What's Happening?
Reddy Steward, an undrafted player from Troy, has gained a significant role with the Dallas Cowboys in his second year. After playing exclusively on special teams in the early part of the season, Steward became heavily involved in the defense, logging a defensive snap count of over 50% in six of the Cowboys' final seven games. He finished the 2025-26 regular season with 63 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three defensed passes, and a forced fumble over 17 contests. Steward's increased role comes after the release of Trevon Diggs in late December. As an exclusive rights free agent, the Cowboys have control over whether Steward will return next season.
Why It's Important?
Steward's emergence as a key defensive player highlights the Cowboys' ability to develop talent from unexpected
sources. His performance has been crucial in filling the gap left by Trevon Diggs, providing stability and depth to the Cowboys' defense. Steward's development also reflects the team's strategic focus on nurturing young talent, which can be more cost-effective than acquiring high-profile free agents. This approach could serve as a model for other teams looking to maximize their roster potential while managing salary cap constraints. Steward's future with the Cowboys will be closely watched, as his continued growth could significantly impact the team's defensive strategy.
What's Next?
As an exclusive rights free agent, Steward's future with the Cowboys is largely in the team's hands. The Cowboys will need to decide whether to retain him for the upcoming season, which seems likely given his recent performance. Steward's role in the defense is expected to grow, especially if he continues to develop his skills and adapt to the team's strategies. The Cowboys' decision on Steward will also be influenced by their overall defensive needs and any potential roster changes in the offseason. Fans and analysts will be watching to see how Steward's role evolves and what impact it will have on the Cowboys' defensive performance.
