Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x
Dak Prescott Reveals New Cowboys Culture Under Brian Schottenheimer
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys have received plenty of criticism for hiring new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. All of it, however, has come from outside the building here at The Star.

Inside the organization, Schottenheimer is being praised for improving the culture and getting the team on the same page. That sentiment was again echoed Friday night as players past and present gathered for the 35th anniversary Children’s Cancer Fund event in Dallas.

Quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Tony Romo were in attendance, as was current star Dak Prescott. Along with addressing the erroneous rumors surrounding his weight loss and providing a positive update on his health, Dak revealed his early impressions of Schottenheimer as head coach.

"It's not any monumental conversations that are needed to happen, but definitely his direction, the way that he sees this offense going, and the way that he sees the team going," Prescott said. "I think it's clear throughout the team with guys and men that he's hired, the coaches, and the way that he's got the whole building on the same page."

Meanwhile, former Cowboys such as Dez Bryant, Emmitt Smith and Marcus Spears are lukewarm at best on the hiring of Schottenheimer. They believe their former team needed a jolt, not merely a promotion from within that will only provide subtle tweaks from the style of previous coach Mike McCarthy.

Said Dez recently, "It feels like everybody is in a comfort zone, and that’s not what we need. We got the biggest franchise in sports, and we’re acting like we’re this poverty franchise for whatever reason. I think they’re rebuilding, and it sucks. I don’t like the energy, I don’t like what’s going on in the Cowboys organization. We want to win. I’m speaking on behalf of the fans, what’s going on?”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST

Steelers come to record-breaking deal with undrafted free agent after 2025 NFL Draft
NFL

Steelers come to record-breaking deal with undrafted free agent after 2025 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a very successful draft in 2025 as the team addressed many needs while also accruing some good value on the draft board. The organization spent its first-round pick on defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, and then addressed the defensive line again when selecting Yahya Black. The franchise showed its love for championship pedigree as well when drafting Jack Sawyer and Will Howard, and added explosive running back Kaleb Johnson. Pittsburgh got a lot done in the actual draft, but teams always look to find some gems after the event ends. The Steelers have found some great undrafted free agents throughout the franchise's history, including players like James Harrison and Jaylen Warren. Pittsburgh got to work after the draft ended and managed to ink a record-breaking deal with tight end DJ Thomas-Jones out of South Alabama. The $30,000 signing bonus on Thomas-Jones' deal is the largest signing bonus given to a non-quarterback undrafted free agent in the team's history, which shows just how important it was for the franchise to land the tight end. He will be able to compete for a roster spot up until the start of the regular season as he joins a crowded tight end room. Thomas-Jones spent five seasons in college, but he didn't receive major playing time until the 2022 season. He was not a big-play threat throughout his career as he never eclipsed 30 catches in a season, and his season high for yards was 235. He didn't produce as much as a lot of the tight ends that make it to the NFL, but he is an impactful player as a blocking tight end. Pittsburgh's tight end has a clear-cut top-two, as Pat Freiermuth is the starter with Darnell Washington right behind him. Connor Heyward is also a tight end, but he plays some fullback as well. Pittsburgh also signed Donald Parham Jr. during the 2025 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh kept four tight ends on the final roster in 2024, and there will likely be a competition amongst Heyward, Parham, and Thomas-Jones for those final two roster spots. Heyward provides some versatility as he can play special teams and is effective as a fullback, but it seems like that is a role that could be filled by Thomas-Jones. Heyward was under fire many times throughout the 2024 season, and he only has one year remaining on his rookie deal. He could be a cut-candidate towards the end of training camp, with Thomas-Jones potentially filling his shoes. Steelers continued to add to the offensive side of the ball after the draft Thomas-Jones was not the only offensive weapon Pittsburgh added after the draft ended. The organization also signed wide receiver Roc Taylor to a deal, and he will be competing for a spot on the roster. Taylor is 6'3, 215 pounds and is primarily considered an outside wide receiver. He is a big-play threat as he tallied over 2,000 receiving yards over his final two seasons in college. According to a report from NFL analyst Lance Zierlein, Taylor will be able to come down with some contested catches, but he needs to work on getting separation from defenders. This is something the Pittsburgh coaching staff will look to get Taylor better at, and if he can improve in this area he may have a chance at making the final roster in Pittsburgh. The Steelers will continue to look for quality undrafted free agents now that the draft has ended, and the organization will likely revisit the current free agent pool with a better idea of what its roster will look like.

