The Dallas Cowboys fell short of expectations in 2024 but there’s plenty of reasons to be optimistic about next season. Here’s just a few.
1. Dak Prescott
Aside from signing a four-year, $240M contract to make him the highest paid player in NFL history, last year was one to forget for the team’s 31-year-old quarterback. The deal came hours before the team’s opening game, a 33-17 victory over the Browns, one of only three wins Prescott would see.
A hamstring injury ended his season in Week 9 while Dallas went 4-5 without him but things should be different this year. While not yet cleared for full contact, Prescott participated in all aspects of recent OTA practices, taking every first-team rep in seven-on-seven drills, per ESPN’s Todd Archer.
“Pretty much can do it all. Feel good,” Prescott told reporters. That’s great news for Cowboys fans eager to see the third-leading passer in franchise history make good on his massive contract.
2. George Pickens
After years of frustration, Dallas may have finally found its No. 2 receiver in George Pickens. The Cowboys gave up a third-round pick in 2026 to get Pittsburgh’s top pass-catcher, who will be playing on the last year of his rookie deal.
Pickens had 174 catches for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns in three years as a Steeler and led the team in receiving in each of the last two seasons.
Paired with No. 1 receiver CeeDee Lamb, Pickens will look to keep up in a division loaded with complementary receivers like the Eagles’ Davonta Smith and new Commander Deebo Samuel.