In the brutal, cutthroat world of the NFL, support only goes so far. At some point, performance becomes the great equalizer. That’s precisely where defensive end Tyrus Wheat now finds himself — on the fringe of the Dallas Cowboys’ roster, desperately needing to turn heads in training camp to earn his place. Though he has been a loyal soldier in Dallas’ defensive system, stepping up in moments of adversity, the time has come for him to show that he can do more than just fill a void — he must create one in the opposing backfield.
This offseason, the Cowboys have overhauled various parts of their roster, focusing on youth, speed, and raw athleticism on the defensive line. That emphasis has only made Wheat’s situation more precarious. While his work ethic and locker room presence have never been questioned, the NFL is not a sentiment-driven league. It’s a production-based business. And right now, the Cowboys need disruptors — not just contributors.
From the Practice Squad to the Spotlight
Tyrus Wheat is no stranger to adversity. An undrafted free agent out of Mississippi State in 2023, Wheat joined the Cowboys as an underdog. After spending much of his rookie season on the practice squad, he was called up during a stretch when Dallas’ defensive line was battered with injuries. It was during those emergency appearances that Wheat showed flashes of promise — setting the edge against the run, pressuring quarterbacks in spurts, and playing with a high motor.
The coaching staff took note. Wheat wasn’t the most athletic player on the field, but his intelligence, physicality, and consistency earned him a level of trust not often extended to undrafted rookies. Still, flashes aren’t enough anymore. With a wave of young talent entering training camp and seasoned veterans already entrenched in the depth chart, Wheat has arrived at a career-defining crossroads.
The Current Landscape at Defensive End
The Cowboys’ defensive end rotation is loaded with top-tier talent and emerging prospects. Micah Parsons, though technically a linebacker, is often used as a pass-rusher off the edge and is the unquestioned superstar of the defense. Then there’s Demarcus Lawrence, the veteran edge defender who, while aging, remains a foundational piece for defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s scheme.
Behind them is a logjam of rotational talent. Sam Williams, entering his third season, has shown elite athletic traits but lacks consistency. Dante Fowler Jr. was re-signed for depth and experience. Then there are rookies and practice squad hopefuls like Marquis Haynes, Durrell Johnson, and Wheat himself, all fighting for that final roster spot.
The numbers are grim. The Cowboys are unlikely to carry more than five edge rushers on the 53-man roster. Barring injury, the top four spots are practically locked in. That leaves Wheat battling with at least three or four others for, at best, one slot. The margin for error is nonexistent.
The Zimmer Factor: Scheme Fit Could Be His Ace
One subtle variable working in Wheat’s favor is the arrival of Mike Zimmer. The longtime Vikings head coach and defensive guru has taken over as Dallas’ new defensive coordinator. Zimmer’s system emphasizes discipline, edge containment, and hybrid fronts — elements that play to Wheat’s strengths.
While not an elite athlete, Wheat thrives when playing assignment-sound football. He’s a technically refined run defender and understands leverage better than most young players. In Zimmer’s scheme, players like Wheat can earn meaningful roles through consistency and intelligence, not just athleticism.
This change could open the door for Wheat to serve as a rotational early-down edge defender or even kick inside on obvious passing downs. But to capitalize, he must show growth — not just competence.
Areas of Focus Heading into Training Camp
For Wheat to make a serious push, there are specific aspects of his game that must take a leap:
1. Pass Rush Arsenal
Wheat has shown flashes of being able to collapse the pocket, but he needs to diversify his approach. Last season, he relied heavily on bull rushes and leverage. That won’t be enough against NFL-caliber tackles. He must add a counter move — whether it’s a spin, swim, or rip — to keep linemen guessing.
2. Special Teams Contribution
If Wheat wants to increase his roster odds, he must shine on special teams. Roster locks are often determined not by starting ability but by versatility. In coverage units and field goal blocks, he must prove to John Fassel and the special teams staff that he’s indispensable.
3. Durability and Conditioning
Injuries have derailed many promising camp stories. Wheat must stay healthy and be in peak shape. Fatigue leads to mistakes, especially in live reps during joint practices and preseason games. If he can stay on the field and show sustained effort, coaches will take notice.
A Quiet Leader in the Locker Room
Beyond the field, Tyrus Wheat has carved out a reputation as a quiet, steadying presence in the Cowboys’ locker room. When others were frustrated with playing time or dealing with injuries, Wheat was the guy staying late to study tape, taking scout team reps seriously, and mentoring younger practice squad players.
In a locker room with high-profile stars like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs, there’s value in having blue-collar grinders who set the tone during long weeks of preparation. Coaches love “glue guys,” and Wheat is exactly that — someone who binds the team together, even if he rarely makes headlines.
The Business Side of the NFL
Unfortunately, emotional attachment and intangible qualities only go so far. The Cowboys have made tough decisions before, and they’ll do it again. The front office is ruthless when it comes to trimming the roster down to the final 53. Even fan favorites have been cut when the numbers didn’t justify keeping them.
Wheat’s familiarity with the system, his history of stepping up when needed, and his effort will be considered. But this is the moment where film trumps familiarity. He’ll have to produce in preseason action — not just in practice — to make the decision difficult for Jerry Jones and the staff.
Can He Be This Year’s Dorance Armstrong?
There’s precedent for late bloomers in Dallas’ defensive front. Dorance Armstrong, now one of the Cowboys’ more valuable defensive pieces, spent years bouncing between the active roster and special teams units before becoming a key contributor. He was once in Wheat’s shoes — a fringe player fighting for attention.
Wheat will be looking to emulate Armstrong’s trajectory. That means standing out in live reps, taking advantage of every opportunity, and forcing the coaching staff to make room for him. One sack in a preseason game, one game-changing play on special teams — that’s all it might take to shift momentum in his favor.
A Final Shot?
This could very well be Wheat’s final shot with the Cowboys. If he doesn’t make the 53-man roster, the best-case scenario might be returning to the practice squad — but even that isn’t guaranteed. Other teams may pluck him, or Dallas could opt to develop a younger player with a higher ceiling.
That’s the harsh reality of professional football: moments of loyalty and support are often footnotes, not contracts. Players like Wheat — steady, unflashy, loyal — are often the first to go when rosters tighten.
