News: How high do Cowboys pass catchers rank? Tyron more valuable each year

Aldon Smith still feels great after his layoff and is excited to be reunited with Jim Tomsula. Tyron Smith’s value increases each season.

Cowboys defensive end Aldon Smith hasn’t played NFL football in five years. However, a revamped physique and a reunion with former defensive line coach Jim Tomsula have him ready to return to form. Tyron Smith has not only been one of the best left tackles in the game for almost a decade, but his contract allows Dallas serious flexibility.

From Tony Pollard to Donovan Wilson, the Cowboys have a handful of second-year players who have a shot of rising up the depth chart in 2020. Even though Sean Lee filled in successfully for Leighton Vander Esch last season, the return of “Wolf Hunter” puts the Cowboys defense on another level. Jerry Jones’s competitive fire, where rookies Trevon Diggs and Reggie Robinson fit in the Cowboys defense, and the reaction from the death of George Floyd across the sports world is covered in the news and notes.

Retired Cowboys center Travis Frederick tackles ending child hunger :: ESPN

Life after football for the former All-Pro has a different type of defensive rush trying to make its way in. Fredrick is here to stop it.


Cowboys fullback competition could make for an interesting training camp battle :: Blogging The Boys

Fullback is a forgotten position in some NFL offenses but for the Dallas Cowboys, they may have themselves a fight in camp for that very spot.


Ranking Every NFL Receiving Corps Heading into the 2020 Season :: Bleacher Report

The Cowboys trios of Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and new addition Cee Dee Lamb find themselves ranked No. 7 on this list.


How Cowboys OT Tyron Smith is Becoming More Valuable Every Year :: Inside The Star

Not only does the left tackle protect the blindside of franchise quarterback Dak Prescott, but his contract is also a favorable one for the Dallas Cowboys.


5 Cowboys who can make the jump in sophomore seasons :: Cowboys Wire

Tony Pollard, Donovan Wilson, and more have golden opportunities to take the next step in their sophomore seasons.


A healthy Leighton Vander Esch could drastically improve the Dallas defense :: Blogging The Boys

Leighton Vander Esch was coming off of an impressive rookie season before his neck injury forced him to miss seven games in 2019. Now that his back without any restrictions, the Cowboys defense will vastly improve.


Cowboys DE Aldon Smith Still Feels Great, Excited for Jim Tomsula Reunion :: Inside The Star

After a five-year layoff, Aldon Smith feels he’s can still be an effective pass rusher, and reuniting with Jim Tomsula definitely makes him more confident.


Big-money NFL deals are hard, and that fact has kept Cowboys QB Dak Prescott in negotiation limbo :: Dallas Morning News

The Dallas Cowboys are currently working towards a long-term deal with Dak Prescott. With guaranteed dollars and the length of the contract being obvious sticking points, it’s made the negotiations somewhat difficult.


Re-draft of 2005 would remove a significant part of the Dallas Cowboys history :: Blogging The Boys

Find out where the Cowboys all-time sack leader DeMarcus Ware ends up in this 2005 re-draft.


Where Trevon Diggs and Reggie Robinson might fit in the Cowboys secondary :: Blogging The Boys

David Howman breaks down where talented rookies Trevon Diggs and Reggie Robinson can fit in the 2020 Cowboys defense.


NFL analyst: A season without fans could affect Dak Prescott’s contract talks with the Cowboys ‘tremendously‘ :: Dallas Morning News

With the possibility of an NFL season without fans in the stands, could the financial loss affect contract negotiations between the Cowboys and Dak Prescott?


‘How can we feel safe?’: Sports figures from the Dallas area and around the world react to the death of George Floyd :: Dallas Morning News

From the Cowboys to the Mavericks, the sports world mourns the death of George Floyd.


Jerry Jones has always been about making the Cowboys a winning team – for good or bad :: Blogging The Boys

He may be more known for his colorful personality, but make no mistake about it, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wants to win more than anything.

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News: Return of NFL football front and center, Aikman a Cowboys GM?

