Lots of quarterback talk on Tuesday, with Tennessee's presumptive No. 1 overall draft pick going after the Cowboys secondary, at least on film. In this news roundup, we'll share how Cam Ward says he'd already be able to exploit the Dallas defense. Staying under center, we'll look at how the Cowboys' decision on selecting Dak Prescott's backup could be a clue as to how the team thinks they'll do this year, we'll take stock of which veterans around the league might fit the bill as QB2, and we'll examine how the new coaching staff is tailoring the offense to what Prescott is right now. Oh, and there's a new QB coming to the NFC East: are the Giants more "DangeRuss" now?
Meanwhile, the Cowboys fall in the latest power rankings despite an active free agency, one of their moves is graded an underrated win, the Diggs brothers won't be playing together in Dallas, and the team's biggest offseason need is... still the team's biggest offseason need, even a month into the offseason. We'll look for familiar faces on the UFL's rosters for 2025, we check out this year's crop of Texas Longhorns prospects, and one mock draft is bringing back bully ball to the Cowboys O-line. All that, plus America's Sweethearts are taking their show on the road, with live televised tryouts across the state of Texas.
What Miami’s Cam Ward has learned from studying Cowboys' defense ahead of NFL transition :: Dallas Morning News
Ward is the favorite to be drafted No. 1 overall and therefore won't be coming to Dallas, but he's already picked apart the Cowboys defense in his preparation for the NFL. The Miami quarterback specifically mentioned the team's use of two-high safety looks- and how he would attack it- during a recent interview. “I think some teams in the NFL did a lot of two-high stuff, like Dallas,” Ward said. “They leave way too much space on the sideline down the seams. I just think the arm strength and the confidence that I’m bringing, along with me getting my receivers better, I just think I’ll be able to put the ball where I want.”
Cowboys' backup QB decision will speak to their 2025 expectations, 5 veteran options :: Cowboys Wire
How do the Cowboys best replace Cooper Rush: with a proven veteran or by developing an up-and-comer? Teddy Bridgewater, Carson Wentz, Joe Flacco, Drew Lock, and Tyler Huntley are all on the market; signing one of them might suggest high expectations for the season. If it's Will Grier or a late-round rookie at QB2, that might say something quite different about the team's outlook for 2025.
Sources: Free agent Russell Wilson agrees to deal with Giants :: ESPN
The Cowboys can plan on seeing the 10-time Pro Bowler twice this season as the newest member of the NFC East rival Giants. Wilson, 36, has reached an agreement with Big Blue on a one-year deal worth up to $21 million. The move comes just days after New York signed Jameis Winston. The Giants also hold the 3rd overall pick in the draft and are thought to be at least eyeing several of this year's quarterbacks.
Dak Prescott's shortcomings are impacting the club's coaching decisions, approach :: Cowboys Wire
He's the face of the franchise and the club's $240 million man, but Prescott's declining mobility as a 31-year-old quarterback with a nasty injury in his past cannot be ignored. Brian Schottenheimer is expected to (wisely) tailor the offense to today's version of Prescott, running the ball more than Mike McCarthy was willing to and lessening the hits for his starting QB.
Bucky Brooks 2025 NFL mock draft 3.0: Browns take Shedeur Sanders; two running backs in top 10 picks! :: NFL.com
The NFL analyst looks to patch up the gaping O-line hole left behind by Zack Martin's retirement. Brooks has Dallas using the 12th overall pick on Missouri lineman Armand Membou, saying he "could help the Cowboys get back to playing bully ball at the line of scrimmage."
Cowboys must prioritize 3rd-round pick's ceiling in potential OL shuffle : Cowboys Wire
Cooper Beebe could either stay at center or slide to guard- his college position- to take over for Zack Martin. Brock Hoffman filled in nicely last year after Martin's injury, but he didn't exactly lock up the role moving forward... and is a more natural center anyway. Beebe appears to have a higher ceiling than the undrafted Hoffman and is under contract with the club for longer. Choosing the right OL spot for Beebe now is a call the Cowboys must get absolutely right.
Six players from Texas' Pro Day that could be Cowboys' draft targets :: The Mothership
Twenty-one Longhorns participated in the program's pro day on Tuesday in Austin. Defensive tackle Alfred Collins was in a walking boot and did not partake in drills, but he could be a Day 2 target for Dallas. Wide receiver Matthew Golden and quarterback Quinn Ewers have gotten plenty of attention, but safety Andrew Mukuba, running back Jaydon Blue, and defensive back Jahdae Barron are all names to watch for to become the 13th Texas player ever drafted by the Cowboys.
All-32: Each NFL team’s biggest remaining need after 2025 free agency :: The Athletic
Despite adding two veteran players at the position in free agency, the Cowboys still don't have an unquestioned No. 1 running back. Dallas should’ve drafted a back in one of the first four rounds either last year or the year before. It didn’t happen, and now it’s a must.
Cowboys slide in ESPN's post-free agency NFL Power Rankings :: Cowboys Wire
Sure, the team was more active in free agency this year. But key losses like DeMarcus Lawrence, Jourdan Lewis, and Brandin Cooks have Dallas dropping three slots since February's rankings. Solomon Thomas, though, could prove to be a sneaky-good pickup both on the field and in the locker room, according to ESPN's Todd Archer, and is cause for optimism.
Chargers RB Najee Harris headlines 10 underrated NFL free agency moves :: Fox Sports
The return of Dante Fowler ranks as the 7th-most underrated free agency move of the offseason, as a spot opposite Micah Parsons should only help the pass rusher who already hit double-digit sacks last season in Washington. (And he'll be a lot cheaper than DeMarcus Lawrence.) Carolina wooing Rico Dowdle away on a thrifty prove-it deal came in at No. 10 on this list.
Stefon Diggs, Patriots agree to terms on three year contract, per reports :: USA Today
The Stefon-Trevon dream is over for Cowboys fans. The elder Diggs brother has agreed to a three-year contract with New England worth $69 million. The deal reportedly includes $26 million guaranteed for the receiver, who had six straight 1,000-yard seasons prior to 2024.
Cowboys' former draft picks, camp standouts, ex-coaches on all 8 UFL teams for '25 season :: Cowboys Wire
Every UFL roster for the 2025 season features at least one notable Cowboys connection. From Wade Phillips leading the San Antonio Brahmas to former second-round draft pick Kelvin Joseph now wearing a DC Defenders uniform and camp darling David Durden now playing just down the road for the Arlington Defenders, there are familiar names on all eight UFL squads.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are holding televised tryouts. Here’s how hopefuls can apply :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders will hold live, televised tryouts for the squad over five days in late May in various locations around Texas. Fans who simply want to watch can buy tickets to attend the tryout events and help pick one hopeful to send to the final stage.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys News: Cam Ward dissects Dallas; Russell Wilson joining Giants
