Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Kicks Off with New Leadership

Training camp for the Dallas Cowboys' 2025-26 season launches Tuesday in Oxnard, California. Owner Jerry Jones, COO Stephen Jones, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer will address the media before the team takes the field.

After a disappointing 7-10 finish last season, the Cowboys are eager to turn things around. The coaching staff has undergone significant changes; Schottenheimer steps up as head coach following the expiration of Mike McCarthy's contract, which was not renewed after negotiations stalled.

Schottenheimer has made strategic hires, bringing in Klayton Adams from the Arizona Cardinals as offensive coordinator and Matt Eberflus, formerly of the Chicago Bears, to lead the defense. Additionally, Bick Sorenson joins as special teams coordinator, enhancing the coaching lineup.

Quarterback Dak Prescott returns after missing the final nine games last season due to a hamstring injury. He participated in minicamp last month and is expected to be fully prepared for the upcoming season.

In a shift from previous seasons, Cooper Rush is no longer the backup quarterback. The Cowboys acquired Joe Milton from the New England Patriots, trading a 5th-round pick for him and a 7th-round selection. They also signed Will Grier, who was part of the team in 2022.

To bolster Prescott's offensive options, the Cowboys traded for wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers, sending third and fifth-round picks in return while receiving a sixth-round pick. This move comes as they look to fill the void left by veteran Brandin Cooks, who signed with New Orleans.

Pickens, standing at 6-3 and weighing 200 pounds, is entering the final year of his contract after being a second-round pick. He has recorded 174 receptions for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns in his career, averaging 16.1 yards per catch.

The running game sees a transformation as well; Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle are out. The Cowboys have signed veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders while drafting Jaydon Blue from Texas in the fifth round.

With Zack Martin retiring after the 2024-25 season, the Cowboys quickly addressed his absence by selecting Alabama guard Tyler Booker with their first draft pick. Bill Jones of CBS Sports Texas described Booker as a "big, strong Alpha male leader," emphasizing his ability to anchor against pass rushers and dominate in the trenches alongside Pro Bowler Tyler Smith.

As contract negotiations loom again, star pass rusher Micah Parsons enters the final year of his rookie deal. Since being drafted in 2020, he has established himself as one of the top players in his position. Parsons anticipates a lucrative contract extension, especially following recent high-profile deals for other elite pass rushers.

The Cowboys' defense struggled last season, ranking near the bottom of the league by allowing the second-most points and fifth-highest yards per play. With a new coordinator and an overhauled roster, they aim to improve significantly this year.

Key departures and additions will shape the team's future as they prepare for a fresh start this season.