance is nearing free agency, and Dallas still doesn’t know what it has in him. Giving Lance significant playing time could determine if he’s worth re-signing as Dak Prescott’s backup—or if the fourth-round pick trade was a bust.
6. Limit Eric Kendricks’ Snaps
Kendricks has been solid this season, but at 33 years old, he doesn’t fit into the Cowboys’ long-term plans. Let younger players take the lead while Kendricks focuses on staying healthy for potential free agency.
7. Experiment with the Safety Depth Chart
Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson are signed through 2025, but the Cowboys should give more snaps to backups like Juanyeh Thomas. Hooker can rest now while preserving himself for the next season when the team will need his veteran leadership.
8. Shut Down Trevon Diggs
Diggs has battled injuries and criticism this year, including questions about his willingness to tackle. Allow him to heal both physically and mentally while giving rookies Caelen Carson and practice-squad players like Andrew Booth a chance to prove themselves.
9. Reduce DeMarcus Lawrence’s Workload
Lawrence has been playing through a foot injury, showcasing his trademark toughness. However, with his contract expiring and the team unlikely to bring him back at a high price, he doesn’t need to overextend himself. A few quality snaps for his highlight reel should suffice.
10. Rest Micah Parsons Strategically
Micah Parsons is the ultimate competitor, and convincing him to take a step back won’t be easy. Explain the long-term benefits of resting him down the stretch. However, be prepared for Parsons to voice his frustrations—it’s part of what makes him the fiery player he is.
The Bigger Picture
By making these moves, the Cowboys would prioritize development, health, and future success over short-term results. This approach isn’t about giving up—it’s about positioning the franchise for a stronger comeback.
If Dallas can accept short-term pain for long-term gain, the 2025 NFL Draft could mark the beginning of a brighter era. Until then, patience and smart decisions are key.
