The Dallas Cowboys enter Organized Team Activities (OTAs) with as many questions as ambitions. After a disappointing end to the 2024 season in a lopsided Wild Card loss to the Green Bay Packers, the franchise finds itself at a crossroads. With changes to the roster, questions surrounding the coaching staff, and key players entering make-or-break years, this year’s OTAs aren’t just routine spring workouts—they’re the beginning of a defining chapter for America’s Team.
Here are five major questions to monitor as the Cowboys kick off OTAs, each with potentially enormous implications for the 2025 NFL season.
1. What’s the Future of Dak Prescott in Dallas?
At the center of every Cowboys storyline remains quarterback Dak Prescott, who is entering the final year of his four-year, $160 million deal. The front office has so far delayed an extension, leaving his status for 2026 and beyond in flux.
Prescott is coming off a season in which he led the league in touchdown passes (36), but once again fell short in the postseason. That loss against the Packers marked another chapter in Dallas’s playoff woes during the Prescott era—he now has a 2-5 career playoff record.
During OTAs, all eyes will be on his body language, communication with Mike McCarthy and new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, and signs of whether he’s fully invested for 2025 or entering a “prove-it” year with his next contract in mind.
Will the Cowboys commit long-term or hedge their bets with the 2025 draft or trade market?
This storyline could define the Cowboys’ future as much as their present.
2. Is the Offensive Line Ready for a Reboot or Rebuild?
For years, Dallas had one of the NFL’s most dominant offensive lines, anchored by stalwarts like Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, and Travis Frederick. But with Smith departing in free agency (signed by the Jets) and Martin entering what could be his final season, the once-proud line is in transition.
The Cowboys drafted Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton in the first round to address the vacancy left by Tyron Smith. Guyton is athletic, but raw—he only started 15 games in college. OTAs will offer the first real glimpse at how quickly Guyton can assimilate into a veteran-heavy offensive system.
Additionally, who plays center is still up for debate. Last year’s starter, Tyler Biadasz, left in free agency (Commanders), opening the door for Brock Hoffman, T.J. Bass, or potentially a rookie like Beaux Limmer to step up. Keep an eye on the rotation and whether the team experiments with Tyler Smith moving back inside to guard if Guyton excels at tackle.
The Cowboys’ success hinges on keeping Prescott upright—and providing a push in the run game, an area where Dallas struggled late last season.
3. Who Becomes the Lead Back in a Post-Tony Pollard Backfield?
Gone is Tony Pollard, who signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency after an underwhelming season as the Cowboys’ lead back. Dallas brought back Ezekiel Elliott on a veteran minimum deal in a move that feels more nostalgic than revolutionary.
Elliott, at this stage of his career, profiles best as a short-yardage or goal-line back. So who will take the reins on early downs?
Second-year back Deuce Vaughn had limited touches last season but offers versatility as a change-of-pace player. Meanwhile, Rico Dowdle showed flashes when healthy, and the team added Royce Freeman for depth.
There’s also buzz around Snoop Conner, and it’s possible that someone emerges during OTAs as the surprise frontrunner for RB1 duties.
However, don’t be surprised if the Cowboys look to add a back via trade or free agency before Week 1, especially if the committee approach looks ineffective during spring and summer sessions.
4. Can the Defense Thrive Without Dan Quinn?
Dan Quinn’s departure to the Washington Commanders as head coach may be the most impactful offseason storyline that isn’t receiving enough attention. Under Quinn, Dallas developed into one of the league’s most aggressive, turnover-producing defenses. His loss puts pressure on new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, the former Vikings head coach known for a more disciplined and less exotic approach.
Zimmer brings credibility and experience, but also a different scheme. He prefers a more conservative zone-based coverage scheme compared to Quinn’s man-heavy looks. The transition raises several important questions:
- Will Micah Parsons be used the same way, or will his role shift?
- Can Trevon Diggs regain his Pro Bowl form after an ACL tear under a new defensive system?
- Who replaces Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. on the edge?
Moreover, Zimmer must figure out how to best utilize Mazi Smith, the 2023 first-round pick who struggled to find a role last season.
OTA practices will provide insight into how Zimmer plans to align this unit—and whether he can maintain the same level of disruption Quinn engineered.
5. Is There Enough Receiving Firepower Behind CeeDee Lamb?
CeeDee Lamb has firmly established himself as one of the best wide receivers in football, posting 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024. But as dominant as he was, the Cowboys’ offense lacked consistency from other wideouts.
Brandin Cooks had an up-and-down year and is another year older. Michael Gallup was released in a cap-saving move, and Jalen Tolbert is still looking to prove himself as a reliable WR3.
The team signed rookie Ryan Flournoy out of Southeast Missouri State, a potential sleeper, and KaVontae Turpin could see more offensive usage beyond special teams. However, if no one emerges behind Lamb, defenses will continue to double him—especially in playoff matchups.
One big OTA focus will be the chemistry between Prescott and his secondary targets. If Cooks or Tolbert flashes consistency, the outlook changes. Otherwise, the Cowboys could explore veteran free agents like Hunter Renfrow or Tyler Boyd as summer additions.
Bonus: Is Mike McCarthy Coaching for His Job?
Entering the final year of his contract, Mike McCarthy has not yet been extended by Jerry Jones. After three straight 12-win seasons but no NFC Championship appearances, the pressure has never been higher.
The OTAs will be an early test of whether the team remains fully bought in. Any signs of complacency or regression—and McCarthy’s seat will only grow hotter.
With Dan Quinn gone and no clear heir apparent on staff, McCarthy has more authority than ever. That includes full control of the offense again. If it thrives, so will his job security. If not, Jones could be shopping for a new coach as early as midseason.
Final Thoughts
For Cowboys fans, OTAs may feel like the calm before the storm. But what happens in May and June often lays the foundation for September and beyond. With questions surrounding Dak Prescott’s future, a changing offensive line, a running back committee, a new defensive coordinator, and unproven depth at receiver, this may be the most important spring session the Cowboys have held in years.
While no definitive answers will come in OTAs, they will signal the direction of this team. In a competitive NFC East and a stacked NFC overall, Dallas can’t afford to get left behind.
