5 Dallas Cowboys Veterans Who Won't Be on the Roster Next Season

The Cowboys have some tough decisions to make this offseason as they look to retool their roster.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys are facing a busy offseason as they look to make changes to their coaching staff and roster. While they will look to re-sign key free agents like George Pickens, Javonte Williams, and Jadeveon Clowney, the team is also expected to part ways with several veteran players who are unlikely to be on the roster next season.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are coming off a disappointing season and need to make strategic moves to improve their team for the 2026 campaign. Parting ways with underperforming veterans will allow them to bring in younger, more dynamic players who better fit the team's needs.

The details

The five Dallas Cowboys veterans who are not expected to be on the roster next season are: linebacker Jack Sanborn, running back Miles Sanders, linebacker Kenneth Murray, wide receiver Jalen Tolbert, and safety Donovan Wilson. Sanborn was signed due to his ties with the former defensive coordinator, but didn't make the expected impact. Sanders was injured for much of the season. Murray struggled in coverage and against the run. Tolbert was surpassed on the depth chart by Ryan Flournoy. And the 31-year-old Wilson needs to be upgraded in the secondary.

  • The 2026 NFL season will begin in September 2026.

The players

Jack Sanborn

A linebacker who was signed due to his ties with the former defensive coordinator, but did not make the expected impact.

Miles Sanders

A running back who was sidelined for much of the season with a knee injury.

Kenneth Murray

A linebacker who struggled in coverage and against the run, despite the coaching staff keeping him on the field.

Jalen Tolbert

A wide receiver who was surpassed on the depth chart by Ryan Flournoy after a disappointing 2025 season.

Donovan Wilson

A 31-year-old safety who needs to be upgraded in the Cowboys' secondary.

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What’s next

The Cowboys will need to address these roster holes through free agency, the draft, and potential trades in the coming months as they look to build a more competitive team for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Cowboys are facing some tough decisions this offseason as they look to part ways with several underperforming veteran players. These moves will allow them to bring in younger, more dynamic talent that better fits their needs and helps them bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.