Jay Toia joined the Cowboys as a seventh-round pick in 2025 and became the team’s longest-tenured defensive tackle after only one year. He earned a role as a true nose tackle suited to specific defensive formations and made the 53-man roster. Dallas quickly reshaped the position, acquiring Kenny Clark via the Micah Parsons trade and later trading for Quinnen Williams, which also moved Mazi Smith out. With Clark, Williams, Osa Odighizuwa, and Solomon Thomas taking most snaps, Toia saw limited action and was active only a few additional games. His grades were modest, and he will compete again in 2026. The Cowboys also added Otito Ogbonnia and Jonathan Bullard, increasing pressure on his chances.
"After a long run at UCLA, Toia was taken by Dallas with the first pick of the seventh round of last year's draft. He was one of three Cowboys seventh-rounders last year, the other two being RB Phila Mafah and fellow DT Tommy Akingbesote. With his niche ability as a true nose tackle, necessary for specific formations, Toia was able to work his way onto the 53-man roster."
"The DT changes around Toia started quickly. The Micah Parsons trade brought Kenny Clark to Dallas just before the season began. Then there was the midseason trade for Quinnen Williams, which also sent Mazi Smith out the door. Once Dallas had Clark and Williams to go with Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas, there weren't many snaps left Toia. Tough he appeared in the first two games of the regular season, Toia would only be active for three more games the rest of the year."
"Toia didn't do much to impress in his limited playing time. Surprisingly, he graded out better as a pass rusher than run defender, but neither were high marks. Despite the slow career start, Dallas hung on to him for the occasional depth and development throughout the year and will let him compete again in 2026."
"Things don't look great for Toia right now. The Cowboys may have sent Odighizuwa and Thomas away in trades this offseason, but they also signed veterans Otito Ogbonnia and Jonathan Bullard as free agents. Rookie L."
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