Cowboys Headlines: Oxnard votes on camp's future; who are most important Cowboys in 2025?

USA Today

3 days ago

The team's summer stay in Oxnard has become a tradition that most fans and followers have simply taken for granted. But the annual training camp has to be officially agreed upon by both parties, and it's time to revisit that contract. We've got the latest on whether the Cowboys will keep heading west beyond 2025.
Elsewhere in the headlines, we'll look at who the most important players on the team are in this critical season, we'll wonder if the Cowboys overpaid for their biggest star, and we'll see where two of the franchise's top legends rank among the all-time greats. We're spotlighting two late-round draft picks looking to make a move, we're identifying breakout candidates, and we're previewing what to expect from Matt Eberflus and his new-look defense. All that, plus which storylines will get the most airtime on Netflix, and the dollars and cents that were really why the Cowboys never called Saquon Barkley.
Oxnard to decide on future Dallas Cowboys training camps :: Ventura County Star
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Representatives for the team signed a contract to keep training camp in Oxnard through 2030. The Cowboys pay the city a flat annual fee that can range from $25,000 to $75,000, depending on how long camp is. The weeks-long event generates significant dollars in local spending, and the city could potentially make another $175,000 each year from parking lot revenue, banner sponsorships, and food vendors. The Oxnard City Council was expected to vote to accept or decline the terms of the latest contract at a Tuesday meeting.
Cowboys overshot market by $5 million as ESPN IDs league's most player-friendly contract :: Cowboys Wire
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No shocker; Dak Prescott's contract was named the most player-friendly deal of all NFL quarterbacks. His no-trade and no-tag clauses comes with $231 million in guarantees, and his $60 million average annual value wasn't approached by either of the two megadeals signed this offseason, those belonging to Josh Allen and Brock Purdy.
Cowboys' most important players for 2025: Dallas needs Dak Prescott's best season :: The Athletic
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A list of the 10 most important Cowboys for 2025 starts with two newly-added veterans: linebacker Kenneth Murray, Jr. and cornerback Kaiir Elam. George Pickens makes the list, of course, and DaRon Bland places rather high, given the question marks surrounding Trevon Diggs. But Prescott having nothing short of the best season of his career is the only realistic shot the team has at a deep playoff run.
Where do Cowboys' Troy Aikman, Roger Staubach rank among Super Bowl-era QBs in panel vote? :: Cowboys Wire
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A 13-member panel ranked Troy Aikman the 17th-best quarterback of the Super Bowl era, ahead of names like Warren Moon, Kurt Warner, and Johnny Unitas. Roger Staubach came in 11th, better than Fran Tarkenton, Dan Fouts, and Terry Bradshaw.
What does Eberflus' defense look like? :: The Mothership
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Based on Eberflus's history, expect the Cowboys defense to notch plenty of takeaways. And they should be much improved on stopping the run. But he's got more of a pass rush than he's used to, so it will be interesting to see how he utilizes that in his overall scheme. Eberflus is big on sure tackling, interior pressure, effort, and intensity.
Cowboys run defense issues deeper than an unwillingness to sign 1-tech DTs :: Cowboys Wire
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It's maybe too simplistic to pin the team's recent run-stopping woes solely on their defensive tackles. Edge rushers, linebackers, and defensive backs all played a part, too. Which means that the overall scheme in Dallas hasn't been effective at dealing with the run. Matt Eberflus needs to focus on discipline from his players... at every position if they're going to have a chance at improving in this key area.
Cowboys hope long-shot rookie can buck odds, turn 7th-round status into glory :: Cowboys Wire
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Tommy Akingbesote's role at defensive tackle is a bit unclear, and now he's got All-UFL star Perrion Winfrey breathing down his neck. He'll be fighting with Denzel Daxon and Earnest Brown IV for a spot on either the roster or the practice squad.
Breakout Watch: PFF identifies two Cowboys who should surpass expectations in 2025 :: Cowboys Wire
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The jury was split on which Cowboys player is poised for a breakout this season. On the one hand, Cooper Beebe was phenomenal in his very first year playing center, so a Year Two jump could elevate the entire O-line. On the other hand, Javonte Williams has had declining numbers in yards after contact in each of his NFL seasons. But he may benefit from the Cowboys' committee approach and therefore have a big year as a result.
10 biggest storylines Cowboys fans can expect to see in upcoming Netflix docuseries :: Dallas Morning News
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There will be plenty of airtime given to Jerry Jones's purchase of the team, but also the controversial firing of the only head coach the Cowboys had ever known... and the death threats that came with the move. An inside look at Jimmy Johnson's regime, the behind-the-scenes drama of the Herschel Walker trade, and the scandals of both the "White House" and the chaotic Super Bowl parade of 1994 will also make for must-see TV over what is now being promised as an eight-episode run.
Stashed in 2024, Cowboys 7th-round pick looks to turn grainy film into real opportunity :: Cowboys Wire
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The Cowboys thought enough of Nathan Thomas to stash him on injured reserve toward the end of training camp last year, letting him develop and learn while keeping him protected from other teams. Now he has a new coaching staff to impress all over again... but a golden opportunity before him with issues at both offensive tackle spots.
Cowboys' Terence Steele lives out every son's dream with special moment :: SI.com
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The right tackle bought his mom a house as a gift in a very cool moment that was shared on social media by his real estate agent. Colin Yang called the purchase "every son's goal."
NFL star targets Cowboys over not trying to sign him before $37 million free agency deal :: Cowboys Wire
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Saquon Barkley seemed to feel slighted by getting no interest from Dallas when he was in free agency. But it shouldn't have been a surprise; the Cowboys were still feeling the burn of their big-money dealings with Ezekiel Elliott when Barkley was out there looking for his own massive deal. The Eagles are taking a cap hit of just under $10 million for Barkley in 2025; the Cowboys have just $8.1 million on their books for their entire RB corps.
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