The Dallas Cowboys are finalizing their 53-man roster for 2026, with 44 spots already considered locks. Only nine positions remain competitive as the team adjusts to a new coaching staff and defensive lineup.
The Dallas Cowboys are going to have an interesting summer. They've remade a large portion of their roster on defense, in an effort to get better players who are also better aligned with their new coaching staff. Even with all the changes, though, some fans might be surprised to learn that the battle for spots on the 53-man roster isn't all that competitive.
Year after year, fans overlook that the majority of roster spots are locked in well before training camps begin in late summer. This will be no different for the 2026 Cowboys. In this roster prediction, 44 roster locks have been identified, leaving just nine spots up for grabs.
There are a handful of reasons for these being locks, ranging from a need for experience (which morphs a bit in years where new schemes are being installed) to salary. But most importantly, there's normally a large gulf somewhere at each position in the areas of talent and health history.
Here's a look at our first 53-man roster and 17-man prediction of 2026, divided into Roster Locks, Pretty Secures, and Think They'll Make Its. We also through in a projection of who will constitute the 17-man practice squad.
53-man Roster Color Legend
These are the players where there is little doubt in their roster security.
Cowboys 53-man roster predictions: Locks
These are players who we think, barring injury or just falling flat on their face in training camp, and pretty safe bets to also make the roster.
The predictions indicate that 44 roster spots are locked, with only nine spots available for competition.
Most spots are locked due to a combination of player experience, salary considerations, and significant talent gaps at each position.
The prediction includes a projection of a 17-man practice squad for the 2026 season.

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Cowboys 53-man roster predictions: Pretty Secure Players
This is where the real test is, the true roster battle winners from training camp.
Cowboys 53-man roster predictions: Think They'll Make It
Cowboys 53-man Roster Prediction: 17-man Practice Squad
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys 53-man roster predictions: Locks, bubble guys, practice squad