3 Biggest Surprises From Cowboys Initial Roster!

The Dallas Cowboys have finalized their initial 53-man roster, and Mauricio Rodriguez wasn't expecting several of the decisions Dallas ultimately made. Some of the Cowboys' roster decisions were surprising. Others were decisions Mauricio absolutely loved. The biggest surprise may have been running back Jaden Blue being waived. Blue entered the preseason as one of the more intriguing young players competing for a roster spot, but Dallas ultimately kept only Javonte Williams and Malik Davis as true running backs, with Hunter Luepke expected to continue serving primarily as a fullback. Mauricio believes Blue's release could be connected to the concerns that kept him largely inactive during the 2025 season. The Cowboys also surprised Mauricio by keeping only five cornerbacks and leaving fourth-round rookie Devin Moore off the initial 53-man roster. Kalyn Carson and Ameer Speed made the team instead, although Mauricio believes Dallas could still look to upgrade the position through the waiver wire or free agency. Then there's Elijah Clarke. After Marquese Bell's emergence appeared to eliminate the possibility of Dallas carrying six safeties, the Cowboys did exactly that with Clarke getting the final spot over Julius Wood. Clarke was actually Mauricio's preseason dark-horse candidate to make the roster before the preseason began, and his high-effort special-teams ability may have ultimately earned him the job. But the decisions Mauricio really loved begin with the Cowboys carrying only three running backs. Dallas had an opportunity to keep more players at running back, but instead chose to prioritize what the organization considered its best 53 players. Mauricio believes that decision says a lot about how Will McClay and the Cowboys approached roster construction. The biggest fan-favorite decision may have been keeping undrafted rookie wide receiver Camden Brown. There was growing belief that Brown would clear waivers and return to the Cowboys' practice squad. Dallas didn't take that chance. Instead, the Cowboys kept Brown on the initial 53-man roster after he dominated throughout the preseason. Mauricio believes that decision is another example of Dallas choosing talent over conventional roster math. The Cowboys also chose Tyrus Wheat over Sam Williams for the final outside linebacker spot. Williams had a major opportunity in the preseason finale but failed to capitalize, while Wheat quietly continued improving throughout the preseason and offers additional versatility in coverage. Which Cowboys roster decisions surprised you the most? Mauricio Rodriguez breaks down the biggest surprises, the decisions he loved and what Dallas' initial 53-man roster tells us about the team's approach heading into the 2026 NFL season. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Dallas for daily Dallas Cowboys news, roster analysis, roster cuts, player evaluations and reaction throughout the 2026 NFL season. 0:00 Cowboys made some surprising roster decisions 0:29 Jaden Blue surprisingly gets waived 1:32 What Jaden Blue's release might mean 2:30 Cowboys keep only five cornerbacks 3:20 Could Dallas upgrade CB through waivers? 4:22 Elijah Clarke makes the roster 5:01 Why Mauricio liked Clarke before camp 5:53 Cowboys carry only three running backs 6:29 Dallas prioritized the best 53 players 7:51 Camden Brown MAKES the Cowboys roster 9:06 Tyrus Wheat beats out Sam Williams 10:12 What the Cowboys roster tells us #DallasCowboys #Cowboys #CowboysNation #CowboysNews #NFL Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more Cowboys coverage be sure to follow here: Twitter: Instagram: Facebook: TikTok: