FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys reached the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline Sunday, and getting there required some difficult decisions.
Dallas made 39 roster moves as it trimmed its roster, with several familiar names among those who will not open the 2026 season on the Cowboys’ initial 53-man roster.
The biggest surprise may be running back Jaydon Blue, the fifth-round pick from the 2025 draft who entered training camp expected to have a significant role in the backfield. Blue was waived Sunday as Malik Davis emerged as the other primary running back alongside Javonte Williams.
Another notable departure was Sam Williams, a second-round pick in 2022. The Cowboys released the edge rusher as they reshaped their defensive front.
Dallas also parted ways with several veteran players, including wide receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Denzel Mims and Tyler Johnson, along with center Nick Leverett and linebacker Curtis Robinson.
The Cowboys also traded offensive tackle Nate Thomas to the Houston Texans for a 2027 draft pick, opening another spot as the offensive line came into focus.
The initial 53-man roster is hardly the final version of the team. Dallas can continue making moves through the waiver wire, sign players to its practice squad and make additional roster adjustments before the regular-season opener against the New York Giants on Sept. 13.
Cowboys 2026 roster cuts
Waived
- RB Israel Abanikanda
- LB Justin Barron
- RB Jaydon Blue
- CB Trikweze Bridges
- CB Josh Butler
- S Zion Childress
- RB Jashaun Corbin
- DT Tommy Dunn
- G Chris Glaser
- T Sebastian Gutierrez
- WR Jordan Hudson
- T Marcellus Johnson
- G Trevor Keegan
- TE Zack Kuntz
- LB Isaiah Land
- RB Phil Mafah
- DT Dayo Odeleye
- LB Langston Patterson
- T Shiyazh Pete
- WR Anthony Smith
- WR Jaden Smith
- CB Reddy Steward
- DT Jay Toia
- TE Michael Trigg
- TE Mitch Van Vooren
- G DJ Wingfield
- DT DJ Withers
- S Julius Wood
Released
- WR Tyler Johnson
- CB Derion Kendrick
- C Nick Leverett
- WR Denzel Mims
- LB Curtis Robinson
- WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
- LB Sam Williams
Waived/Injured
- TE D.J. Rogers
Moved to Reserve/Injured — Designated for Return
- LB Marist Liufau
- CB Devin Moore
Traded
- OT Nate Thomas — Houston Texans
Dallas’ initial 53-man roster includes three quarterbacks, six wide receivers, nine offensive linemen, 11 defensive linemen/edge players, four linebackers, five cornerbacks and six safeties.
For Blue, Williams and the rest of the players who were released or waived, Sunday’s move is not necessarily the end of the road. The waiver process and practice-squad decisions could bring more changes to the Cowboys’ roster over the next several days.
For now, though, these are the players who will not be part of Dallas’ initial 53-man roster as the Cowboys turn their attention toward the regular season.