A jam packed Cowboys news day. Mike McCarthy installing the new plan. The Cowboys odds of winning it all are favorable. New rules shot down.

Defensive end Aldon Smith is now conditionally reinstated, and he’s bigger and stronger than he was during his days in San Francisco. Randy Gregory has already filed for reinstatement himself, but it’s still up in the air if and when he’ll be back.

Dak Prescott had a career year in 2019, and he’s continuing to get assistance from the man who helped him as much as anyone, former Cowboys quarterback coach Jon Kitna. Even with the Cowboys saying there weren’t any current plans to acquire Jamal Adams, one oddsmaker has them with the highest odds to land the star safety outside of the New York Jets. Mike McCarthy’s odds on winning Coach of the Year, five veterans that are under the most pressure heading into 2020, and how Zack Martin’s dominance can’t be taken lightly.

NFL scraps sky judge plans, tweaking onside kick alternatives :: Cowboys Wire

The new onside kick alternative was tweaked a little just before the virtual league meeting on Thursday. Both “sky judge” proposals are being withdrawn.


NFL Memo on Re-opening Team Facilities


Texas governor green lights fans for Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, other venues :: The CowboysWire

A big step in the right direction to have fans attend games for the 2020 NFL season.


Troy Aikman: Working in the Cowboys’ front office has ‘always been a long shot’ :: Dallas Morning News

Hall of Famer Troy Aikman explains why even though he has the time to do it, working in the Cowboys front office is highly unlikely.


ESPN’s predictions give the Dallas Cowboys the fifth-highest chances of winning the Super Bowl :: Blogging The Boys

Even after an 8-8 season, the Dallas Cowboys have the fifth-best odds of winning the Super Bowl in 2020 according to ESPN.


Mailbag: How Many Corners Could Play Safety? :: The Mothership

Currently the Dallas Cowboys are rolling with Xavier Woods and Ha Ha Clinton Dix as the premier safeties on the depth chart. The mothership adds a few more names that can possibly step up and play the position as well.


NFL.com names Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch to All-Under 25 Team :: Blogging The Boys

Despite an injury ridden season in 2019, Vander Esch finds himself on this list. The Cowboys are one of the younger teams in the NFL but not as young as some of their star players once were.


Ranking Every NFL Team’s QB Situation Heading into 2020 Season :: Bleacher Report

Out of the 32 NFL teams, the Cowboys find themselves No. 6 on this list. The team of Dak Prescott and Andy Dalton fall behind the Texans, Saints, Seahawks, Ravens, and Chiefs.


Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott Working with Former Quarterbacks Coach :: Inside The Star

Former Cowboys quarterback coach Jon Kitna helped Dak Prescott improve on his mechanics and poise in the pocket. Even after leaving the organization, he’s still working with Prescott to reach his full potential.



Former Cowboys Great Speaks on New Look Cowboys Defense :: Inside The Star

Former Cowboys edge rusher Demarcus Ware thinks the Cowboys can flourish in a new look defense under defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.


One oddsmaker has the Dallas Cowboys with the highest non-Jets odds to land Jamal Adams :: Blogging The Boys

Although there have been reports saying the Cowboys don’t have any plans on pursuing safety Jamal Adams, one oddsmaker has them with the highest odds to land him outside of the New York Jets.


Veteran LB Sean Lee Looking For That Elusive Championship In His Final Years :: Inside The Star

Much like Cowboys legendary tight end Jason Witten last season, the decision for linebacker Sean Lee to come back in 2020 had a lot to do with his visions for a team that is built to win right now.


Cowboys News: Aldon Smith ‘Bigger and Stronger’ Than He Was with 49ers :: Bleacher Report

Now fully reinstated, defensive end Aldon Smith is in better shape than he was during his days in San Francisco.


Ranking NFL 2020 ‘Triplets,’ Part II: Here’s a look at the top tiers, from 1-18 :: CBS Sports

The trios of Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Amari Cooper ranked third just behind the Saints (Brees, Kamara, Thomas), and the world champion Chiefs (Mahomes, Edwards-Helaire, Hill).


