Former Texas Longhorns RB surprisingly waived by Dallas Cowboys

Former Texas Longhorns running back Jaydon Blue was surprisingly waived by the Dallas Cowboys just before the regular season began. Blue had started training camp as the team's second-string running back behind Javonte Williams. However, Malik Davis, a former Florida Gators player, secured the backup position during training camp. Davis, drafted as an undrafted free agent in 2022, had spent the past four seasons on the Cowboys' practice squad before stepping up this year.

The Cowboys made a notable change to their running back depth chart, cutting Blue ahead of the NFL's 53-man roster deadline. Blue was drafted by the Cowboys with the 149th pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 5'9" and weighing 196 pounds, the 26-year-old showed promise with his speed, running a 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and a 4.30 at the Texas Pro Day, despite dealing with a hamstring injury and fumbling issues during his time at Texas.

Blue's college career at Texas was marked by inconsistency and fumbling issues, despite rushing for 1,161 yards and 11 touchdowns on 214 carries and contributing 56 receptions for 503 yards and seven touchdowns. He was always seen as a solid option in the passing game, but never as an every-down back. With KaVontae Turpin already providing that role for the Cowboys, Blue's skills were deemed surplus.

Blue can now be claimed by any of the other 31 NFL teams, and if he clears waivers, Dallas could put him back on the practice squad.