7 Dallas Cowboys likely playing their final game with franchise in Week 18

These 7 Dallas Cowboys are unlikely to return to the team in 2025, making the Week 18 finale their last showing with America's Team.

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Week 18 signals the end of a frustrating season for the Dallas Cowboys. They're eliminated from playoff contention, and have no shot at a winning record, currently sitting at 7-9.

As they close out the year with a home game against the Washington Commanders, the Cowboys should be looking at the talent on their roster as they prepare for a re-tooling in the offseason — possibly with a new coaching staff.

MORE: Mike McCarthy explains process behind Ezekiel Elliott release

With them focusing on players who will likely be here in 2025, here's a look at seven Cowboys who are heading into their final game with the franchise.

---

Andrew Booth, CB

Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) is pursued by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. / Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

When it was clear Nahshon Wright wasn't going to make the team, Dallas sent him to Minnesota in exchange for Andrew Booth, Jr. A second-round pick in 2022, Booth never made an impact with the Vikings and hoped to find new life under Mike Zimmer.

MORE: Cowboys vs Commanders, NFL Week 18: Start time, live stream, TV channel

Dallas has had to turn to Booth often due to injuries but he hasn't been impressive. He has 15 tackles and one pass break up but is targeted often by opposing teams and has been beaten far too many times. It was worth rolling the dice, but Booth isn't in the future plans.

---

Linval Joseph, DT

Linval Joseph / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

A reunion with Mike Zimmer was enticing enough for Linval Joseph to sign with Dallas. At 36 years of age, he's given them more than most would have expected. As a rotational run defender, Joseph has 19 tackles and 2.0 sacks this season. He's been servicable but this was never a long-term arrangement.

---

Dalvin Cook, RB

Dallas Cowboys running back Dalvin Cook (20) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) / Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

The Cowboys were so bad in the ground game early this season that the fan base was fired up to see Dalvin Cook get some snaps.

He did get a few, but not much more than that.

Cook has appeared in two games and has 20 yards on eight rushing attempts and 10 on one reception. He would have been a better option than Ezekiel Elliott, but that's not saying much given the fact that Elliott never should have been signed. With Elliott recently released, Cook might get time in Week 18. Whether or not he does, Week 18 will be his swan song in Big D.

---

Carl Lawson, DE

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Carl Lawson / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

One of the most impressive offseason moves for Dallas was also one of the quietest. Carl Lawson was signed following an ACL tear suffered by Sam Williams. Originally, he was on the practice squad but made his way to the active roster and has been a solid pass rusher.

Lawson has 5.0 sacks in 14 games while being credited with 18 pressures and 15 QB hits. It would be nice to see him back as a depth piece but with Williams set to return in 2025 and Marshawn Kneeland needing snaps, it's probably not going to happen.

---

Trey Lance, QB

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance (19) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Jerry Jones outsmarted himself in 2023 when he sent a fourth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for Trey Lance. A former No. 3 overall pick, Lance was once seen as a future starter in the NFL but he lost his job to Brock Purdy.

In Dallas, he couldn't beat out Cooper Rush and has spent nearly the entire season on the bench. In three appearances, Lance has 22 yards on 5-of-7 passing with no touchdowns and an interception. He might not even see the field this weekend but if he does, it will be the final time as a Cowboy.

---

Brandin Cooks, WR

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

When Dallas landed Brandin Cooks in a trade with the Houston Texans last season, it felt like a win. Cooks is a journeyman but put up a 1,000-yard season everywhere he went.

That won't be the case with the Cowboys, unfortunately. He might not even hit that total in two seasons.

MORE: Could 3rd Pro Bowl berth lead to Cowboys losing explosive playmaker?

Cooks had 657 yards in 2023 and has just 244 this year. He missed seven games due to a knee injury but hasn't been effective when he's been on the field. At 31 years of age, it might be tough for him to secure a lucrative deal in the offseason and it surely won't be with Dallas.

---

Osa Odighizuwa, DT

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa / Peter Casey-Imagn Images

A third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Osa Odighizuwa was a home run selection for the Cowboys. He enters this weekend with 169 tackles and 13 career sacks and has developed into one of the top interior pass rushers in the NFC.

After recording 39 pressures in his first three seasons in the league, Odighizuwa has 30 this year according to Pro Football Reference. That's why he's being projected to land a massive deal this offseason, which isn't something the Dallas front office will be willing to match.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

4 takeaways from Cowboys' embarrassing loss vs. Eagles

2 winners, 4 losers from Cowboys inexcusable loss to Eagles in Week 17

Cowboys projected to land enormous WR with 'matchup-wrecking potential'

Latest news on Dallas Cowboys, Mike McCarthy contract extension talks

Former Dallas Cowboys superstar named Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist

Meet Reece Allman: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix doc