The Dallas Cowboys faced tough choices finalizing their 53-man roster, decisions that highlight their “Speed and Toughness” team-building philosophy. Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer and Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay, with input from Owner and General Manager Jerry Jones, made the final calls. The moves, completed just before the 2025 NFL regular season, emphasized a commitment to specific traits and strategic roster management, even when difficult cuts were necessary.
Key Players in Roster Construction
The Cowboys’ roster decisions were a collaborative effort, but several key figures played pivotal roles:
- Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer: Admitted the difficulty of the roster cut process, highlighting the tough choices involved in selecting the final 53 players.
- Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay: Known for his expertise in building the team through the draft, McClay’s evaluations were crucial in identifying talent and potential.
- Owner and General Manager Jerry Jones: Weighed in on key position groups, ensuring the team’s overall strategy aligned with his vision.
The players themselves, according to team reports, were at the heart of the evaluations, with training camp and preseason performances directly impacting their chances of making the final roster.
Final Roster Decisions: August 2025
On August 26th, 2025, the Cowboys finalized their roster, adhering to the NFL’s 53-player limit. This involved a series of strategic moves:
- Releases and Waivers: Several players were released or placed on waivers, including undrafted wide receiver Traeshon Holden, despite a strong training camp showing.
- Strategic Retention: Defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey, reportedly on the bubble, surprisingly made the final cut.
- Injured Reserve/PUP List: Running back Phil Mafah secured a spot after a strong preseason but was expected to be moved to injured reserve with a designation to return.
- Roster Gymnastics: Vested veterans like C.J. Goodwin were released with the intention of re-signing them to the practice squad after other roster adjustments, a move designed to avoid the waiver wire.
The Strategy Behind “Speed and Toughness”
Core Principles
The Cowboys’ roster strategy is guided by several core principles, as articulated by Schottenheimer and McClay:
- Emphasis on Speed and Toughness: The team prioritizes players who demonstrate these qualities, aiming to create a physically dominant team.
- Building Through the Draft: The Cowboys focus on acquiring and developing young talent through the draft, addressing positions of need and building for the future.
- Special Teams Value: For the final roster spots, special teams contributions often serve as a tiebreaker, highlighting the importance of versatility and overall team value.
Decision-Making Factors
According to team sources, the final roster decisions are influenced by a variety of factors:
- Player Performance: Training camp and preseason performances are closely evaluated to assess a player’s current ability and potential.
- Injury Status: Current injuries and injury history play a significant role in determining a player’s availability and long-term value.
- Waiver Rules and Injured Reserve: The team strategically utilizes waiver rules and injured reserve designations to maximize roster flexibility and maintain depth.
The decision to keep rookie cornerback Caelen Carson in 2024, despite injuries to other defensive backs, exemplified the team’s belief in developing young talent and building internal depth.
Impact on the 2025 Season
The final roster cuts have a direct impact on the Cowboys’ prospects for the 2025 season:
- Depth and Talent: The roster determines the depth and talent available at each position, influencing the team’s ability to withstand injuries and maintain a high level of performance.
- Reliance on Draft Picks: The strategy of relying heavily on the draft can create depth challenges if draft picks don’t develop as expected or if injuries deplete key positions.
- Practice Squad Importance: The construction of the practice squad is crucial, providing a pool of players who can be elevated to the active roster throughout the season, offering flexibility and contingency plans.
Will McClay noted in a team interview that the “difficult and dramatic” nature of these cuts underscores the high stakes involved and the constant competition within the NFL. The final 53 represent the team’s best assessment of talent and potential for the upcoming season.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys’ final roster decisions for the 2025 season reflect a strategic emphasis on speed, toughness, and building through the draft. Guided by Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer and Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay, these choices aim to create a physically dominant and versatile team. While challenges remain, particularly in maintaining depth and developing young talent, the Cowboys’ roster construction provides a clear roadmap for their pursuit of success in the upcoming season.
