Cowboys News Headlines: Confusion over Parsons progress; Mel Kiper Jr. sticks with RB pick

USA Today

20-03-2025

Cowboys News Headlines: Confusion over Parsons progress; Mel Kiper Jr. sticks with RB pick
The next big item on the Cowboys' offseason to-do list should be securing Micah Parsons to a long-term deal. That process is well underway in Dallas... or maybe not... depending on who you ask. We've got the latest on what's being reported about the progress on a Parsons megacontract.
Elsewhere, the mock drafts are leaning toward running back help for Dallas, including draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. doubling down on the same ballcarrier he picked for the Cowboys previously. But there are also multiple wide receivers to consider at some point, late-round backfield options worth looking at, and a big glaring hole front and center in the defensive line. We've got another ex-Cowboy dragging the organization, a former NFL QB explaining how to help Dak Prescott, and Rico Dowdle not taking the bait in an interview in Carolina. All that, plus Rodney Peete is back in the sports headlines for a baseball highlight; we'll look back at how he was in the background of several huge moments in Cowboys history.
Conflicting reports emerge regarding whether Cowboys, Micah Parsons are talking :: ProFootballTalk
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WFAA's Mike Leslie has reported that Parsons and the team have held discussions as recently as Tuesday. NFL Network's Jane Slater says nothing is close and that "meaningful talks haven't even begun yet." Clarence Hill Jr. of All City DLLS seconded that. So the waiting continues.
$100 million CB who Cowboys traded as rook says they 'don't make a lot of good decisions' :: Cowboys Wire
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The Cowboys signed Charvarius Ward as an undrafted free agent in 2018 but then traded him away to the Chiefs for an offensive lineman who ended up never playing a single snap for the team. "I was strappin' all them boys," the cornerback recalled of his brief stay in Cowboys' camp. "I thought I was gonna make the team with Dallas, but Dallas don't make a lot of good decisions, so they ended up trading me to Kansas City, which was the best thing to happen to me." Ward has been an every-season starter since 2019, made a Pro Bowl with San Francisco, and has earned over $100 million in contracts, including his new three-year deal with the Colts. He's definitely one that got away.
Will Cowboys use early NFL draft pick to help Dak Prescott? Mel Kiper Jr. shares thoughts :: Dallas Morning News
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For the second time this mock season, Kiper likes the Cowboys to select North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton with the 12th overall pick. 'He's got the ability to run hard inside, run tough up the gut, and bounce it outside," the draft guru said. "He's got that burst." Kiper admitted that Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan could "very easily" be the call, too.
2-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft: 3 QBs in the Top 10, Will Campbell falls, and Pittsburgh finds its new workhorse running back :: Pro Football Network
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This mock has the Cowboys opting for Ashton Jeanty instead of an offensive lineman in the first round, even if it's a case of flash over substance. With the 44th overall pick, they go defense and take Mississippi's terrifying edge rusher, Princely Umanmielen.
Power Ranking the top running backs in the 2025 NFL draft :: Touchdown Wire
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You know Jeanty and Hampton and even TreVeyon Henderson. But names like Brashard Smith (SMU), Dylan Sampson (Tennessee), and Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State) are ones to watch, too. Even later in the draft, look for Auburn's Jarquez Hunter and Kansas State's DJ Giddens.
Rico Dowdle sidesteps Cowboys controversy, calls Chuba Hubbard a 'baller' :: The Athletic
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The former Cowboys running back stayed away from making any DeMarcus Lawrence-like comments about his ex-teammates' chances moving forward. As for his new one-year trial situation in Carolina, he knows he'll be splitting time with Chuba Hubbard, just as he did in Dallas with Ezekiel Elliott last year. 'We were thinking more multiyear deal going into free agency, but it is what it is and it took a turn. I truly believe everything will work out how it's supposed to work out, though.'
Ex-Pro Bowl, Super Bowl QB says Dallas Cowboys 'have to add pieces to help' Dak Prescott :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
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Matt Ryan knows what it's like to be thought of as a good quarterback who's not quite good enough. Now with the broader perspective of a broadcaster, he has some ideas on how Dak Prescott can take that next step. 'It's about getting more shots in the playoffs. They have to give themselves more opportunities," Ryan said. "They have to add pieces to help him, too. They don't play in a vacuum,' Ryan said. 'You are depending on a lot of different variables. Does the line block? Do they have the players that will help in the passing game? You are depending on the defense getting stops."
Dallas Cowboys scheduled to meet with contested catch specialist WR :: SI.com
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Memphis wide receiver Roc Taylor is scheduled to meet with the Cowboys in the coming weeks. He's an impressive big-bodied target who blew up for over 2,000 yards in his final two years with the Tigers. He's a raw talent, but his knack for contested catches could make him a late-round project worth considering for Dallas.
Massive hole remains on Cowboys defense, demanding attention in 2025 NFL draft :: Cowboys Wire
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The offseason's additions have put together a fairly solid defensive line ahead of the 2025 season. But they still lack a true 1-tech D-tackle. Deploying journeymen and replacement-level players in the role has led to teams gashing the Cowboys in the run game. There are good options in the draft class, but it's going to take spending a top-75 pick to land a difference-maker.
Draft Blog: Prospects to watch at Big 12 Pro Days :: The Mothership
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With the Big 12 teams holding joint pro days at Ford Center in Frisco beginning Wednesday, Cowboys staffers have a front-row seat for some top prospects. Watch out for cornerbacks like Mello Dotson (Kansas) or Jacob Parrish (Kansas Sate). And while Arizona running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt doesn't have the same clout as the year's elite ballcarriers, he has high upside should the Cowboys double-dip at the position or wait until later rounds.
Rodney Peete's baseball catch has Cowboys fans recalling '94 stint with team :: Cowboys Wire
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The ex-NFLer shagging a pop foul in Tokyo during the Cubs-Dodgers season opener on Tuesday came as a surprise. But longtime Cowboys fans will recall that Peete was Troy Aikman's backup the year they tried for the Super Bowl threepeat. Peete got into seven games and started only one contest during his Dallas stint. Notably, it was his injury- combined with one to Aikman, as well- that gave a third-stringer named Jason Garrett the Thanksgiving start in one of the most memorable games in franchise history.