SCHUYLER DIXON Pro Football Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones walks on the field before an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Jerry Jones wants to be the owner with the most Super Bowls, but the Cowboys have a long way to go

January 7, 2026

Jerry Jones’ lofty Super Bowl goal sounds like more than his Dallas Cowboys can handle. Jones wants to be the owner with the most NFL championships despite New England’s Robert Kraft having twice as many as his three. The Cowboys haven’t even sniffed an NFL championship in the past 30 of 37 years under Jones. Dallas is coming off consecutive losing seasons, and Jones is 83. Even he acknowledges he might not have many NFL drafts left. And this one will be huge to try to fix one of the NFL’s worst defenses.

FILE - Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus on the sidelines during a NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson, File)

Cowboys fire defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after one season, AP sources say

January 6, 2026

Two people with knowledge of the decision say the Dallas Cowboys have fired first-year defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after they allowed the most points and intercepted the fewest passes in franchise history. It’s the second consecutive season in which Eberflus has been fired. He was let go midseason in 2024, his third year as coach of the Chicago Bears. Eberflus made it to the end of the season in his return to Dallas, where he had been an assistant from 2011-17 before going to Indianapolis as defensive coordinator. But the 55-year-old’s fate appeared sealed before Sunday’s finale. Dallas’ 34-17 loss at the New York Giants set a club record as the ninth game of allowing at least 30 points.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) walks along he sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Cowboys waive cornerback Trevon Diggs to end tumultuous finish to his Dallas career

December 30, 2025

The Cowboys have waived cornerback Trevon Diggs. The move ends a tumultuous final season a game early in a Dallas career that never lived up to the promise of a 2021 All-Pro performance that included 11 interceptions. The move came five days before Dallas’ season finale Sunday at the New York Giants. Diggs will be a free agent after clearing waivers. Diggs missed eight games after sustaining a concussion in an accident at home. The team said Diggs’ delayed return was more about issues with the 27-year-old’s knees.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) celebrates his touchdown with center Bradley Bozeman (75) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Justin Herbert keeps Chargers rolling toward playoffs with 34-17 win over Cowboys

December 21, 2025

Justin Herbert threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score and the Los Angeles Chargers closed in on a playoff spot with a 34-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The Chargers’ fourth consecutive victory gave them a chance to clinch their second postseason berth in two seasons under coach Jim Harbaugh. LA would be in with a loss or tie by Indianapolis on Monday night. Dak Prescott had TD passes on his first two drives but couldn’t find the end zone again for Dallas. The Cowboys were eliminated from the playoffs for the second year in a row with Philadelphia’s NFC East-clinching victory at Washington on Saturday.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) defends on Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Trevon Diggs returns for the Cowboys 2 months after getting a concussion at home

December 21, 2025

Trevon Diggs is playing for the Dallas Cowboys in their home finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. It’s the cornerback’s first action since sustaining a concussion in an accident at home two months ago. The Cowboys have said the delay in Diggs’ return was due to lingering issues with his knees. He has had surgery on his left knee twice in the past two years. The Cowboys are also without defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. He exited with a concussion 10 days ago in a loss to Minnesota. It’s the first game Williams has missed since joining Dallas in a trade with the New York Jets in November.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)

Prescott says Cowboys have to stick to business with playoff hopes all but gone

December 15, 2025

Dak Prescott stared blankly for several seconds when the star quarterback was asked what the goal would be for the Dallas Cowboys over the final three games with their playoff hopes all but gone. The long pause said it all after a Minnesota team that was eliminated from postseason contention before kickoff put Prescott’s crew in basically the same place with a 34-26 victory. Dallas might be eliminated before playing its next game Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. NFC East rival Philadelphia likely will finish off the Cowboys by beating four-win Washington on Saturday.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott speaks to his teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)

Dak Prescott and Cowboys watch playoff hopes all but vanish in 34-26 loss to Vikings

December 14, 2025

J.J. McCarthy threw for two touchdowns and ran for a score, C.J. Ham had the go-ahead TD on his first carry of the season and the Minnesota Vikings severely damaged Dallas’ playoff hopes with a 34-26 victory over the Cowboys. The Vikings won a second consecutive game after they were eliminated from the postseason race before the kickoff. The Cowboys have to win their three remaining games and hope defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia goes 0-3 in order for Dallas to overtake the Eagles in the NFC East. Both of McCarthy’s TD tosses were to Jalen Nailor.

