OXNARD, California – Dallas Cowboys star guard Tyler Smith didn’t mince words when expressing his expectations for the 2025 season, right at the start of training camp. “Super Bowl Champions,” Smith stated upon the team’s arrival at the StayBridge Suites in Oxnard, California, after their flight from Dallas. The Cowboys haven’t played in a Super Bowl since 1995. Furthermore, they haven’t managed to reach an NFC Championship in the last three decades, being the only team in the conference with this drought, unlike other teams. In the previous season, the Cowboys recorded a 7-10 record and will have a new head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, replacing Mike McCarthy.
Why?“I think it’s a realistic goal, yes,” Smith commented.
Tyler Smith
Before 2024, the Cowboys had three consecutive seasons with a 12-5 record, but they were defeated in the postseason. To strengthen the team, the Cowboys have made several key additions. They have signed wide receiver George Pickens, coming from the Pittsburgh Steelers, to reinforce the group alongside Pro Bowler CeeDee Lamb. They also added linebackers Kenneth Murray Jr. and Jack Sanborn, defensive tackle Solomon Thomas, and pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr. In addition, they acquired cornerback Kaiir Elam from the Buffalo Bills. Another crucial aspect will be the health of quarterback Dak Prescott, who missed nine games last season due to an injury. However, he is already recovered to participate in training camp. In the seasons in which Prescott has played the most, the Cowboys have reached the playoffs in five of seven years.“Because we can win the Super Bowl. Why not? Why can’t we win? Do you think it’s unrealistic?”, he replied.
Tyler Smith
Perhaps the most important key is pass rusher Micah Parsons, who is in the final year of his rookie contract and is seeking an extension that will likely make him the highest-paid non-quarterback player in the NFL. There has been no recent dialogue between both parties. Parsons can travel with the team to California, but does not have to officially report until Monday for the start of training camp. During the June minicamp, Parsons stated that he would attend the camp, but did not indicate whether he would practice. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones will offer his press conference on the “State of the Cowboys” on Monday. Parsons’ contract and the team’s aspiration to reach the Super Bowl will be central themes.“I think we’ve built a great core on offense, with the addition of George and other key pieces,” Smith said. “I think the draft of Tyler Booker, he will be a great player to strengthen the front line. We have many players in general, but those are some of the key players for what we will do this year.”
Tyler Smith
