SD> RUTHLESS DECISION: Dallas Cowboys decisively cut a 6’4″, 200-pound star, beloved by fans, from the 2023 draft class!

In a shocking move that has sent ripples through the Dallas Cowboys fanbase, the team has parted ways with Jalen Brooks, a fan-favorite wide receiver from their 2023 NFL Draft class. Selected as the final pick in that year’s draft, Brooks, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound product of South Carolina, quickly captured the hearts of Cowboys Nation with his ideal size, wide catch radius, and early flashes of potential. However, a combination of limited opportunities, a crowded depth chart, and a recent knee injury has brought his tenure with the franchise to an abrupt end.

A Promising Start Fades Away

Jalen Brooks entered the NFL with high hopes. As a rookie, he showcased his reliability, catching all six passes thrown his way in 2023. This perfect catch rate earned him increased opportunities in his second season, where he recorded 12 receptions for 177 yards and one touchdown. Despite these contributions, Brooks struggled to climb the depth chart, overshadowed by established stars and new additions to the Cowboys’ receiving corps.

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In 2025, Brooks’ role diminished even further. He appeared in just one game this season, failing to record a single catch. On Friday, the Cowboys made the tough call to release him with an injury settlement as he deals with a knee issue, marking the end of his time in Dallas. For a player who had become a fan favorite due to his potential and underdog story, the decision has left many supporters stunned.

A Disastrous 2023 Draft Class

Brooks’ release is just the latest blow in what has been a brutal 2023 NFL Draft class for the Dallas Cowboys. Known for their strong scouting and player development, the Cowboys have built much of their roster through the draft. However, the 2023 class has been a rare and glaring miss for the franchise’s front office.

The struggles began at the top of the draft. In the first round, Dallas selected Michigan nose tackle Mazi Smith, who was expected to anchor the defensive line. Unfortunately, Smith has been a major disappointment, failing to make an impact and appearing in just four games this season with a meager two tackles. His lack of production has been so pronounced that he’s been a healthy scratch in three games, raising serious questions about his future with the team.

In the second round, the Cowboys took another Michigan product, tight end Luke Schoonmaker. While Schoonmaker has shown flashes of potential, particularly during a stretch in 2024 when starter Jake Ferguson was sidelined, his overall impact has been minimal. In 2025, he’s managed just five catches for 24 yards, far from the expectations for a second-round pick.

The lone bright spot in the class is linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, who possesses superstar potential. However, injuries have limited him to just 13 games in his young career, leaving his long-term outlook uncertain.

Adding to the woes, several other 2023 draft picks have already been cut, including Viliami Fehoko, Asim Richards, Eric Scott, and Deuce Vaughn. With Brooks now joining this list, the Cowboys’ 2023 draft class is shaping up as one of the worst in recent memory.

A Tough Pill for Fans to Swallow

The release of Jalen Brooks is particularly painful for Cowboys fans who saw him as a diamond in the rough. His physical tools—standing at 6-foot-2 with a 205-pound frame and a knack for making contested catches—made him an exciting prospect. Social media has been abuzz with disappointment, with fans expressing frustration over the team’s inability to find a consistent role for the young receiver.

On platforms like X, reactions have ranged from sadness to anger. One user posted, “Cutting Jalen Brooks? Are you kidding me? The guy was a fan favorite and had all the tools to be special. This front office is clueless!” Another wrote, “The 2023 draft class is a complete bust. Mazi Smith, Schoonmaker, and now Brooks gone? What were the scouts thinking?”

The decision to release Brooks underscores the Cowboys’ ongoing efforts to reshape their roster amid a challenging 2025 season. With the team struggling to find consistency, the front office is clearly prioritizing players who can contribute immediately over those with unrealized potential. While Brooks showed promise, his inability to secure a prominent role in a crowded receiver room ultimately sealed his fate.

As for the rest of the 2023 draft class, the pressure is now on Overshown to salvage what’s left of this group. If he can stay healthy and fulfill his potential, he could become the saving grace of an otherwise disastrous draft. For now, though, the Cowboys’ scouting department is under scrutiny, with fans and analysts questioning their evaluation process.

A Harsh Reality in the NFL

The NFL is a business, and tough decisions like cutting a beloved player are part of the game. Jalen Brooks’ release is a stark reminder of how quickly things can change for even the most promising young talents. While his time with the Cowboys has come to an end, Brooks’ size, skill set, and determination could make him an attractive option for another team looking to take a chance on a former fan favorite.

For Dallas, the focus now shifts to moving forward and learning from the mistakes of the 2023 draft. As the season progresses, the Cowboys will need to rely on their proven stars and hope for better results from future drafts to maintain their status as one of the NFL’s premier franchises. For now, though, the release of Jalen Brooks serves as a painful chapter in a draft class that has fallen far short of expectations.