As the Dallas Cowboys shift their focus toward the 2025 season, several players are fighting for their futures. With a potential roster overhaul coming, these individuals are under pressure to prove they deserve a spot on next year’s team. Here’s a look at three Cowboys players who need to finish strong to secure their place in Dallas next season.
Carl Lawson: Earning His Limited Role
When the Cowboys signed veteran defensive end Carl Lawson in the summer of 2024, expectations were low. At 29, Lawson was viewed as a depth piece, a former Pro Bowler whose best years were likely behind him. However, he’s managed to exceed those expectations in a limited role this season.
Through 12 games, Lawson has posted 4.0 sacks, 3.0 tackles for loss, and 13 quarterback hits — impressive numbers for someone who wasn’t expected to be a key contributor. But there’s a looming issue: Lawson’s one-year contract with Dallas. With young pass rushers like Sam Williams and Marshawn Kneeland returning from injury, and the possibility of the Cowboys drafting a high-impact edge rusher, Lawson could be out of a job if he doesn’t continue to perform.
Dallas will have to decide whether Lawson’s solid play justifies another year on the roster or if they’ll look elsewhere for their defensive line depth in 2025.
Since week 5, Carl Lawson leads the NFC in QB hits with 13. Osa Odighizuwa is 2nd in the NFC during that time with 12. pic.twitter.com/kdflTqeJnv
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) November 29, 2024
Terence Steele: Potential 2025 Cap Casualty
Terence Steele’s struggles are becoming harder to ignore. After securing a five-year, $82.5 million extension in 2023, Steele has failed to live up to the expectations that came with that contract. While he has shown some ability in the running game, Steele has consistently been a liability against elite pass rushers and has picked up crucial penalties that have hurt the team.
Now, with the Cowboys potentially needing to free up cap space for 2025, Steele’s future with the team is in question. A post-June 1st cut could save the Cowboys upwards of $10 million, which they desperately need. Given his underwhelming performance and the emergence of young talent like Asim Richards, Steele may find himself replaced if his level of play doesn’t drastically improve over the final stretch of the season.
For Steele, these next few games will be pivotal in proving he’s worth keeping at his hefty price tag. If not, Dallas may have to part ways with him to make room for fresh talent.
Danielle Hunter generated 10 pressures & 2 sacks on 46 pass rushes against Dallas, with 9 of his pressures coming against RT Terence Steele.
Through Week 11, Hunter leads the NFL with 72 pressures, 15 more than the next closest player (Trey Hendrickson).#HOUvsDAL | #HTownMade pic.twitter.com/nO8HL9c97o
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 19, 2024
Ezekiel Elliott: Aging Vet Needs Improvement
Ezekiel Elliott’s return to Dallas in 2024 was meant to bring a steady veteran presence to the running back room, particularly in the passing game and short-yardage situations. But at 29 years old, Elliott has struggled to make the same impact he once did, both on and off the field.
While Elliott had a strong showing in New England in 2023, his time back in Dallas hasn’t gone as planned. His rushing yards are at a career-low 3.2 yards per carry, and his leadership has been questioned, especially after a suspension for missing team meetings earlier in the season. With the Cowboys likely looking to revamp their running back room for 2025, Elliott will need to prove he can still contribute both on the field and in the locker room if he wants to remain with the team.
For Elliott to secure another contract, he’ll need to show flashes of his old form, become a consistent contributor, and offer more than just his veteran presence. Time is running out for the once-dominant running back to prove he has something left in the tank.
Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott did not travel to Atlanta because of disciplinary reasons and will be inactive Sunday, per ESPN’s @toddarcher. pic.twitter.com/MrlLylKjuY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 2, 2024
