Tyrus Wheat Should Be Looking Over His Shoulder in Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for a critical 2025 season, and the defensive unit continues to evolve as the front office reshapes the roster. For edge rusher Tyrus Wheat, that evolution may come at a cost.

Wheat, who joined Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2023, has spent the past two seasons developing in Dan Quinn’s system. Though he’s shown flashes of potential, his production has remained limited. In 20 career games, Wheat has logged just 17 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and 0.5 sacks. During the 2024 campaign, he saw action in eight games, playing 32% of defensive snaps and contributing on special teams for 20% of reps.

Despite modest numbers, the Cowboys re-signed Wheat in March to a one-year deal worth \$1.03 million — a low-risk move aimed at preserving depth. But that contract doesn’t guarantee a roster spot, especially in a crowded and competitive defensive room. And now, with Dallas drafting edge rusher Khristian Boyd Ezeiruaku out of Boston College, Wheat’s place on the 53-man roster is anything but secure.

Ezeiruaku, a promising young talent with a high motor and solid collegiate production, offers exactly the type of upside NFL coaches love to develop. His burst off the line and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield could quickly elevate him above fringe players like Wheat.

With training camp and preseason on the horizon, the rookie’s presence will turn up the heat on Wheat, who is fighting for more than just playing time — he’s battling to stay in the league.

Wheat’s biggest challenge lies in the Cowboys’ depth chart. Micah Parsons is entrenched as the face of the defense and one of the league’s most feared pass rushers. Osa Odighizuwa anchors the interior line with relentless energy and effectiveness. Add in rotational contributors like DeMarcus Lawrence and Sam Williams, and the margin for error shrinks dramatically for a player like Wheat.

The Cowboys’ defensive identity is built around speed, versatility, and playmaking — qualities that Wheat will need to showcase in full during camp. His ability to contribute on special teams gives him a slight edge, but that alone won’t secure a roster spot if Ezeiruaku or another younger, cheaper option flashes in preseason.

The NFL is a business, and Wheat’s limited production through two seasons doesn’t afford him much leeway. His path to making the final roster is narrow, and it likely depends on outplaying the rookie in drills, showing improved technique, and becoming a disruptive presence when the pads come on.

For now, Wheat remains in the mix. But as training camp looms, he’d be wise to keep his head on a swivel — and his play at its absolute peak.