In a whirlwind day for the Dallas Cowboys, the spotlight initially shone on a blockbuster trade that sent shockwaves through the NFL. Reports confirmed the team is shipping off a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 first-rounder to the New York Jets in exchange for star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, while also parting ways with their own former first-round pick, Mazi Smith, who heads to the Big Apple.
But the drama didn’t stop there. Just hours after the trade buzz, the Cowboys dropped another bombshell: they’ve released fourth-year running back Malik Davis from the practice squad, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This move marks the latest chapter in Davis’s rollercoaster journey with America’s Team, raising eyebrows and sparking speculation about the backfield’s future.
Davis burst onto the scene as an undrafted free agent in 2022, inking a deal with Dallas straight out of the University of Florida. His rookie year showed flashes of potential—he was elevated to the active roster in October and delivered 161 rushing yards and a touchdown across 12 games, boasting an impressive 4.2 yards per carry. It was the kind of debut that hinted at bigger things to come for the Tampa native.
Unfortunately, the momentum stalled. The 2023 season saw Davis relegated to the practice squad, with just three game appearances and zero touches on the ball. 2024 was even quieter, as he didn’t see the field at all. Heading into 2025, there were glimmers of hope—Davis earned three game-day elevations, chipping in with three carries for six yards. But it wasn’t enough to secure his spot.
This release is the sixth time Dallas has waived the 26-year-old in his career, all while he’s remained exclusively with the Cowboys. It speaks to a peculiar loyalty from the organization, perhaps valuing his familiarity and work ethic beyond raw stats. Don’t be surprised if they circle back to re-sign him early in 2026—after all, Davis has become something of a Cowboys mainstay, even from the sidelines.
The decision likely boils down to a mix of roster rules and strategic priorities. NFL regulations cap practice-squad elevations at three per season, and Davis had already hit that limit midway through 2025. To keep using him, the Cowboys would’ve needed to promote him to the 53-man roster—a step they haven’t taken since his rookie year.
Compounding the issue is Dallas’s razor-thin running back depth. With Miles Sanders and Phil Mafah sidelined on injured reserve, the active roster features only Javonte Williams and Jaydon Blue. That’s prompted more elevations for Davis this year, but evidently, the front office isn’t convinced he’s the long-term answer.
Looking ahead, expect the Cowboys to pivot quickly. Signing a fresh face to the practice squad as an emergency third back seems like the smart play, ensuring they’re covered behind Williams and Blue without committing to Davis full-time.
As the Cowboys reshape their defense with Williams and navigate backfield uncertainties, this release underscores a team in transition—willing to make tough calls for a shot at glory. Stay tuned; in Dallas, the next headline is always just around the corner.
