Locked On Cowboys Podcast Summary

Episode: 3 YOUNG Players Who Could SHIFT Offseason Plans For Dallas Cowboys | Jaydon Blue's Future Outlook!
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool
Date: February 5, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Locked On Cowboys dives into how three young players—Shamar James (linebacker), Jaydon Blue (running back), and Tyler Guyton (tackle)—could impact the Dallas Cowboys’ offseason decisions. Marcus and Landon analyze whether these emerging talents can fill critical roster spots or if Dallas will need to invest further in free agency or the draft. The episode also touches on key NFC East news, notably Philadelphia’s loss of legendary offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, and what that means for the Cowboys’ competitive outlook.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Eagles’ Offseason Troubles & Implications for Cowboys

Timestamps: 00:11–04:15

• Jeff Stoutland leaves Eagles:
  • Marcus breaks the news that Eagles O-line coach Jeff Stoutland is leaving, highlighting this as “a huge deal” for the NFC East.
  • Landon emphasizes Stoutland's outsized influence on the Eagles’ success, comparing him to star executives and coaches:

    “He was as much responsible for the Eagles winning the Super Bowl…as really any other single person in that organization.” (01:51)

  • The hosts point out the Eagles’ downtick in hiring Sean Manion as OC—seen as uninspired—suggesting Philadelphia is “trending in [the] wrong direction” (03:51).
  • Implication: With Philadelphia faltering, the NFC East outlook potentially brightens for Dallas.

2. Shamar James: The Key to Linebacker Room Decisions

Timestamps: 04:15–09:18

• Assessing Linebacker Needs:
  • Marcus explains that a lot hinges on what new coaches think of Shamar James:

    “If you think he’s a nobody who’s a special teamer, then you’ve got to go out and find a starting linebacker… But if you think Shamar James is like a low level starter, high level backup…maybe you can wait till day two to add another body.” (04:35)

  • Landon draws parallels to last year’s discussions about DeMarvion Overshown and Leo Fou:

    “I think…[James] helps gauge how serious the need is…do we spend a first round pick?” (05:13)

  • Acknowledgment that linebacker is “an incredibly deep class” this year, making the Cowboys’ assessment of James even more strategic.
  • Both hosts admit the Cowboys are not banking on James to be a star, but his growth could shift priorities:

    “We’re not delusional here…we’re talking about him as…could he be a low-end linebacker two, high-end linebacker three?” — Marcus (06:57)

3. Jaydon Blue: Uncertain Future at Running Back?

Timestamps: 09:18–18:34

• Blue's Role & Professionalism:
  • Discussion on Jaydon Blue’s limited 2025 snaps—with Marcus asking:

    “Do you think there’s any chance he could impact Cowboys plans at running back this offseason?” (12:28)

  • Landon: Blue’s chance comes from off-field growth (“how often is he showing up in the locker room?”), referencing Blue learning professionalism from Javonte Williams.
  • Clear that Dallas needs a “lightning” back to pair with Williams’ “thunder,” but reliability and preparation are crucial:

    “All signs have pointed to this guy being an incredibly talented guy. But…unless you’ve got the kind of work ethic…you’re not going to have the impact.” — Landon (12:34)

  • Draft Decisions as Indicator:
    • Marcus notes that whether Dallas spends a mid-round pick on a RB, or “close[s] the book” on Blue, will reveal their internal estimation of his ceiling. (14:20–15:13)
    • Landon reiterates there’s no draft capital pressure to “make fetch happen” with Blue:

      “Whether Jaden Blue is a part of this conversation remains to be seen…I feel like the Cowboys have to kind of pretend like he’s not on the team, and then hope to be pleasantly surprised.” (15:13, 18:34)

  • Both hosts agree: If a RB is drafted in the top rounds, the writing is on the wall for Blue.

4. Tyler Guyton: The Tackle Spot’s Hinge Point

Timestamps: 19:21–28:07

• Guyton’s Upside and Durability Concerns:
  • Marcus sets the scene: Guyton showed growth but struggled with injuries. Dallas also faces questions at RT with Terence Steele (cap number, declining play) and Nate Thomas (inconsistent as swing tackle):

    “Tyler Guyton’s the key one here. What do you think the Cowboys think of Tyler Guyton going into year three?” (23:16)

  • Landon’s take:

    “What I saw from him this year when he was healthy was encouraging…that is our left tackle. The question is can we keep him on the field?” (23:22)

    • Notes Guyton’s improvements in body composition and flexibility, but acknowledges flukey, random injury string in 2025.
  • The hosts flag the need to solidify backup/swing tackle (“Nate Thomas plus a draft pick or veteran”—24:58) but are not ready to shuffle the O-line and move Tyler Smith to LT:

    “No interest in moving Tyler Smith out to left tackle and moving Guyton to right tackle. Not by Tyler Smith.” (28:01)

  • On Terence Steele’s fate:
    • Marcus: “Is it worth the cap savings?...If you cut Terence Steele…you’re also opening up another spot that needs to be filled…”
    • Landon replies: They might work with Steele to restructure, in favor of continuity.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Jeff Stoutland’s departure:

  “The smell downwind from Philadelphia right now is not great. It smells like rotting bodies right now…Philly is not trending in the right direction.” — Landon McCool (02:26)

• On Shamar James’ role in draft priority:

  “If this coaching staff likes him, I could actually see the Cowboys ignoring linebacker in free agency and waiting until the draft…If they don’t think he’s anything, maybe they have to do both.” — Marcus Mosher (06:57)

• On Jaydon Blue's off-field growth:

  “We’ve heard he’s developed a friendship with Javonte Williams…trying to learn how to be a little bit more professional…that kind of trust…is going to be an important first step.” — Landon McCool (12:34)

• On evaluating running back needs:

  “Teams can’t lie during the NFL draft. If we see the Cowboys trade up into the third round for a running back, it’s going to be a pretty good sign what they think of Jaydon Blue.” — Marcus Mosher (18:34)

• On tackle stability:

  “I am encouraged enough by what I’ve seen [from Guyton] when he’s been healthy to feel like…we can move forward with this situation.” — Landon McCool (24:58) “No interest in moving Tyler Smith out to left tackle and moving Guyton to right tackle. Not by Tyler Smith.” — Marcus Mosher (28:01)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Philadelphia/Jeff Stoutland Fallout: 00:11–04:15
• Shamar James & Linebacker Priorities: 04:15–09:18
• Jaydon Blue & Running Back Decisions: 09:18–18:34
• Tyler Guyton/Tackle Future: 19:21–28:07

Tone & Takeaways

Marcus and Landon bring candid, slightly irreverent analysis—heavy on inside-baseball roster nuance, but always connected to what it means for offseason strategy. They blend optimism about Dallas’ youth with realism about depth and uncertainty, emphasizing that while there are intriguing in-house options, each young player’s progress will directly steer draft/free agency investment.

For fans: This episode offers a grounded yet hopeful look at Dallas’ offseason puzzle pieces—how much trust to place in homegrown talent versus the need for new blood at linebacker, running back, and tackle, all while monitoring their division rivals’ missteps.