4 most important Dallas Cowboys on offense not named Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb

CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott will be the focal points on offense for the Dallas Cowboys, but which four players outside of them are the most important pieces in 2025?
Dallas Cowboys LT Tyler Guyton goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility.
Dallas Cowboys LT Tyler Guyton goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility. / Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Mike McCarthy had the Dallas Cowboys offense humming for three consecutive seasons. From 2021 through 2023, they were a top-five scoring offense.

All that fell apart in 2024 thanks to an injury suffered by Dak Prescott. Of course, even before Prescott was injured, they weren't themselves. Much of that was due to CeeDee Lamb's holdout, which he admitted led to a slow start to the year.

MORE: 3 Dallas Cowboys players entering training camp on the chopping block

Those factors make it clear that Prescott and Lamb are the most important players on offense for the Cowboys. Here, we look at which four players mean the most to the team's success outside of their two biggest superstars.


Javonte Williams, RB

Dallas Cowboys RB Javonte Williams goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility.
Dallas Cowboys RB Javonte Williams goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility. / Chris Jones-Imagn Images

The ground game was rough for Dallas in 2024, which is why they went out and added several new faces. That includes veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. Dallas also added rookie Jaydon Blue, who should give them some spark on offense, but they'll need a veteran leader to keep the chains moving when the home run isn't there.

Sanders might be making noise as of late, but Williams is still the one they're going to lean on as their RB1. He doesn't have to be special, but if he can give them a consistent option on the ground, it will go a long way toward helping the offense find success.


KaVontae Turpin, WR

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin reacts during the second half against the Detroit Lions.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin reacts during the second half against the Detroit Lions. / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

KaVontae Turpin has been the best return man in the NFL since signing with Dallas in 2022. He earned an extension this offseason and is expected to do more on offense in 2025. Turpin provided a spark last year with 420 yards receiving and 92 on the ground, with two touchdowns.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys biggest 'key' to success has been highly invested in

This year, he's not only going to be asked to give them a player capable of stretching the field as a receiver, but they want to see Turpin in the backfield more. He won't be getting double-digit touches every week, but he's still going to be a vital piece of the puzzle.


George Pickens, WR

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens runs after a catch past Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens runs after a catch past Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

This one isn't a shock whatsoever. The Cowboys offense struggled without a No. 2 wide receiver last season, which is why they traded for George Pickens this offseason.

CeeDee Lamb says Pickens isn't a No. 2 wide receiver, however, claiming he gives them another WR1. The stats Pickens had in Pittsburgh suggest Lamb's correct, and now, Pickens will have the best quarterback he's ever had throwing to him.

Things might have soured with the Steelers, but Pickens' time in Dallas has been positive so far. If that remains the case, this offense will be difficult to stop.


Tyler Guyton, LT

Dallas Cowboys LT Tyler Guyton goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility.
Dallas Cowboys LT Tyler Guyton goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility. / Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Dallas fans have seen some of their most impressive offensive drives undone due to blunders on the offensive line. Whether it's an ill-timed false start, a blatant hold, or just allowing their guy to blow up Dak Prescott, nothing is more discouraging than watching the O-line struggle.

MORE: Tyler Booker makes vow to keep Dallas Cowboys offense on track

That's why all five men up front could be listed as the most important outside of Dak and Lamb, but Tyler Guyton is under the brightest spotlight in the group.

A first-round pick in 2024, Guyton was inconsistent as a rookie. He showed up to OTAs in far better shape this year, however, and has the right coaches in place to help him improve. If he can take a step forward in his development, it will be huge for this offense. If not, it could be detrimental.

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

Micah Parsons returns to Cowboys practice field at minicamp with welcomed twist

Cowboys 'near-perfect' offseason ranks among top in the NFL

CeeDee Lamb vs George Pickens comparison is closer than fans may think

Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Netflix documentary series gets official release date

PHOTOS: Meet Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Charly Barby


Published |Modified
Randy Gurzi
RANDY GURZI

Randy Gurzi is a graduate of Arizona State and has focused on NFL coverage since 2014.