Cowboys make final roster cuts as Sam Williams, Jaydon Blue and Denzel Mims among 36 players released

The Dallas Cowboys have made their final roster decisions ahead of the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline, releasing 36 players as they shape the team that will open the 2026 regular season.

Several familiar names were among the cuts, including defensive end Sam Williams, running back Jaydon Blue, wide receiver Denzel Mims and veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes Scantling. 

The Cowboys also placed linebacker Marist Liufau and cornerback Devin Moore on injured reserve with a designation to return.

The moves bring the Cowboys’ roster much closer to its final form after weeks of training camp competition and preseason evaluation.

Sam Williams among biggest Cowboys cuts

Williams stands out as one of the biggest names on the Cowboys’ list, following trade rumors around him. The former second round pick had entered the offseason competing for a role in a defensive front that has undergone significant changes.

His departure is one of the more notable developments from the Cowboys’ final roster decisions, particularly because of the expectations that surrounded him after Dallas selected him in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Blue is another noteworthy name to miss the roster. The running back was competing for opportunities in a crowded backfield that also featured Javonte Williams, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis and other young backs.

Mims and Valdes-Scantling were also among the wide receivers released, leaving the Cowboys to finalize their receiving group around established contributors and younger players who impressed during camp and the preseason.

Cowboys release 36 players before the regular season kicks off

The complete list of players released by Dallas includes:

1. RB Israel Abanikanda
2. LB Justin Barron
3. RB Jaydon Blue
4. CB Trikweze Bridges
5. CB Josh Butler
6. S Zion Childress
7. RB Jashaun Corbin
8. DT Tommy Dunn
9. G Chris Glaser
10. T Sebastian Gutierrez
11. WR Jordan Hudson
12. T Marcellus Johnson
13. G Trevor Keegan
14. TE Zack Kuntz
15. LB Isaiah Land
16. RB Phil Mafah
17. DT Dayo Odeleye
18. LB Langston Patterson
19. T Shiyazh Pete
20. WR Anthony Smith
21. WR Jaden Smith
22. CB Reddy Steward
23. DT Jay Toia
24. TE Michael Trigg
25. TE Mitch Van Vooren
26. G DJ Wingfield
27. DT DJ Withers
28. S Julius Wood
29. WR Tyler Johnson
30. CB Derioin Kendrick
31. C Nick Leverett
32. WR Denzel Mims
33. LB Curtis Robinson
34. WR Marquez Valdes Scantling
35. LB Sam Williams
36. TE DJ Rogers

The Cowboys also designated LB Marist Liufau and CB Devin Moore for return from injured reserve, meaning their roster situations remain different from the players released outright.

These moves mark the end of another major roster checkpoint for Dallas. With the final cuts made, attention now turns toward the Cowboys’ opening week roster, practice squad decisions and the players who ultimately earn meaningful roles when the regular season begins.