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Five Cowboys Players at Risk of Being Cut Before Training Camp

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Dallas, TX – July 4, 2025

As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to report to Oxnard, California, for training camp on July 21, the pressure is mounting for several players to prove their worth or face the chopping block. With a revamped roster under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and a 7-10 season to rebound from in 2024, the team is poised to make tough decisions to trim down to the 53-man roster. Here are five Cowboys players currently at risk of being cut.

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1. John Stephens Jr. (Tight End)
John Stephens Jr., an undrafted free agent from 2023, has been sidelined by two torn ACLs in 2023 and 2024, limiting his NFL exposure. Despite his 6-foot-5 frame and college stats (41 catches, 665 yards, 7 touchdowns at TCU and Louisiana), he ranks fourth behind Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, and Brevyn Spann-Ford. With Spann-Ford gaining first-team reps in minicamp, Stephens’ injury recovery and lack of impact make him a prime candidate for release.

2. Will Grier (Quarterback)
Will Grier, a long-time backup, faces an uncertain future with Joe Milton III’s arrival from the Patriots on April 3. Grier’s lone career start came in 2019, and with Dak Prescott healthy, his role is redundant. His $1 million cap hit is manageable, but Milton’s potential and Grier’s limited production could see him cut to make room for younger talent.

3. Mazi Smith (Defensive Tackle)
Mazi Smith, a 2023 first-round pick, has underperformed with a 34.7 PFF grade in 2024 and recurring injuries. Despite a $5 million cap hit, the Cowboys might cut him if Jay Toia or Solomon Thomas outperform him in camp, especially after a defensive line ranked 28th in yards allowed last year. His third coordinator in three years adds pressure to prove his worth.

4. Caelen Carson (Cornerback)
Caelen Carson, a 2024 fifth-round pick, showed promise but lacks experience. With Trevon Diggs and Shavon Revel Jr. recovering from injuries, and Kaiir Elam and Alijah Clark competing, Carson’s spot is shaky. His development hinges on standout camp performances, or he risks being waived to prioritize proven depth.

5. Malik Davis (Running Back)
Malik Davis, an undrafted free agent from 2022, managed just 27 yards in 8 games in 2024. With Jaydon Blue and Miles Sanders adding competition, Davis’ minimal contribution and frequent roster cuts (waived and re-signed multiple times) make him vulnerable. The Cowboys may opt for younger or more versatile options.

With $32 million in cap space, GM Jerry Jones has flexibility, but these players must impress in camp to avoid the axe. Can they secure their spots, or will new faces take over? Stay tuned to ESPN for updates.

“Stop the Hype!” – Jets Fans Furious After Cowboys Flex Championship Form
Cowboys Silence the Doubters With “Instant Grits” Defense in 37–22 Win Over Jets 💪⭐ On Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys (2-2-1, NFC East) — led by quarterback Dak Prescott — rolled into MetLife Stadium and handled business, defeating Justin Fields and the New York Jets (0-5, AFC East) by a score of 37–22. After the win, cornerback Trevon Diggs credited Dallas’ relentless defensive pressure for being the difference-maker. “When we get pressure like that, we can call whatever we want,” Diggs said. “We could call prevent defense and still win.” Diggs noted that the Cowboys leaned heavily on man coverage, forcing Fields and the Jets offense into constant discomfort. “It worked,” he said. “We got out of tough spots, and the D-line brought instant heat. We call that Instant Grits. You know those instant grits you just throw in the microwave? You don’t want the slow-cooked kind — takes too long. Sunday, we had Instant Grits.” Jets Fans React to Dallas’ “Championship-Level” Performance 🔥 Jets fans didn’t hold back after watching their team get picked apart by Dallas. Some blamed the offense for being an easy target: “That defense is the worst in the league… don’t be fooled, Cowboys fans. You’ll need to score 40 every week to win.” “You’re celebrating mid results against the worst offense in football. Receivers wide open and Fields still couldn’t find them.” One fan, clearly Southern, even took offense at Diggs’ culinary metaphor: “No self-respecting Southerner eats instant grits. I’m a proud traditional grits guy!” But plenty of fans praised Diggs for his leadership on the defensive side: “Love seeing that defense in sync, Trevon! Your work is paying off!”“That’s my DB1 right there.” Diggs finished the game with one solo tackle and three assists. Defense Answers the Critics 👀 Dallas’ defense looked dominant, silencing critics who questioned its consistency. The pass rush — fueled by that “Instant Grits” energy — set the tone early and gave the secondary plenty of chances to shine. Running back Javonte Williams also turned in a monster performance with 135 rushing yards, crediting the coaching staff for sticking with him: “It feels great that they trust me,” Williams said. “Even when things start slow, you’ve got to stay patient — it’ll pay off later in the season. The other backs push me every day, and that’s why I play the way I do.” Rookie safety Juanyeh Thomas made his first career start — lining up across from his younger brother, Jets rookie Azareye’h Thomas. Their mom was seen in tears after the game as the two embraced on the field. 💙 Prescott completed 18 of 29 passes for 237 yards and 4 touchdowns. Williams led the ground attack with 16 carries for 135 yards and a score, while Ryan Flournoy hauled in 6 catches for 114 yards, helping Dallas maintain its offensive rhythm. This win felt like the balance Dallas has been chasing all season — efficient offense, suffocating defense, and swagger.The Cowboys say this is only the beginning of their “championship-level” form, and if Sunday was any indication… they might just be right. ⭐