3 Dallas Cowboys Players Who Could Be Cut Before the Regular Season
The Dallas Cowboys are entering a new chapter in 2025, marked by key changes both in leadership and on the field. Among the most notable offseason shifts was the replacement of head coach Mike McCarthy with Brian Schottenheimer, a move that has brought a fresh energy to the organization. Schottenheimer’s arrival signals a shift in philosophy, one that has also been evident in the team’s roster moves.
One of the biggest headlines of the Cowboys’ offseason was their trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver George Pickens. Pairing Pickens with All-Pro CeeDee Lamb gives Dallas one of the most dynamic wide receiver tandems in the league, and early reports from minicamp suggest Pickens is already thriving in his new environment.
Alongside this headline-making acquisition, the Cowboys have placed a heavy emphasis on creating competitive depth at nearly every position. With roster spots now more difficult to earn, even recognizable names are facing the reality that their future with the franchise may be in jeopardy. As training camp approaches, three players stand out as being particularly vulnerable—defensive end Payton Turner, quarterback Will Grier, and running back Deuce Vaughn.
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1. Payton Turner – EDGE
Payton Turner, a former first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in the 2021 NFL Draft, is one of the most high-profile players fighting for a spot on the Cowboys’ 53-man roster. Selected 28th overall, Turner’s early career has been riddled with injuries, which have limited him to just 31 games in his first three NFL seasons.
Turner was once viewed as a high-upside pass rusher with the potential to become a long-term starter, but he was unable to stay healthy enough to carve out a consistent role in New Orleans. Now in Dallas, he enters a crowded edge rusher room full of talent and competition. That room includes emerging star Micah Parsons, veterans like DeMarcus Lawrence, and younger prospects who are steadily earning praise from the coaching staff.
Unlike fellow former first-rounder Kaiir Elam, who has taken full advantage of added reps due to injuries in the secondary, Turner has not yet made a notable impression. Elam’s path to redemption has been aided by injuries to Trevon Diggs and Shavon Revel, providing him with valuable playing time during the offseason. Turner, meanwhile, hasn’t had such luck. If he fails to make a strong push during training camp, he could find himself on the outside looking in.
For Turner, the biggest obstacle isn’t just his own inconsistency—it’s the sheer volume of defensive talent Dallas has collected. And in an organization that now prioritizes versatility and durability, Turner may be deemed expendable if others outshine him during preseason evaluations.
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2. Will Grier – Quarterback
Will Grier’s NFL career has been a series of starts and stops. Once considered a promising backup quarterback, Grier now finds himself in a precarious position within the Cowboys’ quarterback hierarchy. While the top of the depth chart is set—with Dak Prescott firmly entrenched as the starter and rookie Joe Milton III penciled in as the primary backup—Grier remains the third and final quarterback currently under contract.
The lack of a fourth quarterback might make it seem like Grier is safe, but that’s far from the case. Teams frequently carry only two quarterbacks on the active roster, preferring to use that extra slot for more versatile or immediately impactful players. If the Cowboys adopt that approach, Grier may be released during final cuts, with the hope that he clears waivers and can be signed to the practice squad.
However, that’s a risky proposition. If Grier hits the open market, another team in need of depth could scoop him up, leaving the Cowboys short-handed in the event of an injury. This puts Grier in a tough spot—he’s not battling another quarterback for his job, but he’s fighting roster math and positional needs. Unless he proves during camp that he can provide unique value or outperform expectations, his fate may already be sealed.
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3. Deuce Vaughn – Running Back
Few players have entered the NFL with as heartwarming a draft-day story as Deuce Vaughn. Selected by the Cowboys in 2023, Vaughn’s draft moment went viral when his father, who works as a scout for the team, had the honor of calling him to deliver the life-changing news.
Since that emotional beginning, however, Vaughn’s on-field performance has yet to live up to the excitement. In his first two seasons, Vaughn has rushed for just 110 yards on 40 attempts—a modest output that falls short of what the team needs from its reserve backs. While Vaughn is known for his agility, vision, and quickness, his small frame has made it difficult for him to establish a consistent role in an NFL offense.
This offseason, the Cowboys brought in veteran running back Miles Sanders, whose early showings in practice have already caught the attention of coaches and fans alike. The addition of Sanders, combined with the presence of other young backs, puts Vaughn in a challenging position. While he has a connection to new offensive line coach Conor Riley—his college coach at Kansas State—that personal link may not be enough to keep him on the final roster.
Dallas is clearly focused on putting together a balanced and durable running back room. Vaughn will need to show significant improvement in training camp, especially in pass protection and special teams, to justify his spot. If he doesn’t, the Cowboys may decide to move forward without him, despite his fan-favorite status.
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Final Thoughts
The NFL is a league built on constant competition, and the Cowboys are fully embracing that mindset this offseason. With a new coaching staff, a major trade acquisition, and a renewed focus on depth and performance, even well-known players aren’t guaranteed a spot on the roster.
For Payton Turner, Will Grier, and Deuce Vaughn, the next few weeks could determine their futures not just in Dallas, but possibly in the NFL. Training camp is their final proving ground—and time is running out.
