The Dallas Cowboys waived running back Jaydon Blue and released edge rusher Sam Williams as part of 39 roster moves to reach the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline, according to reports from dallascowboys.com. Team decisions ahead of the regular-season cutdown reshaped both the backfield and the defensive front in Frisco, Texas.
Roster Trim Reaches 39 Moves in Frisco
Facing the NFL league-mandated deadline, the Cowboys trimmed their active roster down to 53 players by processing 39 separate transactions, primarily through the waiver wire. The wave of departures included several familiar faces from past seasons and recent draft classes as the front office set its initial lineup.
Jaydon Blue Waived After Training Camp Battle
The departure of Jaydon Blue stands out as one of the roster’s notable surprises. Selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft, Blue entered training camp positioned for a substantial role in the Dallas backfield. However, Blue was waived Sunday after Malik Davis secured the other primary running back role alongside Javonte Williams.
Sam Williams Released as Defensive Front Shifts
On the defensive side, the Cowboys parted ways with Sam Williams, a second-round draft pick from 2022. The team released the edge rusher as part of a broader reconfiguration of the defensive line rotation.
Veterans and Trades Shape the Final 53
Beyond Blue and Williams, Dallas moved on from multiple veteran players. The released group includes wide receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Denzel Mims, and Tyler Johnson, alongside center Nick Leverett and linebacker Curtis Robinson. Additionally, the Cowboys traded offensive tackle Nate Thomas to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2027 draft pick.
The initial 53-man roster breakdown features three quarterbacks, six wide receivers, nine offensive linemen, 11 defensive linemen and edge players, four linebackers, five cornerbacks, and six safeties.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season Opener
Roster construction remains fluid following the initial cutdown. Dallas retains the flexibility to claim players off waivers, build its practice squad, and make further adjustments before opening the regular season against the New York Giants on September 13.
