Dallas Cowboys tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford (89) celebrates his touchdown reception with tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) during the second half of an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Arlington. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 24-21.
Elías Valverde II/Staff Photographer
A lot can happen between now and the start of the regular season. Case and point: Who had the Cowboys trading Micah Parsons before the start of the season at this point a year ago?
It’s a reason why Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer was often quick with a caveat when it came to praise during last month’s organized team activities and mandatory minicamp. Take his answer to a question about potential holes or roster changes still needed from the final press conference prior to the team’s break before training camp.
“I feel like we’ve added a lot of good depth, but I do think that once we get into pads and things like that, I think I’ll have a better answer for you,” Schottenheimer said, “but until you’re truly fitting runs and truly rushing the passer and protecting the passer and things like that in pads…”
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Schottenheimer then quickly changed his train of thought, but we could finish the idea for him. Because until they’re in pads and practicing for three weeks, then you never really know where some players may stand.
With that in mind, let’s look at some players who have to make the most out of training camp if they want to keep a roster spot.
Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) pulls down a touchdown pass during a red zone play at training camp practice in Oxnard, Calif., Aug. 13, 2025.
Tom Fox/Dallas Morning News
Only two players remain from the Cowboys’ 2023 draft class: linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, a third round pick in that draft, and Schoonmaker, a
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second round pick out of Michigan. Could that number dwindle down to one by the time the offseason is over?
The Cowboys have quietly signaled that as a possibility. The Cowboys didn’t acquire a veteran tight end this offseason. They also didn’t select a tight end in the 2026 NFL draft, but they did sign two undrafted free agents in Baylor’s Michael Trigg and TCU’s D.J. Rogers. Conveniently, they also spent the most money among their crop of undrafted free agents on those two.
The undrafted free agents that the Cowboys sign to the biggest deal often have a better chance at making the team than others. Two years ago, tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford turned in the highest paid undrafted deal into two years with the Cowboys thus far. If Spann-Ford could leap Schoonmaker on the depth chart, and if one or both of the undrafted rookie tight ends take strides, then Schoonmaker will certainly have to fight for his spot.
The good news for Schoonmaker: He’s feeling healthy after dealing with multiple injuries the last two years and he feels ready for the challenge.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau (35) attempts to tackle Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) on a fourth quarter shovel pass at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, December 22, 2024. The Cowboys defeated the Buccaneers, 26-24.
Tom Fox/Dallas Morning News
The Cowboys decided early this offseason that Liufau, a former third round pick out of Notre Dame, would be switching from inside linebacker to outside linebacker under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. It could be looked at as an opportunity to use Liufau’s abilities better. The Cowboys have said that’s the reasoning, adding that Liufau could play multiple roles for them. But with a thin inside linebacker group already, it also could be looked at more cynically from the outside.
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Liufau now finds himself in a position with a lot of competition. And after playing in only 18% of defensive snaps a year ago, the Cowboys could rethink their investment if he doesn’t carve out a role at outside linebacker.
Liufau also has special teams potential, however, which should help his case.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (54) during a training camp practice in Oxnard, Calif., July 23, 2025.
Tom Fox/Dallas Morning News
Williams entered last season with aspirations of securing a long-term contract. That didn’t happen after a season where he finished with one sack in 17 games. He did, however, do enough for the Cowboys to bring him back on a one-year deal worth $3 million. That’s significant enough to give Williams a little bit of momentum in the roster battle for edge rushers, but it’s not enough to completely secure a spot.
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It’s worth noting that Williams did have 8.5 combined sacks in his first two seasons. His trajectory appeared to be pointing up as a pass rusher, but a torn ACL in training camp in 2024 stunted that.
Williams, now almost two years removed from his injury, will have to return to that trajectory if he wants to make the team.
Every receiver not named CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin
Yes, I know, a little general on this one, but I do think the battle for the fifth (and potentially sixth) receiver spot for the Cowboys should be interesting. There are a lot of candidates. Veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling is on his eighth roster since 2021. He’s a journeyman, but he also has 3,686 receiving yards to his name. The 31-year-old feels like a reliable option if he can contribute on special teams.
Anthony Smith, a rookie seventh round pick out of East Carolina, is another name to keep an eye on.
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Perhaps the most intriguing candidate is former undrafted free agent wide receiver Traeshon Holden. He played well in training camp last year and spent the entire season on the team’s practice squad. He appeared higher in the rotation during minicamp than some on the outside might’ve expected.
And perhaps the receiver on the roster most in danger of losing a spot is former Panthers second-round pick Jonathan Mingo. The Cowboys traded for him at the 2024 trade deadline and it’s been hard for him to make an impact. He’s appeared in 14 games for the Cowboys and caught six passes.
The race for the final receiver spots will be one to keep an eye on with a lot of options.