Cowboys Chart a New Path for Traeshon Holden’s Future
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Dallas, TX – May 22, 2025
Under the new leadership of head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the Dallas Cowboys are laying the groundwork for an ambitious future, with a key focus on unlocking the potential of young talents like Traeshon Holden—a wide receiver signed as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) after the 2025 NFL Draft. Emerging as a promising prospect, Holden is poised to shape the Cowboys’ offensive lineup in 2025 season and beyond. This article explores the new direction the Cowboys have outlined for Holden and his potential role in the team.
Traeshon Holden: An Underrated Gem
Traeshon Holden, a former standout at Oregon and Alabama, brings an impressive resume to Dallas despite going undrafted. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 205 pounds, with an 83.3% catch rate in 2024 (19% above expected based on route depth), Holden boasts the ideal size and skill set for a wide receiver. He excels in contested catches, precise route-running, and physical play in critical situations like third downs and the red zone.
With the Cowboys, Holden reunites with wide receivers coach Junior Adams, who mentored him at Oregon. Adams has praised Holden, calling him “a dawg” for his competitive spirit and dedication. This familiarity gives Holden a significant advantage, allowing him to quickly adapt to Schottenheimer’s ball-control offensive system, which emphasizes precision and discipline.
The Cowboys’ New Direction for Holden
The Cowboys are in a transitional phase, aiming to build a balanced and sustainable roster after years of inconsistency. While the receiving corps is led by CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, it lacks depth following Brandin Cooks’ departure and Jalen Tolbert’s uneven performance. This opens the door for Holden to compete for the WR3 or WR4 role, or even a spot on special teams.
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Leveraging Versatile Skills: Schottenheimer and Adams plan to utilize Holden in high-leverage situations, such as third downs and red-zone plays, where his size and reliable hands can make a difference. His versatile route-running fits the Cowboys’ diverse offensive schemes, from short slants to deep outs.
Role in Special Teams: To secure a spot on the 53-man roster, Holden must prove his value on special teams. His size and agility make him a candidate for return duties or coverage units, a critical factor for backup receivers.
Development Under Adams: Holden’s prior relationship with Adams ensures personalized coaching, from refining route techniques to improving his ability to read defenses. Adams’ track record of developing young receivers at Oregon bodes well for Holden’s rapid progress.
Competing in Training Camp: The Cowboys are hosting a fierce competition for backup receiver spots, with rivals like Parris Campbell, Ryan Flournoy, and Jalen Brooks in the mix. Holden’s size and system familiarity give him an edge, provided he maintains consistency in camp and preseason games.
Long-Term Potential
Holden is not just a short-term fix but a potential cornerstone for the Cowboys’ future. The team’s history of success with UDFAs—think Tony Romo, Drew Pearson, or more recently Terence Steele—offers inspiration. If Holden earns a roster spot or a place on the practice squad in 2025, it could pave the way for him to become a reliable complementary receiver alongside Lamb and Pickens in the years ahead.
Holden’s confidence and leadership, honed at Alabama and Oregon, also make him a positive presence in the locker room. As the Cowboys aim to build a new team culture under Schottenheimer, players like Holden—young, hungry, and dedicated—are vital to the rebuild.
Challenges Ahead
Despite his potential, Holden’s path is fraught with challenges. He must outshine competitors and prove he can handle the NFL’s speed and complexity. Staying healthy and avoiding injuries during training camp will be crucial to making a lasting impression on the coaching staff.
Conclusion
Traeshon Holden embodies the Cowboys’ philosophy of finding and developing overlooked talent. With his ideal size, versatile skills, and support from coach Junior Adams, Holden has a clear path to shine in the 2025 season. Whether securing a roster spot or a practice squad role, he has the chance to carve out his own success story, continuing Dallas’ storied UDFA tradition. As training camp approaches, Cowboys fans have every reason to keep a close eye on this hidden gem’s journey.
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