Dolphins veteran players reportedly fed up with Mike McDaniel
NFL

Dolphins veteran players reportedly fed up with Mike McDaniel

From looking like an offensive juggernaut against the Denver Broncos to barely being able to move the ball with backup quarterbacks following scary injuries to Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins have been fluctuating drastically in recent years. According to a report from Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, the veteran players in Miami are fed up with Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. This report comes from the Dolphins heading into a pivotal 2025 NFL Draft. With a lot up in the air, including the jobs of the head coach and general manager, the 2025 draft is a huge one for Miami. Pauline reports that with all of the holes on the roster, there are several people around the NFL who believe the Dolphins have regressed further beyond their 2024 regression. After making the playoffs in the first two seasons under McDaniel, the Dolphins were hoping a healthy Tagovailoa could lead them back to the postseason. But after another injury to Tagovailoa, the Dolphins struggled to stay afloat, finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs. The regression is hitting the Dolphins, and some of their best veteran players are in trade rumors. All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey is on the trade block, though largely at the Dolphins' discretion. Polarizing wide receiver Tyreek Hill is also being rumored in trade conversations, despite the Dolphins vehemently denying them. Calais Campbell didn't return to Miami in free agency, and other veterans have left Miami in recent years. This report comes at a rough point, after general manager Chris Grier had a controversial predraft news conference and a plethora of veterans are in trade rumors. McDaniel could be going into his last season as the Dolphins head coach, as the veteran players are beginning to make their voices heard through the media. If these reports continue, Miami could be in store for a disappointing year. While any changes likely won't happen for some time, 2025 could be the final year of the McDaniel era if things fall apart once again during the season. The fan base is growing tired of McDaniel and Grier, and so too are the veterans on the roster, according to Pauline's report.

Tracking every Dallas Cowboys' undrafted free agency signing right after 2025 NFL Draft
NFL

Tracking every Dallas Cowboys' undrafted free agency signing right after 2025 NFL Draft

Seven rounds of NFL Draft is over but that doesn't mean Dallas Cowboys scouts and the front office are going to sleep anytime soon. It's UDFA season, baby! The Cowboys made nine picks in the Draft but we know just how important undrafted free agents are for them. Think of fullback Hunter Luepke, tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford, offensive tackle Terence Steele and going even farther back in the past, Tony Romo! It's a space they're considered one of the best teams in the NFL at. As such, it's time to keep tabs with every move the Cowboys make. We will continue updating this post as updates start to pour in so feel free to bookmark this post and keep checking in on it! UDFA signings DB Zion Childress, Kentucky (via Jason Hirschhorn) TE Tyler Neville, Virginia (via Greg Madia) WR Traeshon Holden, Oregon (via himself) DB Alijah Clark, Syracuse (via Syracuse Football) LB Justin Barron, Syracuse (via Syracuse Football) WR Josh Kelly, Texas Tech (via Justin Melo) TE Rivaldo Fairweather, Auburn (via Nick Harris) DB Mike Smith Jr., Eastern Kentucky (via Arye Pulli) CB Bruce Harmon, Stephen F. Austin (via Calvin Watkins) Minicamp invite Coming soon... (None reported yet)

Grading the Saints' draft
NFL

Grading the Saints' draft

New Orleans Saints Grade: D Best Pick: OT Kelvin Banks, No. 9 Overall What We Liked: Banks is a good tackle who fits the mauling mold the Saints seem to look for. He feels a lot like Trevor Penning, but with more experience facing NFL talent and less frenzy. Jonas Sanker (No. 93) can fill a safety slot once their older guys age out, and he's versatile enough where you can evaluate his strengths and slot a new guy in next to him pretty easily. Quincy Riley (No. 131) adds some speed to the cornerback room. Not Sure About: Taking Tyler Shough (No. 40) is just begging to have the Brandon Weeden experience for yourself. If this is your plan at quarterback, you'll be taking another big swing in 2026. It's not like they have given him any support this year either. If the Saints had given him an earlier wideout, then perhaps it could be fine, but if the injuries return, it honestly could be an 0-17 season. --Dean Bruce, special to Field Level Media

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!