FILE - Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams looks on during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Nov 17, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker, File)

Quinnen Williams won’t say it, but there’s no denying his impact on the Dallas defense

December 2, 2025

Quinnen Williams disregards the notion that the standout defensive tackle’s arrival in a trade is the best explanation for a dramatic turnaround by the defense of the Dallas Cowboys. Teammates and coaches agree — to a point. Coach Brian Schottenheimer says the presence of Williams is real and gives teammates more chances to shine. Here’s the reality. Dallas is 3-0 since giving the New York Jets a 2027 first-round draft pick, a second-rounder next year and underperforming defensive tackle Mazi Smith to acquire Williams at the trade deadline. And the defense is a big part of the surge. The Cowboys visit Detroit on Thursday night.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) catches a touchdown pass as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Prescott’s Cowboys overcome Mahomes’ fourth-down magic in 31-28 Thanksgiving win over Chiefs

November 27, 2025

Dak Prescott threw for two touchdowns, Malik Davis sprinted 43 yards for a score and the Dallas Cowboys overcame two fourth down TD throws from Patrick Mahomes in a 31-28 Thanksgiving victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. CeeDee Lamb scored the first Dallas touchdown and finished with 112 yards on seven catches four days after drops plagued the star receiver in a victory over defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia. The Cowboys (6-5-1) have won three straight, knocking off both of last season’s Super Bowl teams in the past five days, and they dropped the defending AFC champion Chiefs (6-6) back to .500 in a matchup of playoff-chasing teams. Mahomes had four touchdown passes.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) celebrates his rushing touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Dak Prescott rallies Cowboys from 21 down to beat Eagles 24-21 after breaking Tony Romo’s record

November 23, 2025

Brandon Aubrey kicked a 42-yard field goal as time expired after Dak Prescott rallied Dallas from a 21-point deficit and the Cowboys beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 in a mistake-filled thriller. The Cowboys converted on their third tiebreaking chance of the fourth quarter. The win extended Prescott’s home winning streak against NFC East opponents to 19 in Dallas’ first game at AT&T Stadium since the death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland. The Eagles are still in good shape to be repeat winners in the NFC East. But the Super Bowl champs’ offense reverted to the form that has frustrated A.J. Brown.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

Dak Prescott is replacing Tony Romo again, this time in record book for Cowboys QBs

November 21, 2025

Dak Prescott never gave Tony Romo his job back when he took over as the starting quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys nine years ago. Now Prescott is on the verge of breaking Romo’s franchise record for passing yards. The touchdown mark should follow, either late this season or early next. Prescott started out as a two-month fill-in after Romo injured his back in a 2016 preseason game. He has since made 10 opening-day starts, one more than Romo. Prescott needs 160 yards passing Sunday against Philadelphia to break Romo’s mark of 34,183.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer pauses during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

Cowboys will try to keep winning for Marshawn Kneeland as they say ‘why not us?’ on playoff run

November 18, 2025

The Dallas Cowboys won a game for Marshawn Kneeland. Now they’ll try to continue honoring their late teammate with an improbable rally to postseason contention, in the face of a difficult schedule, starting Sunday at home against NFC East rival and defending champion Philadelphia. The Cowboys rolled past Las Vegas 33-16 on Monday in their first game since police say Kneeland was found dead of an apparent suicide. Dallas likely needs to win at least three of the next five games, all against playoff teams from a season ago.

CORRECTS TO THURSDAY, NOV. 13 NOT FRIDAY, NOV. 14 - Dallas Cowboys' Solomon Thomas, center, responds to a question during a news conference after an NFL football practice at the team's headquarters Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Cowboys have Marshawn Kneeland on their minds as they get back to the business of football

November 13, 2025

The Dallas Cowboys have Marshawn Kneeland on their minds as they get back to the business of football. Star quarterback Dak Prescott and his teammates practiced Thursday, exactly a week after Kneeland was found dead of an apparent suicide after leading officers on a chase when he didn’t pull over for a traffic stop. Prescott thought of Kneeland several times during the workout and said he tried to run a little harder each time it happened. The players know there will be emotions when they play their first game without Kneeland at Las Vegas on Monday night.