In unprecedented offseason, Cowboys have an attribute Mike McCarthy hasn’t been able to lean on before :: Dallas Morning News

Mike McCarthy is focused on communication and installing the playbook, instead of coaching philosophy, given the restrictions of not being able to meet in person.

“We still have to do things in a progression,’’ McCarthy said. “I feel like we’ve done that. We’ve taken this period of time to really just delve into the scheme responsibility that we’re involved in. You only have so much time.


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Cowboys News: Trevon Diggs one of NFLs most important rookies

The Cowboys have a lot of star power, but no newcomer will have as big a burden on them as rookie Trevon Diggs.

The Cowboys had a busy offseason and it left opportunities for players to step into large roles within the team. One of those opportunities lies in the hands of Trevon Diggs, the Cowboys most recent second-round selection. Diggs is part of a secondary that is going to attempt to replace the All-Pro production of Byron Jones, and the young corner has a chance to make an impact in just. is first season. Blake Jarwin is another player with a golden opportunity, as he is now ready to take over the starting tight-end role, and Aldon Smith is trying to make the most of his second chance in the NFL.

A Dallas signing that is potentially underrated is the acquisition of Cameron Fleming. The veteran should be able to back up all positions of the line and could prove valuable in the rotation. Speaking of rotations, the linebacker group for the Cowboys is set up to succeed more than ever before, plus, why an UDFA linebacker could join the Cowboys established group. All that, and more, here are the Cowboys news and notes from May 26, 2020.

Bucky Brooks: Erving Can Play All 5 O-Line Spots :: Dallas Cowboys

The signing of OL Cameron Erving has gone under the radar, but Erving’s versatility and experience could make him the sleeper signing of the offseason for Dallas.


Casserly: Three second-round DBs to watch in 2020 :: NFL

NFL Network’s Charlie Casserly goes through three defensive backs who could be steals at their draft position, including the Cowboys newest cornerback, Trevon Diggs.


Five rookies who most need to succeed in Year 1: Heat on Chiefs LB :: NFL

CeeDee Lamb is the most talked about Dallas rookie, and for good reason but the most important rookie for Dallas may just be Diggs. The Alabama product will try to help mitigate the loss of Byron Jones, and should compete for one of the two starting CB spots for the Cowboys.


Former Cowboys lineman compares Aldon Smith’s ability as a pass rusher to DeMarcus Ware :: Blogging The Boys

The Cowboys received good news in the way of Aldon Smith’s reinstatement into the NFL. Former Cowboys offensive lineman Leonard Davis compared Smith (who he played with in 2012) to the great DeMarcus Ware, and more positives notes about Smith’s comeback.



Cowboys Linebacker Trio Set Up For Big 2020 Season :: Inside The Star

Last year was supposed to be the breakout year for the Cowboys linebacker core, but injuries and inconsistency derailed the group. Now, with Lee re-signed, and Vander Esch healthy, the trio of those two along with Jaylon Smith is ready to make some noise.


Travis Frederick had one warm-up ball for Cowboys career; wants it now as souvenir :: Cowboys Wire

Travis Frederick stuck to his routines before games with Dallas. One routine involved a football he would always warm up with. Now, Frederick is asking for that ball back.


Blake Jarwin’s Ready to Take Over as No. 1 Tight End Option for Dallas :: Sports Illustrated 

Expectations are high for Blake Jarwin, as he takes over as the likely full-time starter at tight-end for the Cowboys. Hear from Jarwin himself about his future, how Jason Witten helped his game, and more.



UDFA Profile: Utah LB Brings Coverage Skills :: Dallas Cowboys

Off the field issues have altered the path for former Utah LB Francis Bernard, but he still managed to reach his destination, the NFL. Learn more about the Cowboys undrafted free agent, and why it’s reasonable to believe he could contribute quickly in the league.


Three different candidates to be the fourth wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys :: Blogging The Boys

The Cowboys top three wide receivers are as good as any group in the league. However, after the three starters, there is a role to be had. One of these three players are likely to seize that spot: Cedrick Wilson, Devin Smith, and Aaron Parker.


