What's Happening?
The Dallas Cowboys have successfully signed six of their seven picks from the 2026 NFL Draft, including their first-round selection, Caleb Downs. Downs, who was the 11th overall pick, has agreed to a four-year
rookie contract worth $28.95 million, fully guaranteed, with a $17.5 million signing bonus. The Cowboys traded up one spot with the Miami Dolphins to secure Downs, a safety from Ohio State. Despite this progress, the Cowboys have yet to finalize a deal with their other first-round pick, Malachi Lawrence, an edge rusher selected 23rd overall. Downs, a two-time consensus All-American, was recognized as the 2025 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and has an impressive collegiate record. Alongside Downs, the Cowboys have signed third-round linebacker Jaishawn Barham, fourth-round tackle Drew Shelton, fourth-round cornerback Devin Moore, fourth-round edge rusher LT Overton, and seventh-round wide receiver Anthony Smith.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Caleb Downs and other draft picks is a significant step for the Dallas Cowboys as they aim to strengthen their defense, which has been a focus this offseason. Downs' addition is expected to bolster the Cowboys' secondary, given his accolades and performance at Ohio State. The Cowboys' decision to trade up for Downs highlights their commitment to enhancing their defensive lineup, which has been further supported by other strategic acquisitions, including linebacker Rashan Gary and defensive backs Jalen Thompson and Cobie Durant. These moves are crucial for the Cowboys as they seek to improve their defensive statistics, which were among the league's lowest last season. The successful integration of these new players could potentially shift the Cowboys' defensive capabilities, impacting their overall performance in the upcoming NFL season.
What's Next?
The next steps for the Dallas Cowboys involve finalizing the contract with their other first-round pick, Malachi Lawrence. Additionally, the team will focus on integrating these new players into their system during training camps and preseason games. The Cowboys' coaching staff, led by new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, will be tasked with developing strategies to maximize the potential of these acquisitions. The performance of these new signings will be closely monitored as the Cowboys aim to improve their defensive rankings and overall team performance in the 2026 NFL season.