New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) tackles Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Cowboys make major move for beleaguered defense in trade for Quinnen Williams, AP sources say

November 4, 2025

Two people with knowledge of the agreement say the Dallas Cowboys have traded for star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams of the Jets in a major move to try to improve one of the NFL’s worst defenses. The deal for Williams on trade deadline day came after the lower-profile addition of linebacker Logan Wilson from Cincinnati. The Cowboys are giving a 2027 first-round draft pick, a 2026 second-rounder and underperforming defensive tackle Mazi Smith to the Jets. The Cowboys gained first-round picks in the next two drafts in another blockbuster. That was the trade that sent star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers a week before the season.

Arizona Cardinals' Jacoby Brissett (7) greets fans as he walks off the field following an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Richard Rodriguez)

Brissett fills in for Murray again as Cardinals end 5-game skid with 27-17 victory over Cowboys

November 3, 2025

Jacoby Brissett threw for two touchdowns and ran for a score filling in again for Kyler Murray, and the Arizona Cardinals stopped a five-game losing streak with a 27-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Brissett made his third consecutive start after the week began with expectations of Murray returning from a foot injury coming off the team’s open week. Instead, the Cardinals pivoted to Brissett. Arizona won for just the second time in the past 18 games when Murray didn’t take at least five snaps or sat out entirely. The Cowboys couldn’t build on the momentum of Sam Williams’ blocked punt that was recovered in the end zone by Marshawn Kneeland.

FILE - Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Kenny Clark (95) runs off the field after an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Oct. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, file)

Kenny Clark quietly steadies Cowboys as the player that came in the Micah Parsons trade

November 2, 2025

Kenny Clark has been a quiet leader for the Dallas Cowboys since coming over in the trade that sent Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. The Dallas defense is still struggling without Parsons’ dynamic pass rush, but the respect Clark has gained is making a difference. The transition was a whirlwind after a trade that went down just a week before the season started. Clark didn’t worry about being the player traded for Parsons then. He still doesn’t worry about it now.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) catches a touchdown pass in front of Dallas Cowboys' Trevon Diggs (7) and Donovan Wilson, right, in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs out with concussion after accident at home, coach says

October 17, 2025

Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer says cornerback Trevon Diggs will miss Sunday’s game against Washington after sustaining a concussion in an accident at his house. The coach says Diggs had concussion symptoms when he reported to the team’s facility Friday after the accident Thursday night. Diggs played the first six games after spending the offseason rehabbing a major knee injury for the second consecutive year. The Cowboys are last in the NFL in total yards allowed and passing yards allowed.

FILE - Birmingham Stallions quarterback J'Mar Smith, front right, collects the snap during the first half of a USFL football game against the Philadelphia Stars for the league championship, Sunday, July. 3, 2022, in Canton, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Dermer, File)

UFL changes 3 cities as new investor shares bullish vision for spring football

October 7, 2025

Sports entrepreneur Mike Repole isn’t discouraged by the long odds facing pro spring football as a business model. He is bullish on the future of the United Football League as the UFL announces a plan for three replacement cities. Orlando, Florida, is in along with Columbus, Ohio, and Louisville, Kentucky. The cities being replaced are San Antonio, Detroit and Memphis, Tennessee. Those moves are part of a strategy to get into smaller stadiums. The remaining Texas teams in the Dallas area and Houston are going to smaller venues while also changing names.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is stopped as he carries the ball by Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons, rear, in overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)

Micah Parsons’ hyped return to Dallas ends with Cowboys and Packers in 40-40 tie

September 28, 2025

Brandon Aubrey and Brandon McManus traded short field goals in overtime, and Micah Parsons’ highly anticipated return to Dallas ended with the Cowboys and Green Bay Packers in a 40-40 tie. Dak Prescott and Jordan Love had three touchdown passes apiece in regulation, which included seven consecutive lead-changing TDs before McManus’ tying 53-yard field goal as time expired. McManus kicked a 34-yarder as the clock hit 0:00 in overtime, just after Love’s pass into the back of the end zone fell incomplete with just a second remaining.

