The Dallas Cowboys' initial 53-man roster certainly isn't perfect, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a fan or a person in the building who doesn't think it's better than last year's. The Cowboys have several players whom they cut landing active roster and practice squad gigs elsewhere; that's huge progress.
But again, there are some pieces on the bottom of the roster that could get turned over, and nobdy would really bat an eye. With the veteran market picked through, though, there aren't many options left out there to upgrade this team. And no, Dallas can't just trade for everything that it wants.
So, Jerry Jones and Co. may have to get creative as they approach Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. A clever way to improve this team would be poaching players from the other practice squads around the league, and upon further examination, some legitimate options are out there for America's Team.
Here are five of them.
5 players hiding on NFL practice squads that Cowboys could dabble in
Dean Connors, RB, Los Angeles Rams
Connors enjoyed a tremendous preseason with the Rams, demonstrating solid rushing and pass pro ability. But where he really shines is as a pass-catching threat out of the backfield, where he hauled in three touchdown catches on just seven receptions.
Connors is elusive, forcing 10 missed tackles in August, per Pro Football Focus, but he also runs hard, garnering over three yards per attempt after contact per carry. He'd be a nice outlet for Dak Prescott and could spell Javonte Williams on third downs, like Emari Demercado.
Tyler Miller, OT, Denver Broncos
Drew Shelton's struggles should mean that no offensive tackle outside the building is off the table. And while Wanya Morris is a solid solution on the Dallas practice squad, Miller could be an even better external solution.
He was a dominant run-blocker for the Broncos this preseason and bent but did not break as he improved in pass protection. Miller is a massive 6-foot-9 and 335 pounds, so at the least, he'd be a fun project to work with and has more upside than Shelton.
Red Murdock, LB, Denver Broncos
The Cowboys' fourth linebacker spot should not be considered established enough not to look for upgrades. And Murdock is an enticing player with a keen ability to force fumbles that the Cowboys should have eyes on.
Not making the team on a loaded Denver defense is understandable, but Murdock made tons of tackles this preseason and showed that he can cover as well and play on special teams. His knack for punching the ball out can change games, too. Dallas needs that.
Jabbar Muhammad, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Muhammad play a lot of snaps for the Jaguars' defense this preseason, and he was a lot more active than he was last year. He was targeted a lot this preseason, but Muhammad only gave up a QB rating of 82.4 when targeted.
Plus, he helps out as a run defender. Muhammad mainly lines up out wide, but he can slide into the slot or the box as well, and he has experience on many special teams units.
DeShon Singleton Jr., SAF, Kansas City Chiefs
Singleton Jr., like Muhammad, is a chess piece on the back end of the defense and got a lot of special teams experience this summer. If not for a rough showing in the Chiefs' preseason finale, he may have even made the 53.
But regardless, he's a solid coverage player and a sure tackler with a big frame and good range, which can be utilized to plug up the back end or as a blitzer with the right play-caller.
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