Could the Dallas Cowboys release this player before he takes a snap with them?
In need of an overhaul at the running back position, the Dallas Cowboys decided to let Rico Dowdle walk in NFL free agency. To replace him, they signed Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, but also added talent in the 2025 NFL draft.
Dallas selected Texas speedster Jaydon Blue in Round 5 and Phil Mafah, a bulldozer from Clemson, in Round 7. Both rookies could make the roster, which puts one of their veterans on the bubble.
While Sanders seems to be the one facing the most danger, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox sees a scenario where Williams is the one who is let go.
In a surprising development regarding the Dallas Cowboys, an NFL analyst has made a shocking prediction about a player who could be cut from the team in the 2025 season. According to an article from Sports Illustrated, the emergence of promising rookies in the Cowboys’ running back corps could lead to a tough decision, putting a veteran player at risk of being released from the roster.
Background: Cowboys Revamp Their Running Back Unit
Following a disappointing 2024 season, the Dallas Cowboys have taken bold steps to improve their roster, particularly at the running back position. The team opted not to retain Rico Dowdle, who departed in free agency. Instead, the Cowboys signed two experienced players: Javonte Williams from the Denver Broncos and Miles Sanders. Additionally, in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cowboys bolstered their backfield by selecting two highly promising rookies: Jaydon Blue from Texas (a fifth-round pick) and Phil Mafah from Clemson (a seventh-round pick).
Both Jaydon Blue, known for his explosive speed, and Phil Mafah, likened to a “tank” due to his powerful build, have the potential to secure spots on the active roster. This intense competition has put one of the Cowboys’ veteran running backs in a precarious position.
The Player at Risk: An Unexpected Name
According to the NFL analyst cited in the Sports Illustrated article, if both rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah prove their worth during practices and the preseason, one of the Cowboys’ veteran running backs could become a casualty of the roster overhaul. While the article does not explicitly name the player, the context suggests that either Javonte Williams or Miles Sanders could be in jeopardy.
Javonte Williams, once a highly touted star with the Denver Broncos, was expected to bring dynamism to the Cowboys’ offense. However, if he fails to deliver his best performance or struggles to fit into the team’s scheme, he could be considered for release. Similarly, Miles Sanders, with his NFL experience, faces pressure to prove his value as the young rookies vie for roster spots.
Reactions from Fans and Experts
This prediction has sparked considerable debate among Cowboys fans. Many find it hard to believe that a player like Williams or Sanders could be cut, especially since both were signed with expectations of upgrading the offense. However, with a strategy focused on youth and fierce internal competition, the Cowboys may be forced to make bold decisions to optimize their roster.
The NFL analyst emphasized, “If both rookies demonstrate their capabilities, this shocking scenario could absolutely happen.” This suggests that the Cowboys are willing to bet on the future, with young players like Blue and Mafah potentially becoming key contributors in the 2025 season.
Importance of the Preseason
The upcoming Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and training camp will be critical opportunities for the running backs to prove their worth. For Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, this is the time to solidify their positions on the roster and avoid the risk of being cut. Meanwhile, Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah will need to seize every chance to impress the coaching staff.
Conclusion
The possibility of the Dallas Cowboys cutting a veteran running back like Javonte Williams or Miles Sanders is a shocking but plausible scenario. With the arrival of talented rookies and a strategy focused on rejuvenating the roster, the Cowboys face tough choices to build a competitive team for the 2025 season. Fans will have to wait until the preseason to see whether this prediction comes to fruition.