In the NFL, movement is a well-known topic. Players, coaches and front office members find new homes all the time.
What happens when those individuals choose to work for a division rival? Cowboys fans found out firsthand this offseason, thanks to Dan Quinn and a few former Dallas players.
As the first day of training camp approaches, we’ll take a look at the former Cowboys players (and coaches) who are taking their next steps with NFC East squads:
Washington Commanders
Ex-Cowboys on the coaching staff: Dan Quinn, Joe Whitt Jr. and Sharrif Floyd
Ex-Cowboys on the field: DE Dorance Armstrong, C Tyler Biadasz, DE Dante Fowler Jr., CB Noah Igbinoghene, DE Efe Obada, DT John Ridgeway III
Quinn’s jump from Cowboys defensive coordinator to Commanders head coach was one of the offseason’s most notable moves. He didn’t go alone.
While putting together his staff, Quinn kept familiar names like Whitt and Floyd in mind. Whitt went from defensive passing game coordinator in Dallas to defensive coordinator in Washington. Floyd joined on as an assistant defensive line coach.
What could be considered an exodus started in free agency. Armstrong and Biadasz were the first to sign deals with the new Quinn-led team, then Fowler and Igbinoghene followed. There’s no shortage of Dallas ties on this team.
Another pair of names to remember: Obada and Ridgeway. While their Dallas stints were short, each player donned a Cowboys jersey at one point.
Philadelphia Eagles
Ex-Cowboys on the coaching staff: Kellen Moore and Doug Nussmeier
Ex-Cowboys on the field: QB Will Grier
After one season in Los Angeles, Moore made his way back to the NFC East. This time, he’ll run the offense for one of Dallas’ heated rivals.
Moore notably spent a large portion of his career in Dallas, working his way into the coaching staff after three years as a backup quarterback. He worked as the Cowboys’ quarterbacks coach for one year, then spent four seasons as the offensive coordinator.
Moore and the Cowboys mutually agreed to part ways before the 2023-24 campaign. He’s joined on the staff by Nussmeier, who previously coached tight ends and quarterbacks in Dallas.
While he’ll work closely with starter Jalen Hurts, Moore will also share ideas with a familiar face in Grier. The former Cowboys backup joined the Eagles on a one-year deal after spending parts of last season in New England and Los Angeles.
New York Giants
Ex-Cowboys on the field: WR Dennis Houston
There aren’t a ton of former Cowboys on the Giants’ coaching staff or roster, but Houston’s name is one to remember. The former undrafted free agent started the 2022 season with the Cowboys, then joined the team’s practice squad after being waived in September.
Houston signed a reserve/future contract with the Cowboys in 2023, but was once again waived in August. He joined the Giants’ practice squad and signed a reserve/future contract with New York in January.
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