2026 Team Outlook: Dallas Cowboys
RB Jaydon Blue, DAL - Fantasy Handcuff
Dallas selected Blue in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft off the back of a breakout season at Texas, where he totaled 1,098 combined yards, 14 touchdowns, and 42 receptions on 176 touches. He announced himself in two standout performances (a 25-carry, 127-yard, two- touchdown outing with one catch and a 14-carry, 177-yard, two- touchdown game with two catches). His two prior seasons told a different story, as Blue managed just 566 combined yards, four touchdowns, and 14 catches across 23 games. At 5'9" and 195 lbs., Blue is undersized, but his 4.38 40-yard dash speed more than compensates in the open field. Limited college opportunities have slowed his growth as a runner. He tends to hesitate and process rather than trust his instincts when looking for creases. Blue profiles as a capable third-down back, provided he isn't tasked with picking up blitzes. Ball security will be the determining factor in whether
he earns expanded opportunities; any fumbling issues could quickly relegate him to the bench. Last August, Blue picked up a minor ankle issue, but none of his 12 missed games were due to an injury in his rookie campaign. Dallas only had him active for five contests, with his best fantasy value coming in Week 18 (16/64/1) when Javonte Williams had the week off. Fantasy Outlook: Blue’s first job is jumping Malik Davis on the Cowboys’ running back depth chart. He draws a deep flier price tag (ADP of 195) in the early draft season. His speed invites some touches, and I’m sure Dallas would love to get him involved in some way in the passing game. For now, Blue is only a player to follow in this backfield.
WR Ryan Flournoy, DAL - Sleeper (undervalued)
In his second season with the Cowboys, Flournoy flashed a high ceiling in two active games (6/124 and 9/115/1 on 22 combined targets). His first showing came when CeeDee Lamb was out of the lineup. Dallas gave him WR3 snaps (40.4%) for the year, which was just above Jalen Tolbert (39.1%). Over his other 14 games, Flournoy only caught 25 balls for 246 yards and two touchdowns on 34 targets. Fantasy Outlook: The Cowboys should continue to feature Flournoy as their WR3, and he should see his snaps rise in 2026. His ceiling will remain low with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson sucking up a significant portion of catches and targets. For now, Flournoy should be treated as a potential handcuff to the Cowboys’ top two wideouts. His ADP (158) in the National Fantasy Football Championship in mid-June puts Flournoy in the sleeper category (WR64).
WR KaVontae Turpin, DAL - Deep-league Only
Turpin is a matchup gimmick player who brings elite speed and open- field elusiveness. Over 15 games last year, he only had 38 targets, leading to 26 catches for 396 yards and two touchdowns. His best fantasy value from a receiving standpoint came in Week 2 (4/53/) and Week 17 (1/86/1). Turpin led the NFL in kick return yards over the past two seasons (27/904/1 and 69/1,814), adding value to the Cowboys’ fantasy defense. Fantasy Outlook: Turpin is only a BestBall deep flier due to his low target opportunity in most weeks.
RB Phil Mafah, DAL - Not Draft Worthy
The Cowboys took a late-round flier on Majah in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His opportunity steadily rose over his four seasons at Clemson, highlighted by his senior year (216/1,115/8 with 21 catches for 103 yards). His big back profile (6’0” and 235 lbs.) was highlighted by his scoring in 2023 (13 rushing touchdowns). Mafah gained over 100 rushing yards in eight games in his college career. In his rookie season, Mafah only had seven touches in Week 18, leading to 29 combined yards with a touchdown and two catches. His lack of opportunity was tied to a preseason shoulder injury that led to him staying on injured reserve until mid-December. Fantasy Outlook: If Javonte Williams has an injury, Mafah will be in the mix for early down touches. He will go undrafted in 12-team formats in 2026.
WR Jonathan Mingo, DAL - Not Draft Worthy
Mingo arrived in Carolina, projected to bring a rare combination of size (6'2" and 220 lbs.) and speed (4.46 40-yard dash) to the Panthers' passing game. His route running was considered NFL-ready, though improving his burst out of breaks was an area for growth. His tools were high enough to create coverage mismatches: strength at the line of scrimmage, ability to win contested catches, and a natural fit lining up in the slot between the hashes. Across four seasons in Mississippi, Mingo compiled 112 catches for 1,751 yards and 13 touchdowns, peaking in 2022 (51/861/5). That season showcased his upside, headlined by a monster nine-catch, 247- yard, two-touchdown explosion, along with three other 100-yard outings (8/128/2, 6/136/1, and 3/103). His promise never materialized in his rookie year. Despite seeing WR2 snap share with the Panthers (86.7%), Mingo caught just 43 of 85 (50.6%) targets for 418 yards and zero touchdowns, with a tepid 9.7 yards per reception. He topped 10.0 PPR fantasy points in only two games all season (4/62 and 6/69). A concussion and a foot injury each cost him two games. His struggles in Carolina eventually triggered a midseason trade to Dallas in 2024, where things failed to improve. Mingo caught just 17 of 42 targets for 167 yards on the year, a disappointing end to what had been a frustrating two-season stretch. Dallas only had him on the field for 80 plays last season, leading to one catch for 25 yards on five targets. Fantasy Outlook: Mingo is close to finding his way to the wide receiver unemployment line. He will be found in the free pool in all formats this year.
