Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl guard Tyler Smith is clear about his expectations for 2025 as training camp kicks off this week.
“Super Bowl champions,” Smith declared when the team landed in Oxnard, California, after their flight from Dallas. “That’s always what we aim for.”
The Cowboys haven’t played in a Super Bowl since 1995 and have not reached an NFC Championship Game in 30 years, which is the longest wait in the conference.
The Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions have made it to the championship game in the last two years. Last season, the Cowboys finished with a record of 7-10 and will be led by new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who is taking over for Mike McCarthy.
“I think it’s a realistic goal, yeah,” Smith stated.
Why does he believe that?
“Because we can win a Super Bowl. Why not? Why can’t we win?” he asked. “Do you think it’s unrealistic?”
Before 2024, the Cowboys had three consecutive seasons finishing at 12-5 but lost to the San Francisco 49ers (twice) and Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. To strengthen their team, the Cowboys traded for wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers to join Pro Bowl wideout CeeDee Lamb. They also signed linebackers Kenneth Murray Jr. and Jack Sanborn, defensive tackle Solomon Thomas, and pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr. during free agency. Additionally, they acquired former first-round pick Kaiir Elam, a cornerback, from the Buffalo Bills.
Dallas will have a healthy Dak Prescott this season, who missed nine games last year due to a hamstring injury but has been cleared for full participation in training camp. When Prescott has played in more than half of the team’s games, the Cowboys have reached the playoffs five out of seven times.
“I believe we’ve built a strong offense; adding George and other key players is important,” Smith mentioned. “Drafting [guard Tyler] Booker in the first round will really strengthen our front line. We have many talented players, but these are some crucial pieces for our success this year.”
One of the most important factors will be pass rusher Micah Parsons, who is entering the last year of his rookie contract and seeking an extension that could make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
There hasn’t been any recent communication between him and the team. Parsons can join the team charter to California, but he doesn’t need to officially report until Monday when training camp starts.
During June’s minicamp, Parsons said he would show up for camp, but he didn’t say if he would practice. Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones will give his State of the Cowboys news conference on Monday. The discussions about Parsons’ contract and the team’s goal for a Super Bowl appearance are likely to be major topics.