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Cowboys News: ‘No traction’ on Adams, Aikman sees Prescott deal before deadline

Also, Travis Frederick weighs in on the team’s chances, Jason Witten continues to mentor his Dallas understudy, and a possible rookie gem.

News doesn’t take a holiday, and the long weekend has seen several of the major players in the Cowboys’ current soap opera make a starring appearance. Jamal Adams, Dak Prescott, even Carson Wentz are in the headlines in Cowboys Nation.

Travis Frederick thinks the team is poised for success in 2020, and an online betting expert agrees. The team may have given up on chasing Everson Griffen, but Jason Witten hasn’t given up his mentoring role of Blake Jarwin. Look for Neville Gallimore to make a splash in his rookie year, and DeMarcus Lawrence makes a literal splash in his latest workout. That’s all on tap in the Memorial Day edition of News and Notes.

Report: ‘No traction’ for Cowboys’ pursuit of Jamal Adams :: ProFootballTalk

The flicker of hope may now be just the last glimmer of a dying ember for Cowboys fans who covet the Pro Bowl safety. Not only do the Jets apparently have no intention of trading Adams, the notion of chasing such a deal reportedly has “no traction” currently in the Dallas front office.


Exclusive: Troy Aikman – ‘I love Dak Prescott; the Dallas Cowboys will pay him” :: 105.3 The Fan

The Ring of Honor quarterback admits to being a little confused by the hoopla over Dak Prescott’s contract status, since it’s a given he’ll be a Cowboy in 2020. But Aikman made it crystal-clear to the Dallas radio station on Monday that he believes the club will reach an agreement with their starting passer, “and he’ll have a long-term contract as opposed to playing under the franchise tag this year.”


After recent call, Jarwin still learns from Witten :: The Mothership

Despite now being a Las Vegas Raider, the eleven-time Pro Bowler continues to be a mentor to Blake Jarwin, who moves from understudy to likely starter in Dallas. In a phone call several weeks ago, Jarwin says Witten “just told me ‘good luck, I’m excited for you. What an awesome opportunity this is for you.’ He just wants to make sure I don’t take anything for granted and push myself daily.”



Eagles blogger provides fair, level-headed evaluation of Prescott-Wentz debate :: Cowboys Wire

The two Class of 2016 quarterbacks will always be pitted head-to-head, like Coke-versus-Pepsi. One Philadelphia writer sets aside his fandom, dives deep into the film… and comes away with a solid perspective on who is better. The real winner here is everyone who enjoys the good old-fashioned back-and-forth rivalry that could help decide the NFC East for years.


Odds favor the Dallas Cowboys to take the NFC East :: The Landry Hat

2019 was a major disappointment for Cowboys Nation, but there’s encouraging news, at least according to one online outlet focused on betting odds. The Action Network has the Cowboys as the favorites to win the division after doing so in 2014, 2016, and 2018.


Retired Dallas Cowboys’ Travis Frederick lines up to take on his biggest opponent yet :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The Pro Bowl center has dropped over 30 pounds, is down one shirt size, and has shaved his trademark beard. But he’s attacking childhood hunger with his usual ferocity in light of the current pandemic crisis. As for his former co-workers, Frederick says, “The team is set up extremely well. The front office did a great job of getting people in place. On paper, it looks like a really, really solid team. They have a chance to go far.”


Cowboys’ lack of interest in Everson Griffen now clear? :: Inside the Star

To many, the former Viking seemed to be a perfect free agency fit in Dallas. But with the recent reinstatement of Aldon Smith and the team’s belief that Randy Gregory will soon follow, the addition of another defensive end has become much less a priority.


Predicting every NFL team’s 2020 surprise rookie gem :: Bleacher Report

Sure, first-nighters are supposed to make an immediate impact. But which later-round pick is poised to make the biggest leap in their freshman year in the pros? This list spotlights third-rounder Neville Gallimore from Oklahoma for his rare versatility.


