As the NFL offseason unfolds and teams begin organizing minicamps, optimism is usually in the air. But for the Dallas Cowboys, the narrative has shifted dramatically. Once considered perennial contenders in the NFC, the Cowboys enter the 2025 NFL season under a cloud of uncertainty. Between a shaky quarterback situation, coaching instability, offseason misfires, and locker room questions, the signs point to a potentially difficult campaign for America’s Team.
While it’s never wise to count the Cowboys out completely—given their immense resources and high-end talent—the cracks in the foundation appear too large to ignore this time. This article explores the key reasons why it is anticipated that the Dallas Cowboys will struggle in the 2025 NFL season.
1. The Dak Prescott Dilemma
Perhaps the biggest source of concern is quarterback Dak Prescott. Once considered the franchise’s cornerstone, Prescott enters the 2025 season on shaky ground. After a disappointing playoff exit last year, during which he threw two costly interceptions against the Green Bay Packers, Prescott’s ability to lead the team deep into the postseason is being questioned more than ever.
Even more pressing is his contract situation. With a massive cap hit and no long-term extension in place, it’s evident that the front office is unsure of Prescott’s future in Dallas. The noise surrounding his leadership and locker room presence has grown louder. Whispers about his disconnect with teammates and coaches could translate to on-field dysfunction. If he struggles early in the season, don’t be surprised if calls for Trey Lance or rookie Spencer Rattler escalate.
2. Mike McCarthy on the Hot Seat
Head coach Mike McCarthy barely survived the offseason. After another playoff disappointment, rumors swirled that Dallas was pursuing Bill Belichick. Though McCarthy retained his job, he enters the 2025 season with zero margin for error. The Cowboys have failed to advance past the divisional round in all four of McCarthy’s seasons, and owner Jerry Jones is known for his impatience.
What’s more, McCarthy’s conservative play-calling and in-game management have come under fire. His decision to continue calling plays after Kellen Moore’s departure has not yielded the explosive offensive results the team once showcased. If the Cowboys start slowly, McCarthy could easily be the first head coach fired mid-season, leaving the team in chaos.
3. Losses in Free Agency and Aging Core
Dallas was relatively quiet in free agency, which raised eyebrows considering the team’s existing holes. Key departures included center Tyler Biadasz, running back Tony Pollard, defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins, and cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Though the Cowboys brought in some low-profile veterans and rookies, none are projected to make an immediate elite-level impact.
Even more concerning is the aging core of the team. Zack Martin and Tyron Smith have been stalwarts on the offensive line for years, but both are now well into their 30s and battling chronic injuries. Demarcus Lawrence and Brandin Cooks are also past their primes. The Cowboys are clinging to stars with dwindling production, which is rarely a successful formula in today’s NFL.
4. Questionable Draft Strategy
The Cowboys’ 2025 NFL Draft did not inspire much confidence. While some prospects have upside, many analysts questioned the team’s failure to address immediate needs aggressively. Dallas opted for defensive end Marshawn Kneeland in the first round—a player with upside but seen as a project rather than a plug-and-play star.
Perhaps the most controversial pick was quarterback Spencer Rattler in the third round. While Rattler has talent, his selection added fuel to the fire around Prescott’s shaky status and introduced a potential distraction in the locker room. With glaring needs at running back, interior offensive line, and cornerback, the Cowboys’ draft strategy raised more questions than answers.
5. The Running Back Void
Tony Pollard’s departure left a gaping hole in the backfield, one the Cowboys seem ill-prepared to fill. They re-signed Ezekiel Elliott, but it’s clear Zeke is no longer the dynamic threat he once was. Rico Dowdle is serviceable, but he’s not a true No. 1 back. Dallas failed to draft a top-tier running back or sign a marquee free agent at the position.
In today’s NFL, while some devalue the running back position, it’s still vital to have balance—especially when your quarterback has struggled with turnovers. The Cowboys lack that balance heading into 2025, and it could come back to haunt them in critical games.
6. Injury Concerns
The Cowboys have several key players with injury histories that cannot be ignored. Tyron Smith has missed 33 games over the past four seasons. Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, who retired due to a recurring neck issue, leaves a significant leadership void in the defense. Meanwhile, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is battling minor nagging injuries that could affect his early-season availability.
Health is always a wild card, but with such little depth at crucial positions, Dallas is just one or two injuries away from catastrophe. Their lack of contingency planning—especially on the offensive line—means even short-term injuries could be devastating.
7. NFC East Competition Intensifies
The NFC East is no longer the division of mediocrity it once was. The Philadelphia Eagles remain stacked with talent on both sides of the ball, and they reloaded with elite defensive players like Chop Robinson and Quinyon Mitchell in the draft. The New York Giants are still rebuilding but added Malik Nabers to give their offense a real weapon. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders are poised to make a leap under new head coach Dan Quinn and No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels.
With each division rival improving and Dallas seemingly stagnating—or regressing—the path to another NFC East title looks more like a pipe dream than a possibility.
8. Locker Room Tension and Culture Questions
Over the past year, there have been reports of simmering locker room tension. The bond between McCarthy and his players doesn’t seem strong, and even Dak Prescott’s leadership has been called into question. Veteran leaders like Tyron Smith and Demarcus Lawrence have either departed or lost influence due to age or injury.
Without a unifying voice, the Cowboys risk descending into finger-pointing and dysfunction when adversity strikes. The emotional collapse in last year’s playoff loss to the Packers is a case study in what happens when a team lacks strong, vocal leadership in crunch time.
9. Special Teams Regression
Under John Fassel, the Cowboys had one of the better special teams units in the league in recent years. However, inconsistency at kicker and returner positions has become an issue. Brandon Aubrey had a solid debut season, but he faltered in the postseason. There’s no established return threat on the roster, and coverage units ranked in the bottom half of the league last year.
Special teams don’t always get the headlines, but they often decide close games. A few breakdowns in this phase could mean the difference between 10–7 and 7–10.
10. A Brutal Schedule
Dallas has one of the toughest schedules in the NFL for 2025. They face the likes of the 49ers, Lions, Bengals, and Steelers outside their division. Inside the NFC East, matchups with the Eagles and emerging Commanders are anything but easy. The road games are particularly daunting—traveling to Lambeau Field, Ford Field, and Pittsburgh late in the season.
The first half of the schedule includes early road games at Philadelphia and San Francisco, two contests that could set the tone for a disheartening year. If they start 1–4 or 2–3, the pressure cooker in Dallas will reach a boiling point.