Dallas, TX
Ranking the Top 5 most important Dallas Cowboys players in 2024
There’s some players that are just simply more important to a team’s success than others. Would the Kansas City Chiefs be as successful without Patrick Mahomes or the San Francisco 49ers without Christian McCaffrey? To put it simply, no.
The Dallas Cowboys may or may not have those caliber of players currently on the roster, but they do have some who are instrumental to their success in 2024. Today, we are going to identify their Top 5 most important players and rank them accordingly.
#5 – QB Dak Prescott
Love him or hate him, Dak Prescott is one of the best and most consistent quarterbacks in the entire league. As such, the 2023 MVP runner-up should probably rank much higher on this list. Considering the fact the Cowboys seem willing to let him play out his current contract, and have a capable backup in Cooper Rush and possibly Trey Lance, he may not be as indispensable as he was in years past.
While it’s true Prescott is still one of the best and most important players currently on the Cowboys roster, it’s also true there a few even more important who should be ranked higher. With a proven backup QB capable of coming in and winning games in Cooper Rush, and the intrigue surrounding Trey Lance, it would look as if Dallas is pretty well set up to survive and stay afloat is something unforeseen happened to No. 4.
#4 – OL Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe
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Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe come in a tie as the fourth most important players the Cowboys currently have on the roster. It may sound a bit odd to consider two rookies who haven’t played a single meaningful down in the NFL yet as carrying such a distinction, but how they play this season could very well determine how successful, or not, the Cowboys are in 2024 given the positions they play.
Offensive line play this season, more than in the past, will be instrumental to whether the Cowboys sink or swim this year and the two rookies are at the forefront of all of that. Whether it’s creating holes in the running game or keeping Dak Prescott up right in pass protection, Guyton and Beebe are the key to success as the projected new starting blindside protector and center. That’s a heavy weight to carry for both rookies.
#3 – DE Micah Parsons
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Micah Parsons is one of the best, if not the best, and most talented players in the entire league, and not just at his given position. As a pass rusher though, he pretty much stands alone with just a few others like Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt. It’s one of the reasons why he’s in contention every season for Defensive Player of the Year. He’s also one of the best players on the Cowboys roster, especially in the defensive side of the ball.
Being the best and most talented though doesn’t necessarily make him the most important. Micah Parsons may be one of the most feared pass rushers in the league, but he can be game-planned for by opposing offenses to lessen how impactful he is. Even if he were to miss some time due to injury Dallas could probably survive his absence. While the depth behind him isn’t great, there are options capable of stepping in if/when needed.
#2 -CB Trevon Diggs
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Narrowly missing out on the No. 1 spot, Trevon Diggs is the second most important player for the Cowboys in 2024. The Cowboys have a lot riding on Diggs’ ability to return to the player he was prior to his season-ending knee injury last season. They were fortunate last year to have Stephon Gilmore and DaRon Bland as insurance policies when he went down, but that’s not the case any longer.
If No. 7 has any setbacks or takes a while to get back up to speed, the Cowboys secondary could be in bind. They may have a solid trio in Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, and Jourdan Lewis if all are healthy, but have a significant lack of proven depth behind them with the way the roster is currently constructed. Because of that, Diggs’ health and availability for them this year could mean the difference between success or failure.
#1 – WR CeeDee Lamb
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Make no mistake, CeeDee Lamb comes in at #1 on this list because he is the most important player the Cowboys currently have on the roster. The offense will once again run through him, much like it did last season, and potentially even more so due to the absence of Tony Pollard. There’s not another player on the entire offensive side of the ball capable of coming anywhere near being as productive or striking fear in opposing defenses as No. 88.
As CeeDee Lamb goes, so goes the Cowboys 2024 season. Losing him for any length of time would all but doom the Cowboys season. They simply don’t have anyone who can step into his shoes to do what he does. He is going to be the focal point of the entire offense this year in not only their aerial attack, but will likely be a significant factor as an extension of the running game as well.
Kurt: Even though he is Dallas’ only 2026 draft pick to not sign yet, Lawrence’s current contract situation isn’t having any impact on the team’s culture and what Schottenheimer is trying to do.
There are specific restrictions set within the Collective Bargaining Agreement on how much each rookie can make, based on his draft position. The higher the draft slot, the higher the paycheck. Seems simple, right? However, there are a few items that can be negotiated, such as guaranteed money.
Which is where the Cowboys and Lawrence stand right now, although they’re not alone. Around the league, 15 of the top 21 overall picks have signed, but none of the rookies selected lower in the first round (Nos. 22-32) have inked a deal. Even though they basically have no leverage, they’re all waiting to see how things play out. Once one signs on the dotted line, the other dominoes should quickly fall.
In the meantime, it’s been business as usual for the coaching staff and players. Lawrence has been attending all the workouts and meetings, as well as generally being around to soak up Schottenheimer’s culture.
In other words, Cowboys fans can move right along; there is nothing to see here.Kurt:
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra announced its 2026 Parks Concert Series, a lineup of free performances scheduled at parks and community venues across Dallas this summer.
The annual series begins Monday, May 25, with the orchestra’s Memorial Day concert at Flag Pole Hill.
“Sharing music in Dallas-area parks is a highlight of our summer each year,” Michelle Miller Burns, Ross Perot president and CEO of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, said in a statement. “There’s nothing quite like seeing our community come together to experience the joy of live music, and we are grateful for the opportunity to create these memorable moments across the city.”
Assistant Conductor Shira Samuels-Shragg, the Marena & Roger Gault Chair, will lead the Memorial Day performance. The program includes “America the Beautiful,” Morton Gould’s “Armed Forces Salute,” Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” selections from “Great American Songs,” the finale from Florence Price’s “Symphony No. 1,” and John Williams’ “Superman March,” among other pieces.