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Cowboys News: So Dak Prescott didn’t ask for a 5th-year salary of $45M

Dallas Cowboys News May 21 2020. Dak Prescott contract negotiations, Randy Gregory seeks reinstatement after Aldon Smith.

This week has been a positive one for the Dallas Cowboys and their fans as they saw one of their bigger off-season gambles start the trend in the right direction. Aldon Smith was reinstated by the NFL and joins a much different looking defensive line for the 2020 season.

That joy was quickly taken away today as reports of a rejected contract offer by franchise quarterback Dak Prescott emerged. An abundance of news sites ran with this rumor and caused mass hysteria amongst the internet. Since then, a few well known trusted NFL analysts have broken up these rumors and have confirmed that none of it is true.

There are going to be a lot of different stories floating out there until the Dak Prescott contract is signed or at least until the July 15 deadline gets here. Outside of the Prescott negotiation news, find out about the virtual off-season along with how Xavier Woods is expecting new looks on defense. Demarcus Ware takes a small friendly jab at the tight end the Cowboys never had, LeBron James.

Why Cowboys QB Dak Prescott didn’t ask for $45 million in Year 5 :: USA Today

Jori Epstein was the first to report that the Chris Simms’-started rumor which was substantiated by some in the local Cowboys media just never happened.


 


Burleson: Dak will be even ‘better’ under McCarthy :: NFL.com

Dak Prescott is being labeled as the “Rodney Dangerfield” of the NFL according to NFL.com’s Nate Burleson. He’s not getting any respect at all.


Cowboys’ Aldon Smith ‘grateful’ to be reinstated by NFL :: ESPN

Fresh off his reinstatement to the NFL and joining the Dallas Cowboys, Aldon Smith took some time with TMZ Sports to explain his second chance at being a success story in the league.


Randy Gregory is working through the process of being reinstated to the NFL :: Blogging The Boys

Now with Aldon Smith being welcomed back into the league, Randy Gregory is officially making his push to also virtually rejoin the Dallas Cowboys defensive line.


DeMarcus Ware: “No Way In Hell” LeBron James Could Block Me :: Inside The Star

Taking a break from the Dak Prescott stories and reinstatements, hear what former defensive end Demarcus Ware thinks about the future NBA Hall of Famer when it comes to playing football.



A Glimpse Into The Cowboys’ Virtual Program :: The Mothership

Take a deeper look into what the Dallas Cowboys have been able to do in the five weeks worth of this virtual off-season program. Everyone is in the same boat except the Cowboys are learning from a brand new coaching staff.


 


Dak Prescott contract talks: Latest offer details, status of negotiations and outlook on looming deal :: CBS Sports

Science class is back in session with another installment from Patrik Walker of CBS Sports as he breaks down the latest on the Dak Prescott contract negotiations.


Woods Speaks On “Totally Different” Secondary :: The Mothership

With an entire new defensive coaching staff, Xavier Woods enters his fourth season as one of the leaders of the secondary. The defensive looks to confuse opponents in ways the Cowboys could not pull off in years past.


Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb Talked to Michael Irvin Before Choosing Jersey No. 88 :: Bleacher Report

The new Dallas Cowboys’ wide receiver wants to continue a legacy. Lamb spoke to “The Playmaker” Michael Irvin along with mentioning Dez Bryant as part of the history of No. 88.

Josh Gordon is working out in Seattle, hoping for an NFL return

Former Seahawks WR Josh Gordon is working out in Seattle and intends to apply for reinstatement by the NFL following last year’s suspension.

Former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Josh Gordon is still living in Seattle and working out, according to a recent post on his Instagram account.

Gordon hauled in seven receptions for 139 yards in five games with the Seahawks last year. His tenure was cut short by a six-game suspension, handed down after he tested positive for a banned substance and a masking agent.

While the league altered the CBA to no longer suspend players who test positive for marijuana, they did not automatically reinstate anyone currently serving a suspension, and Gordon’s also involved performance enhancing drugs, complicating the issue.

Still, the 29-year-old receiver is hoping to return to the NFL in 2020, and while he has yet to be reinstated, he is doing all his offseason work right here in Seattle, and a reunion between the two sides makes a lot of sense on paper.

