Cowboys Part Ways With 2-Time Super Bowl Champion After Preseason Finale

The Dallas Cowboys secured a 27-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints in their final preseason game on August 29, 2026, marking the end of their preparation for the upcoming regular season. The win came after a hard-fought contest in which both teams showcased key players and potential starters. Just days after the game, the Cowboys made a significant move by releasing Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a two-time Super Bowl champion who had participated in the match. The decision to release Valdes-Scantling followed his performance in the preseason finale, where he recorded two catches on three targets for 31 yards. His overall numbers across the preseason were modest, three receptions and 45 yards, leading the Cowboys to conclude that he would not make the final 53-man roster. This move occurred ahead of the NFL’s deadline for teams to finalize their rosters, leaving Valdes-Scantling without a team as the regular season approaches. Valdes-Scantling, 31, joined the Cowboys in April on a one-year deal, making him the eighth franchise he has played for since entering the league in 2018 with the Green Bay Packers. During his tenure with the Packers, he caught passes from Aaron Rodgers, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He later moved to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he became a key member of the Super Bowl-winning team led by Patrick Mahomes. His two Super Bowl titles came in 2020 and 2023. In recent years, however, Valdes-Scantling struggled to find consistent playing time. Last season, he reunited with Rodgers on the Pittsburgh Steelers, joining the practice squad in November before being promoted to the active roster in December. Despite being on the field for five games, he started only once and finished with 10 receptions for 80 yards and one touchdown. His brief stint with the Steelers did little to revive his career trajectory. The Cowboys' decision to cut Valdes-Scantling reflects the competitive nature of the NFL, particularly at the wide receiver position. Dallas boasts a deep and talented group of receivers, including George Pickens, CeeDee Lamb, and Jake Ferguson, who combined for a significant share of Dak Prescott’s passing yardage last season. With this core in place, the Cowboys felt confident moving forward without Valdes-Scantling’s services. The release comes as the Cowboys prepare for their regular-season opener against the New York Giants on September 13. That game, scheduled for Sunday night at 8:20 p.m. ET, will be a high-profile matchup and an early test for the team’s new-look offense under head coach Mike McCarthy. The Cowboys have made several changes to their roster in recent weeks, aiming to build around Prescott and their established offensive weapons. Valdes-Scantling’s departure leaves questions about his immediate future. As a free agent, he will likely seek opportunities elsewhere, though his age and recent performance may limit his options. For the Cowboys, the move ensures they enter the season with a clear plan, focusing on developing younger talent while relying on proven stars to carry the offense. The Saints, meanwhile, used the preseason game to evaluate their roster and identify players who could contribute in the regular season. Their ability to rally late in the contest demonstrated resilience, even though they fell short of securing a win. Both teams will now shift focus toward the regular season, with the Cowboys looking to defend their status as one of the league’s top franchises and the Saints aiming to rebuild under new leadership.