The orchestra said Samuels-Shragg will also conduct concerts at Fretz Park, Exall Park, Kidd Springs Park and Paul Quinn College.
According to the orchestra, all concerts are free and open to the public. The 2026 Parks Concert Series is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture and the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department.
The Memorial Day concert at Flag Pole Hill is scheduled to begin at 8:15 p.m. Monday, May 25, with fireworks planned for 9:15 p.m. In case of rain, the event will move to the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
Additional concerts are scheduled for:
- Tuesday, June 2 — Fretz Park, 6950 Belt Line Road
- Wednesday, June 3 — Exall Park, 3501 Live Oak St.
- Friday, June 5 — Kidd Springs Park, 711 W. Canty St.
- Saturday, June 6 — Paul Quinn College, 3837 Simpson Stuart Road
All performances are scheduled for 8:15 p.m.
More information is available through the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Dallas is big Texas spirit personified.
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The city balances its historical past with its current identity as a Lone Star hub for its Wild West culture, unique arts district, JFK history, and, increasingly, as a hub for big businesses. (Some have started to call it Silicon Prairie.)
If you’ve visited Dallas before, you might already know that the city is also very well known for its restaurants, food trucks, and love of great eats. There are even wineries dotting the area around Dallas, giving residents access to delicious pinots, cabernets, and more.
Tex-Mex and barbecue are part of Dallas, just like its cowboy heritage. And you can take a bite out of this culture with a few city-crossing food tours. They let you sample beloved dishes from restaurants and food trucks you might not hear about otherwise.
If you want to taste true Texan culture, book one of these food tours in Dallas—or more. Food Tours of America is a well-known company that offers a few tours in a large-group setup, but you can also branch out into more indie territory, if you want.
Food tours in Dallas that deliver on great bites & culture
5 Local Food Tastings in Deep Ellum (Secret Food Tours)
Deep Ellum is one of Dallas’s most popular neighborhoods because it has a long history, an artistic and creative feel, and is home to some of the city’s best bars. It’s also a gastronomic hub where you can sample city staples, from brisket to Tex-Mex. Think: great eats, a bit of history, and street art galore.
Deep Ellum Foodie & Street Art Tour (Food Tours of America)
This is a similar tour to the first one listed. You’ll get a fantastic balance of history, street art, and food tastings from eateries around Deep Ellum. Both tour groups (Secret Food Tours and Food Tours of America) are highly rated and have plenty of experience. They also cost almost the same price.
JFK Food & Culture Walking Tour (Food Tours of America)
Visitors usually get an earful (or two) about JFK when touring Dallas. If you want to dive a bit deeper into President John F. Kennedy’s life and legacy in the city while also savoring local flavors, look no further. You get to see important landmarks like Dealey Plaza and the Grassy Knoll between food tastings. Perfect for history buffs with an appetite.
Uptown Eats Trolley Tour (Food Tours of America)
Prefer to be ferried around by trolley instead of walking during a food tour? Here’s your perfect tour. You board a vintage trolley, then cruise through Dallas’s lovely Uptown neighborhood. Along the way, you’ll stop to sample diverse eats from some of Dallas’s top local haunts. The tour also includes a VIP look at the McKinney Avenue Trolley Car Barn.
5-Course Walking Food Tour in Dallas + History (Incloodie Food Tour)
Foodies, assemble! This is a small-group tour with a focus on Dallas culture that can be tasted through its top cuisine. In other words, you’ll sample a diverse range of eats that showcase the people who make Dallas what it is. Make sure you come hungry—this is a five-course tour, as the title says. You can also request gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Dallas Flavor & History Tour (Fun Texas Tours)
You can choose from two or four-hour tours on this straightforward option. The tour includes transportation in a climate-controlled van. You also stop at historical and cultural sights along the way.
Downtown Dallas Historic Food Tour: Taste What Dallas Invented (Incloodie Food Tour)
This three-hour walking tour takes you through Downtown Dallas and its Historic West End. Along the way, you’ll stop to eat some of Dallas’s most iconic dishes that originate in the city, including homemade Tex-Mex bites, BBQ, and more. Between stops to eat, you’ll learn about important historical monuments and markers.
Grapevine Foodie and Winery Tour (Food Tours of America)
Head to the scenic historic Grapevine area, just outside the city of Dallas. (The tour below is also based in Grapevine.) You can explore the downtown area as you go on a gastronomic journey that includes famous Dallas dishes, like brisket. You also get to visit a boutique winery and taproom to sample premium Texas wines.
Grapevine’s Wine & Chocolate Happy Hour (Grapevine Food Tours)
Head to Grapevine—this time, with a sweeter journey at your destination. This tour includes access to two wineries on Historic Main Street in Grapevine, along with a range of chocolate pairings to enjoy. You also get to learn about sabering, which is the art of lobbing off a champagne’s bottles top with a sharp saber.
1-Hour Distillery and Tasting Tour in Dallas (New Artisan Distillery)
I’m rounding off this list with two boozy tours. The first is a distillery tour where you get to dive deep into the art of crafting gin and bourbon. The tour is hosted at the New Artisan Distillery and is designed to be an experience. You’ll learn about distillation, then get to sample products in a Glencairn tasting glass in a classy tasting room.
Downtown Dallas Cocktail Crawl (Food Tours of America)
This cocktail crawl gives you plenty of culture to enjoy. You’ll walk from location to location in the AT&T Discovery District, doing some sightseeing on the way. At each spot, you get to sample a hand-crafted cocktail, sometimes paired with bites, as you learn about the city and its favorite flavors.
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