Gordon will still have to miss the first two regular season games to finish out his suspension, but he would be eligible to participate in training camp and the preseason, giving him plenty of chances to get his legs under him.

With Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf and Phillip Dorsett all in the mix, the Seahawks wouldn’t need Gordon to contribute big time snaps right away, and he could just be another weapon for Wilson – easing the pressure on the former Pro Bowl wideout.

With Aldon Smith recently getting reinstated, there’s reason to believe Gordon’s time could be coming, and it sure looks like he’d prefer to play his next NFL games right here in Seattle.

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Cowboys News: Reinstatement chances for Gregory, Dallas the next dynasty?

More on Aldon Smith’s reinstatement, new numbers in Dak’s contract saga, who made the Top 100, and who wants an empty AT&T Stadium?

Christmas came early for the Cowboys and former Pro Bowler Aldon Smith. Now that the formerly dominant defensive star has been reinstated by the league, there’s plenty of getting up to speed for fans to do on what this means, both for Smith personally as well as from the team’s perspective. And what about Randy Gregory? Will he have his suspension lifted, too?

There’s also some new (but expected) math involved in the Dak Prescott contract saga, an eagerly-awaited list that ranks several Cowboys lower than expected, and whispers of how likely a new Dallas dynasty might be. All that, plus the team’s new man in the middle, an old-school football tradition falls by the wayside, and a division rival is hoping for an empty stadium when he visits Arlington. That’s all ahead in this edition of News and Notes.

Cowboys’ Aldon Smith reinstated by NFL from suspension after four-year absence :: USA Today

After a 54-month hiatus from the National Football League, the top-ten pick from 2011 has been cleared to add to his 47.5 career-sack resume starting Tuesday. The reinstatement follows a videoconference with commissioner Roger Goodell and comes the same day former sackmaster DeMarcus Ware expressed optimism that Smith could excel in the Cowboys’ new-look defense.


Instant analysis: How Aldon Smith fits Cowboys, what his role might be :: Cowboys Wire

Here’s the nuts and bolts of what Smith’s reinstatement means to the team, from his reunion with his 49ers position coach to his rocked-up physique to how he fits in with the likes of DeMarcus Lawrence, Gerald McCoy, and rookie Neville Gallimore.


Mike Garofalo breaks down Aldon Smith’s reinstatement :: NFL.com

The NFL Network insider shares some of what the league reportedly told Aldon Smith as they officially granted his reinstatement, including a plea that he use his experience to become an “example” to young players.


Aldon Smith received his long-awaited NFL reinstatement. Will Cowboys DE Randy Gregory be next? :: The Dallas Morning News

Aldon Smith wasn’t the only suspended defensive stud the Cowboys front office gambled on this offseason. Randy Gregory, suspended indefinitely in early 2019 but retained by the club, finds himself in a holding pattern similar to the one Smith just got out of. Gregory’s agent had this to say about his client’s chances of also being cleared to return: “We are working through the process.”



Cowboys Contracts: ‘Dak wants 45M for 5th year’ – and what that means :: Cowboy Maven

Analyst Chris Simms made waves on Tuesday by floating supposedly-inside info on the club’s back-and-forth with Dak Prescott, citing proposed numbers. The previous suppositions by Mike Fisher has been recalibrated, no longer saying the difference between the two sides is solely four-vs-five years for the same amount of annual salary.

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It seems Prescott indeed would be alright with a fifth year to the deal if it matches where the salary cap and the going rate for QBs will likely be.


Ware says Cowboys have offered ‘as much as they can’ for Dak :: 247Sports

Ex-Dallas defensive star DeMarcus Ware said in a new TV interview, “your play creates your pay.” When it comes to Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Ware suggests, “Yeah, he made it deep into the playoffs, but you haven’t won any championships. If you maybe had one of those rings on your hand, you might get 40 or 50 [million] right now.”


