The Dallas Cowboys have successfully built a strong reputation in signing undrafted free agents (UDFAs), a critical part of their talent acquisition strategy. With 74 players currently on their roster, including several key acquisitions through free agency and trades, the Cowboys have 16 open spots available for UDFAs. After the draft, these players provide an opportunity to fill roster gaps, as only 257 of approximately 6,000 eligible players get drafted, leaving many highly skilled individuals to become available as UDFAs.
Dallas has been particularly successful with UDFAs, with notable players like Tony Romo and Miles Austin, who were both developed into NFL stars. Over the past season alone, 10 former UDFAs started at least one game for the Cowboys, including Terence Steele, Cooper Rush, and Rico Dowdle. This success is attributed to the team’s structured approach in recruiting UDFAs and their willingness to sign multiple players who didn’t make it through the draft but still had potential.
The Cowboys’ emphasis on UDFAs goes beyond mere luck, as they target players based on their pre-draft evaluations. Chris Hall, the Cowboys’ director of college scouting, ensures that the team stays committed to their draft board after the draft. This practice helps Dallas sign players who were on their radar but went undrafted. Additionally, the Cowboys have built strong relationships with these players, emphasizing their successful history in developing talent and offering UDFAs an opportunity to compete and potentially make the team.
Moreover, the Cowboys have been willing to invest more than many other teams when it comes to UDFAs. In recent years, they’ve provided significant guaranteed money to entice top UDFAs to sign with them. In 2024, for example, several players received more than $100,000 in guaranteed money, including tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford, who was given a $20,000 signing bonus and a $225,000 guarantee. This financial strategy allows the Cowboys to compete for top undrafted talent, even in a highly competitive market.
The Cowboys’ focus on UDFAs is not just a recent trend; they have been investing in this area for years, ensuring they secure a pipeline of talent. By offering competitive guarantees and maintaining a consistent track record of developing UDFAs, the Cowboys continue to strengthen their roster with promising players who may have otherwise been overlooked. This approach gives them an advantage in acquiring untapped talent that can contribute significantly to their success in the NFL.
