What a week it has been for the former draft picks. The Cowboys are obviously focused on the players on their current roster and how they might perform this week against the Giants. But it's hard to ignore some of the familiar faces that are in the news - for different reasons here in the last few days.
One of the most recent acquisitions occurred in Denver, where Deuce Vaughn has joined the Broncos' practice squad. Vaughn, a sixth-round pick of the Cowboys in 2023, spent two years on the roster but was cut this year by Dallas at the end of the preseason.
Vaughn is one of the several former draft picks to either join teams this week, or to stand out with their new teams. Check out the latest on former Cowboys in the news:
Rushing to Denver
The Broncos have added former Cowboys RB Deuce Vaughn to their practice squad this week.
Vaughn, a sixth-round pick of the Cowboys in 2023, spent two full years on the roster and three preseasons.
But he was cut at the end of preseason this year by the Cowboys, who chose not to add him to the practice squad. Vaughn is now with the Broncos, who play the Cowboys on Oct. 26 in Denver.
Welcome Back
The Cowboys will face a former third-round pick in Chauncey Golston, who is now a member of the Giants.
Golston, who played four years in Dallas from 2021-24, signed a free-agent deal with the Giants in the offseason.
He's part of a deep and talented Giants D-line that features the likes of Dexter Lawrence, Abdul Carter, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Coaching that Giants' D-line is veteran coach Andre Patterson, who served as the Cowboys' defensive line coach from 2000-02.
Nahshon Wright
The Cowboys' third-round pick in 2021 (99th overall), Nahshon Wright made a huge play for the Bears on Monday night. His 73-yard interception return gave the Bears a two-score lead against the Vikings, who then rallied for the win in the fourth quarter.
Wright began his career with the Cowboys, playing three full years in Dallas before joining the Vikings last year. He ended up with the Bears this season and played most of the game due to several injuries in Chicago's secondary.
The touchdown was the first defensive score for Wright, but not his first overall. As a rookie in 2021, Wright recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown with the Cowboys in a win over the Falcons.
Panthers add 2 to practice squad
A pair for former Cowboys draft picks have joined the Carolina Panthers. Israel Mukuamu, a sixth-round pick in 2022, and Tommy Akingbesote, a rookie seventh-round pick this past year, were both released at the end of the preseason by the Cowboys.
The Panthers added both players to their practice squad this week following a Week 1 loss to the Jaguars.
Mukuamu played in 50 games with the Cowboys, totaling three interceptions, including two last year. He had a pick in the preseason this year.
Akingbesote played in all three preseason games for the Cowboys, who had also drafted Jay Toia in the seventh round.
Micah makes GB debut
Micah Parsons played in his first game with the Packers after being traded by the Cowboys 10 days earlier.
Parsons helped the Packers to a 27-13 win over the Lions, recording a sack and three pressures.
Wearing No. 1, Parsons dropped Jared Goff for a fourth-quarter sack, giving him now 53.5 career sacks.
The Packers will play at the Cowboys on Sept. 29 at AT&T Stadium.
New Seahawk
Former Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence was impressive in his first game with the Seahawks, recording six tackles, including two TFL's.
Seattle fell short to NFC West rival San Francisco but Lawrence, wearing No. 0, seems to be a solid addition to a line that is coached by former Cowboys D-line coach Aden Durde.
In the photo, D-Law celebrated with the ball after a blocked field goal by the Seahawks.
Lawrence played 11 seasons in Dallas (2014-2024) and his 61.5 career sacks ranks 10th in team history.
First Pick
In his debut with the Jaguars, Jourdan Lewis picked off a pass in a win over the Panthers last Sunday.
Lewis, a third-round pick of the Cowboys in 2017, spent eight years in Dallas before signing with Jacksonville last offseason.
Lewis celebrated the pick with his teammates as the Jags went to 1-0 with a home win over Carolina.
Amari Cooper retires from Raiders
Just a few days before the first game, Amari Cooper decided to hang it up.
As a member of the Raiders, the team that drafted him back in 2015, Cooper had played for the Cowboys, Browns and Bills before deciding to join the Raiders again back on Aug. 26. But the second stint lasted just less than two weeks.
"The timing wasn't right for him," Raiders coach Pete Carroll said. "He didn't feel like he was ready to do it. He wanted a shot, and we gave him a shot. Much respect for him making that decision. Wish him the best."
Cooper played in Dallas from 2018-2020, earning two Pro Bowl selections in 2018 and 2019. He played in more games (56), caught more passes (292), for more yards (3,893) and more TDs (27) than with any other team.