Pete Prisco’s top 100 NFL players of 2020: Patrick Mahomes takes top spot, Lamar Jackson cracks top 10 :: CBS Sports

When the senior writer of CBS Sports ranks his 100 best players, people listen. Cowboys fans may take issue with the placement of their team’s seven representatives: Ezekiel Elliott (17), Dak Prescott (46), Zack Martin (50), DeMarcus Lawrence (58), La’el Collins (77), Tyron Smith (80), and Amari Cooper (81).


Looney brings enthusiasm to new opportunity :: The Mothership

The team’s official website takes an in-depth look at fan favorite Joe Looney as he prepares to take over for the retired Travis Frederick as the Cowboys’ starting center.  He’ll bring his trademark positive attitude as he battles fourth-round draft pick Tyler Biadasz for the job in camp.


NFL’s next great dynasty? Chiefs, Cowboys, Bills among candidates :: NFL.com

Now that the Belichick/Brady partnership has been busted up, NFL.com columnist Adam Schein thinks the Cowboys have the fourth-best shot at being the league’s next dynasty.



Why the three-point stance could become a football thing of the past :: ESPN

A fascinating read here on the delicate dance between making football safer to play while allowing the most popular sport in America to remain recognizable. Kevin Seifert explains the science behind why the game’s youngest players are no longer allowed to put their hands in the dirt before the snap… and what such a rule change could ultimately mean for the evolution of the sport.


Ron Rivera: ‘It might be refreshing’ to play in Dallas, Philly without fans :: NBC Sports Washington

New Redskins coach Ron Rivera will be looking for every edge he can get in taking over the 3-13 team he inherited. In mulling over the prospect of playing the 2020 season in empty stadiums, Rivera says, “When you have to go someplace like Dallas or Philadelphia, it might be refreshing that you don’t have their fans in the stands. That’s for darn sure.”

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Instant Analysis: How Aldon Smith fits Cowboys, what his role might be

Aldon Smith is now officially back. After being reinstated, as was clearly expected when Dallas signed him, he’s ready to go for the beginning of virtual OTAs. The question is how will it all work. We cover it all from the weight gain to the wait-and-see.

When Aldon Smith was first signed to the Dallas Cowboys, the initial reaction from most observers was one of shock, as he had completely fallen off the radar for most fans. Rotoworld listed 54 different edge rushers in their annual free agency tracker, and Smith was nowhere to be found for good reason. Smith hasn’t been part of a team since the 2018 and hasn’t appeared in a game since 2015, so it’s no wonder that most felt his career had gone the way of other self-destructive cases of similar nature.

Smith battled demons that included alcohol abuse and drugs, and dealt with a series of arrests and subsequent suspensions that saw what was once one of the most promising careers  in the NFL spiral out of control. However on April 1, 2020, the Cowboys signed Smith to a one-year low-risk deal, as it was reported he had spent the last several years being rehabilitated.  On May 9 it was revealed he had met with commissioner Roger Goodell to discuss his reinstatement and 11 days later it has become a reality; Smith is back.

So what does it all mean for the Cowboys? Here’s a look at several interest points to ponder about how Smith could impact the Cowboys and factors that will go into whether he becomes one himself.

Years Off From the Game

The time away from football is clearly going to be the biggest factor in what, if any at all, Smith can contribute to the 2020 Dallas Cowboys. Regardless of his being in a good mental space and renewed physical condition (more on that in a second), football is not normally a sport that is kind to men who get out of football shape, even for just one season. For four? That’s going to be a tall task for Smith.

That absence from the game is further amplified by the fact that he isn’t able to work directly with the Cowboys strength and conditioning team. In a normal year, Smith would right now be working directly with Markus Paul and his staff at The Star, trying to on a full diet of a football regiment. But with the stay-at-home orders in place around the country – even though they are lifted in Texas – players are not allowed back at the team facility.

Without the pandemic, Smith would certainly be working with top-flight trainers with NFL experience, but most players interviewed during the last few months have spoken about having to go out to Walmart and buy their own weight sets. With four years of inactivity and a truncated offseason, it has to be a concern whether or not Smith can be a contributing factor through the first phases of the 2020 season.

