Jerry Jones, Cowboys Make Decision After Parris Campbell Retirement News
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 season under pressure to rebound after a disappointing year that ended without a playoff appearance for the second straight season. Dallas finished 7-9-1 in 2025 and fielded the NFL's worst defense, surrendering 511 points across the season. Dak Prescott still delivered elite production, throwing for 4,552 yards in Brian Schottenheimer's first year as head coach, but the defensive issues consistently erased any offensive momentum the team built.
Jerry Jones spent the offseason attacking those weaknesses aggressively, particularly on defense. Offensively, Dallas still expects to lean heavily on Prescott and one of the league's most talented receiving groups. CeeDee Lamb remains the centerpiece after signing his $34 million-per-year extension, while George Pickens returns after a breakout first season in Dallas.
But the Cowboys will enter training camp without one veteran depth option. Wide receiver Parris Campbell announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday, ending a seven-year career before turning 29.
Following Wednesday's announcement, Dallas officially placed him on the Reserve/Retired List, the standard procedural move for players who retire while still under contract, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The designation removes Campbell from the active roster and opens another offseason roster spot for the organization.
The #Cowboys have placed veteran WR Parris Campbell on the reserve/retired list. He is 28.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 27, 2026
Campbell entered the league as a second-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2019 after a standout career at Ohio State, where he earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors and helped the Buckeyes win a national championship. Injuries limited his consistency throughout his professional career, though he later spent time with the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cowboys. Campbell was part of Philadelphia's Super Bowl LIX-winning roster before signing with Dallas in March 2025.
His stint with the Cowboys never fully materialized. Campbell spent portions of the season on injured reserve and the practice squad before re-signing on a futures contract in January 2026.
The Cowboys now head into the summer with additional competition expected at the back end of the receiver room. Ryan Flournoy earned a larger role last season and remains part of the team's developmental plans behind Lamb and Pickens, while Dallas could still explore remaining free agents or undrafted options before training camp begins.
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This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 4:58 PM.