Cowboys release fan-favorite WR, should admit defeat on brutal draft class

Jalen Brooks was the final selection for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2023 NFL draft, and he quickly became a fan favorite.

A product of South Carolina, Brooks had the ideal size for a wide receiver at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds and had a wide catch radius. As a rookie, he caught all six passes thrown his way, which led to more opportunities in year two.

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Brooks recorded 12 catches for 177 yards and one touchdown, but still couldn't crack the top of the rotation. This season, he was pushed even farther down the depth chart and appeared in one game with no catches.

Now, his time with the franchise has come to an end. On Friday, it was reported that Brooks was released with an injury settlement as he's dealing with a knee issue.

The #Cowboys have reached an injury settlement/release with WR Jalen Brooks.

The 2023 seventh-round pick played in 22 games and hauled in 36 receptions for 241 yards and one touchdown.

Just Mazi Smith, Luke Schoonmaker and DeMarvion Overshown remain from the 2023 draft class.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) October 25, 2025

Dallas Cowboys 2023 draft class has been brutal

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

The Cowboys have been really good when it comes to the NFL draft, with the majority of their roster built through scouting and development. That doesn't mean they don't occasionally miss, however.

That's the case for the 2023 NFL draft, which has been one of their worst in recent memory. Dallas kicked things off with two Michigan players, taking nose tackle Mazi Smith in Round 1 and tight end Luke Schoonmaker in Round 2.

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Neither has delivered, with Smith standing out for his struggles. He's been a healthy scratch in three games this season and has just two tackles in four games.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker makes a catch as Washington Commanders safety Percy Butler defends. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Schoonmaker has at least put together a few good games, including a stretch in 2024 when Jake Ferguson was injured. That said, he hasn't been a factor in 2025 with just five catches for 24 yards.

DeMarvion Overshown remains the lone hope, and he has superstar potential. He's also been able to play in just 13 games thus far dueto injury.

As for those already released, the Cowboys have said goodbye to Viliami Fehoko, Asim Richards, Eric Scott, and Deuce Vaughn.

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