Continue…

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Cowboys DE Aldon Smith reinstated by league after 4 years away from field

The standout defensive end has not played since being suspended indefinitely in 2015, but looks to mark his turnaround with the Cowboys.

Jerry Jones rolled the dice this offseason when he signed defensive end Aldon Smith to a one-year deal. The former 49er and Raider hadn’t seen any game action since Week 10 of the 2015 season, the last game Smith played in before being suspended indefinitely by the league.

Now the Dallas Cowboys’ gamble is one step closer to paying off in a big way. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has conditionally reinstated Smith, according to Jori Epstein of USA Today.

Smith is now eligible to participate in any team activities and is expected to virtually join the Cowboys beginning Tuesday when the club’s offseason program kicks off.

Smith, the seventh-overall pick by San Francisco in 2011’s draft, has accumulated 47.5 sacks in 59 games as a pro. He earned a Pro Bowl bid in 2012 and was named the team’s MVP. But the 2013 season saw Smith begin to spiral, with car accidents, DUI arrests, substance abuse, rehab stints, and suspensions putting Smith’s name in the headlines frequently.

The Mississippi native and University of Missouri product was released by the 49ers and subsequently picked up by Oakland in 2015. He played just nine games for the Raiders, until a hit-and-run episode earned him another suspension by the league. Smith sat out the 2016 and 2017 seasons as he waited for reinstatement. After an alleged domestic violence incident, the Raiders released Smith in March 2018.

In March 2020, Smith announced he was lobbying for a return to the league. The Cowboys signed him in April, with the front office believing that reinstatement was inevitable.

As per Epstein, “a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports” that Smith has stayed clean since last July.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Smith was unable to meet personally with Goodell to discuss his status; the pair reportedly met via videoconference late last week.

In an Instagram post last month, the 30-year-old Smith shared some insight into his journey.

“There is beauty in the struggle,” Smith wrote in his post. “Life will always present us [with] tests. I’ve learned how to take a different perspective on the adversities of life. Instead of looking at life as a victim, I have embraced the journey as God has planned it, making exponential strides toward becoming a better man.”

Smith had a chance meeting with new Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy back in December as the two were training at the same Los Angeles gym.

“He’s really prepared himself for this next opportunity,” McCarthy said. “Always admired him from afar, competing against him in the old days a few years back.”

Now both men are Dallas Cowboys, and the new coach is eager to get the new Aldon Smith back on the field in 2020.

“Very impressive young man. Looking forward to having him.”

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Report: Cowboys’ Aldon Smith conditionally cleared by NFL for reinstatement

The NFL made a decision about the status of troubled defensive star Aldon Smith.

The odyssey of Aldon Smith’s NFL career took another turn Wednesday. The one-time, all-league pass-rusher was conditionally cleared for reinstatement by the NFL.

This means, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the former San Francisco 49er and Oakland Raider, can take part in the Dallas Cowboys’ virtual off-season training program. He’s eligible to join Cowboys offseason activities this coming May 26.

Smith was signed by Dallas in the offseason. He has not played in an NFL game since 2015 due to numerous abuse issues and troubles with the law.

He was the seventh pick overall in 2011 by the 49ers and rocketed to stardom. The former Missouri defensive stalwart had 33.5 sacks in his first two seasons with the Niners. He added 10.5 more in 2013 and ‘2014.

In 2013, Smith had 4.5 sacks in the first three games. Smith was involved in a single-vehicle accident in San Jose. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana. After the loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the third week of the football season, he voluntarily entered a rehabilitation facility, to be put onto the non-football injury list with an indefinite leave of absence.

The next year, Smith Smith served a nine-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse and personal conduct policies. He was reinstated in Week 11. On Aug. 7, 2015, following an arrest for his third DUI, Smith was released by the 49ers.

He signed with the Raiders in 2015 and found more trouble, eventually being suspended by the NFL, again. He missed the 2016 and ’17 seasons while on suspension. Following an alleged domestic violence incident, the Raiders released Smith on March 5, 2018.

He signed with Dallas in April, a one-year deal.