FILE - Dallas Cowboys quarterback Will Grier reacts after a play against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of a preseason NFL football game Aug. 22, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)

NFL teams don’t use game-day roster flexibility with emergency QBs as often as one would think

September 16, 2025

The NFL is in its third season since the return of a rule that allows teams to designate an emergency third quarterback without using a spot on the active game-day roster. Less than half the teams utilized the provision the first two years. That’s in part because a third QB has to be on the team’s 53-man active roster. Rosters on game day are smaller. An emergency quarterback has played just once the past two years. Jameis Winston did it with Cleveland last season.

Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) kicks a game-winning field goal against the New York Giants in overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)

Aubrey ends wild Prescott-Wilson duel with FG as time expires in OT as Cowboys top Giants 40-37

September 14, 2025

Brandon Aubrey kicked a 46-yard field goal as time expired in overtime after a tying 64-yarder to end regulation, and the Dallas Cowboys beat the New York Giants 40-37 in a thrilling duel between star quarterbacks Dak Prescott and Russell Wilson. The Cowboys extended their winning streak against the NFC East rivals to nine games. It’s the longest active streak in the NFL among division opponents. Prescott beat the Giants for the 14th consecutive time since losing both starts against them as a rookie in 2016. Overtime was on the verge of going scoreless after the teams combined for five go-ahead TDs in the final 12 minutes of the fourth quarter.

FILE - Dallas Cowboys guard Tyler Smith (73) prepares to block during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)

Cowboys and guard Tyler Smith agree on $96 million extension, AP sources say

September 13, 2025

Two people with knowledge of the deal say the Dallas Cowboys and left guard Tyler Smith have agreed on a $96 million, four-year extension. The agreement locks up the new cornerstone of the Dallas offensive line long term and includes $80 million guaranteed. Smith is a game into his fourth season as a 2022 first-round draft pick. The 24-year-old has started since he arrived. That included all 17 games at left tackle as a rookie when eight-time Pro Bowler Tyron Smith was sidelined by an injury.

FILE - Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) walks on the sideline during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt, File)

Schottenheimer takes Parsons trade in stride and Cowboys newcomer Clark says watch his film

August 29, 2025

Brian Schottenheimer will make his head coaching debut with the Dallas Cowboys a week after losing elite pass rusher Micah Parsons, probably his best player, in a trade with Green Bay. The longtime NFL assistant doesn’t seem inclined to blink. Not even in the face of the NFL opener in prime time against defending champ and NFC East rival Philadelphia on Thursday. Players didn’t gloss over the emotion of losing the popular and productive Parsons. They also got the message that it’s time to move on.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons walks on the sideline during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

Jerry Jones says Micah Parsons trade doesn’t change Cowboys’ win-now plan

August 28, 2025

Jerry Jones says the Dallas Cowboys are still in win-now mode. This is despite the decision to trade star edge rusher Micah Parsons to Green Bay for two first-round draft picks and Kenny Clark, an aging defensive tackle whose production declined last season. Jones and his son, executive vice president of personnel Stephen Jones, even suggested they might use those future first-rounders to help the team now. The Cowboys say they have an urgent need to improve their run defense.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Joe Milton accounts for 2 TDs as Cowboys beat Falcons 31-13 in preseason finale

August 22, 2025

Joe Milton ran for a touchdown and threw for a score, and the Dallas Cowboys beat the Atlanta Falcons 31-13 in the preseason finale for both teams. The Dallas offense started slowly in the first two exhibition games, but Milton led touchdown drives on Dallas’ first two possessions. Both teams sat nearly every starter, and the Falcons once again didn’t play Michael Penix Jr. or backup Kirk Cousins. Easton Stick threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to tight end Feleipe Franks.

Micah Parsons shows up for minicamp with Cowboys, has lengthy chat with Jerry Jones

June 10, 2025

Micah Parsons has shown up for mandatory minicamp with the Dallas Cowboys. He had about a 30-minute conversation with owner Jerry Jones on the practice field while his teammates were going through drills. The two-time All-Pro edge rusher says none of the conversation with Jones was about the contract extension Parsons hopes to sign soon. Parsons is going into the final year of his rookie contract. Parsons’ presence wasn’t constant during the voluntary portion of the offseason. But he says he has no plans to skip mandatory sessions, including at training camp in California next month.

SCHUYLER DIXON Pro Football Writer.