A new season means it’s time to get acquainted with some of the Dallas Cowboys’ newest players.
With Brian Schottenheimer taking over as head coach, Dallas made a few key additions to its roster through trades, free agency signings and the NFL draft. Before the Cowboys face the Eagles in Week 1, here’s a breakdown of newcomers to watch in 2025:
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) leaps for a high pass during training camp practice drills in Oxnard, California, July 28, 2025.
Tom Fox / Staff Photographer
1. WR George Pickens
Cowboys
Acquiring Pickens was Dallas’ biggest move of the offseason. The wide receiver should play a crucial role on the Cowboys’ offense as he lines up next to CeeDee Lamb. Pickens was impressive throughout the team’s training camp, quickly meshing with Dak Prescott.
Pickens appeared in 14 games last season as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, posting 103 catches for 900 yards and three touchdowns.
“I think I needed a fresh start,” Pickens told reporters at training camp. “In terms of people not knowing me, I think that’s the whole thing about it.”
Dallas Cowboys guard Tyler Booker (left) works on his technique following a training camp practice in Oxnard, California, August 4, 2025.
Tom Fox / Staff Photographer
2. RG Tyler Booker
For the second straight year, the Cowboys used their first-round draft selection on an offensive lineman. This guy is named Tyler, too.
Booker should find a role on Dallas’ offensive line in Year 1, lining up as the team’s right guard. The 12th overall selection impressed Schottenheimer and others in camp, showcasing the strength and football intelligence that made him a standout at Alabama.
Dallas Cowboys new defensive tackle Kenny Clark talks about being traded from the Green Bay Packers in the Micah Parsons trade following practice at The Star in Frisco, August 29, 2025.
Tom Fox / Staff Photographer
3. DT Kenny Clark
The Micah Parsons era has ended in Dallas. When they traded Parsons to Green Bay, the Cowboys notably received two first-round draft picks and a defender who could bolster their interior defensive line. Clark will immediately be under the spotlight due to the nature of his Dallas arrival.
He’s had a productive professional career up to this point, posting 417 total tackles, 76 quarterback hits, 51 tackles for loss and 35 sacks. Can Clark help shore up a Cowboys defensive line that has been shaky in the past?
Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom (68) defends against Dallas Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (41) in an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Richard W. Rodriguez)
Richard W. Rodriguez / AP
4. DE Donovan Ezeiruaku
Maybe the Cowboys found two instant impact rookies in this year’s draft class. After selecting Booker, the Cowboys used their second-round selection on Boston College pass rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku.
Ezeiruaku will look to carve out a role on Eberflus’ defense as soon as possible. He had 13.5 sacks combined over his first three seasons at Boston College. Then he had 16.5 sacks as a senior, ranking second in the FBS last year.
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams catches a ball during a practice at The Star on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Frisco.
Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer
5. RB Javonte Williams
The Cowboys once again enter the season with question marks at the running back position. Williams could be a name to follow early in the campaign.
Dallas signed Williams to a one-year deal this offseason, giving the running back a chance to regain his rhythm after a tough outing in Denver last year. Williams ran for 513 yards and four touchdowns in his last season as a Bronco.
“From what they are telling me, they want a competitive room,” Williams said. ”Everyone go in there and compete and may the best man win.”
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) and cornerback Kaiir Elam (20) answer questions from the media during a training camp player availibiity in Oxnard, California, August 1, 2025.
Tom Fox / Staff Photographer
6. CB Kaiir Elam
Elam was another key offseason acquisition for the Cowboys. The Cowboys landed Elam in a trade with the Bills, sending two draft picks to Buffalo for the cornerback’s services.
Elam wasted no time making his presence felt, generating plenty of buzz throughout the team’s time in Oxnard. He could be up for a starting role with players like Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland this season.
“It’s a blessing, it’s a privilege to be a Cowboy, I’m grateful,” Elam told reporters at camp. “Last year, I was inactive a lot of games, my hunger for football grew and grew and grew and just learn and grow from it.”
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) blocks a soccer ball kicked by a staff member as they worked on punt blocking during a training camp practice in Oxnard, California, July 26, 2025.
Tom Fox / Staff Photographer
7. LB Jack Sanborn
Sanborn is no stranger to an Eberflus-coached defense. In fact, he said reuniting with Eberflus was a key part of his free agency decision.
The Cowboys were hoping to bolster their linebacker group this offseason. Eberflus could provide what Dallas needs.
In three seasons with the Chicago Bears, Sanborn played 48 games with 19 starts. Last season, he made 37 tackles with two tackles for loss.
Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue (34) celebrates a touchdown with center Brock Hoffman (left) and offensive tackle Asim Richards (behind) during the first quarter of an NFL preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Arlington.
Elías Valverde II / Staff Photographer
8. RB Jaydon Blue
Blue hasn’t made his NFL debut yet, but he’s already a favorite among Cowboys fans. As Dallas looks to establish a physical ground game, Blue could bring an exciting speed element to the Schottenheimer-led offense.
While Blue battled some injuries in camp and the preseason, he displayed the skills that could make him a key player in 2025 and beyond. Before he landed in Dallas, Blue played collegiately at the University of Texas. He put up 730 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground in his last season in Austin.
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