The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for the 2025 NFL Draft, set for April 24-26, with a total of ten picks in hand. Free agency saw the Cowboys making moves primarily for depth, with their most notable signing being edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr., who tallied 10.5 sacks for the Washington Commanders last season. Among their new acquisitions are running back Javonte Williams and cornerback Kaiir Elam, addressing some key areas of need. The team is particularly focused on bolstering their WR, DL, and CB positions, especially following Trevon Diggs' injury and Jourdan Lewis' departure.

As they prepare for the draft, the Cowboys hold significant picks, including the 12th overall. They are projected to target wide receiver Matthew Golden from Texas, a player who could complement CeeDee Lamb's offensive prowess. Other prospects include cornerback Trey Amos from Ole Miss and defensive lineman Jordan Burch from Oregon, as they look to solidify their defense. The draft strategy will heavily weigh the team's previous moves and their current roster needs.

ESPN's Ben Solak ranks the Dallas Cowboys 18th in the NFL for their offseason moves, indicating a lackluster performance compared to other teams. While he appreciates their participation in free agency this year, he criticizes their trend of avoiding major acquisitions, noting only minor additions. The signing of Dante Fowler brings optimism, as he can complement Micah Parsons' elite skill set.

However, the absence of a contract extension for Parsons raises eyebrows, especially since he has expressed a desire to secure a deal early. The Cowboys' reluctance to commit to one of their most talented players reflects a continuation of past management styles that could keep the franchise in mediocrity. Fans share a sense of frustration as the team fails to capitalize on its potential.

The Dallas Cowboys have embraced a unique strategy this offseason, focusing on acquiring former first-round draft picks who have not yet fulfilled their potential in the NFL. Notable additions include Kenneth Murray, Kaiir Elam, Solomon Thomas, Dante Fowler, and Payton Turner—players with impressive pedigrees but mixed results in their careers thus far. Additionally, second-round talents like Javonte Williams, Parris Campbell, and Miles Sanders have joined the ranks.

This approach highlights the Cowboys' belief in the raw traits of these players, banking on their coaching staff to unlock the skills that previous teams could not. With investments in these players, the Cowboys find themselves in a position where success or failure hinges on how well their new coaching strategies can rehabilitate these once-promising athletes. The team is optimistic that, under the right guidance, they can transform their roster's fortunes while continuing to bolster their defensive depth.

Dante Fowler Jr. has returned to the Dallas Cowboys after a brief stint with the Washington Commanders, where he showcased significant production. His re-signing coincides with a controversial moment involving teammates Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, where Parsons' podcasting during the season drew criticism from Lawrence. Fowler defended Parsons, asserting that his off-field endeavors did not detract from his performance on the field. With the Cowboys transitioning to a younger defensive end lineup, Fowler aims to contribute as a veteran presence, particularly as he adapts to the aggressive schemes under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

The Washington Commanders have retained defensive end Clelin Ferrell for the 2025 season, marking a continuation of their trend of one-year deals. Ferrell, who joined the team last March on a $3.75 million contract, managed to contribute despite battling a knee injury throughout the season, finishing with 3.5 sacks over 13 games. He played a significant role within a deep defensive line rotation that included players like Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. However, Fowler will not return, having signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Washington has bolstered its defensive line further with signings of Javon Kinlaw, Deatrich Wise Jr., and Eddie Goldman, and is expected to target additional edge rushing talent in the upcoming NFL Draft.