Dallas Cowboys open 2025 training camp with high hopes. See Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons prepare for the season amid contract talks.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The California air was buzzing with anticipation Tuesday as the Dallas Cowboys threw open the gates in Oxnard for their first public practice of the 2025 training camp. Fans flocked to see Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons back on the field, kicking off a pivotal preseason for the reigning NFC East champions. After a 12-5 finish last season, the mission is clear: this isn't just about winning the division again; it's about forging a team tough enough for a deep playoff run.
Micah Parsons is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is seeking a max contract extension.
For the first time since last season's end, the full Cowboys roster was on display for the public at the Staybridge Suites facility. The energy was palpable as fans, admitted for free, watched the team go through drills. This camp, which runs through mid-August, is more than just a tune-up. It's the primary evaluation period for coaches to assess position battles and make tough roster decisions. Mark your calendars for special fan events on July 27th and a key joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams on August 5th, which will be a true litmus test before the preseason games begin.
Two players carry the weight of expectation more than most. All eyes are on first-round draft pick Tyler Guyton, the rookie offensive tackle tasked with the monumental job of protecting Dak Prescott's blindside. The front office passed on multiple trade-down offers to secure Guyton, viewing him as a cornerstone for both the present and future. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Mazi Smith is under immense pressure to anchor a run defense that was a persistent weakness last year. The team's ability to stop the run is a critical focus, and Smith's development is central to that goal.
While the on-field action is key, a massive storyline is brewing off it. Micah Parsons, the team's defensive superstar, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is openly seeking a max extension. How the front office handles these negotiations will be a major talking point throughout camp. On the field, Dak Prescott's leadership is paramount. Coming off a strong 12-5 season, his health and command of the offense are the engines that will drive this team's success. The integration of new offensive line pieces, like Guyton and fellow rookie Ajani Cornelius, will be crucial for keeping him upright and effective.
The first day is in the books, but the real tests are yet to come. With high-intensity practices scheduled for August 3rd and 10th, and a joint session with the Rams on August 5th, the intensity is only going to ramp up. The journey to improve on a 12-5 season and make a legitimate Super Bowl run starts now, one practice at a time. Keep your eyes on Oxnard; the story of the 2025 Dallas Cowboys is just beginning to be written.
