The curtains will soon close on the 2026 NFL Draft, which means the lights are going up on the undrafted free agent process. The Dallas Cowboys have done a remarkable job in the second phase of the draft process over the last few decades. Once all 256 picks are made, spread across seven rounds, the race to secure prospects who weren’t selected begins.
Dallas has had their share of UDFA success stories, with of course the most famous being Eastern Illinois’ Tony Romo in 2003. Upon his retirement, Romo essentially held every major Cowboys passing record. Other stars such as WR Miles Austin, slot WR Cole Beasley and K Dan “Split’Em” Bailey were UDFA additions. Barry Church and Ron Leary were UDFAs who earned the Cowboys compensatory picks after leaving Dallas and getting great deals elsewhere.
Things have slowed down somewhat in recent seasons, but the Cowboys hope the tide will swing back to their usual strong talent-collecting ways.
Here, we'll keep track of all of the team's signings after the conclusion of the seventh round in a continuously updated tracker through the evening hours.
WACO, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 01: Defensive end Malachi Lawrence #51 of the UCF Knights tries to defend against a pass by quarterback Sawyer Robertson #13 of the Baylor Bears in the fourth quarter at McLane Stadium on November 01, 2025 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)Sep 30, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Blake Shapen (12) is sacked by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the first quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY SportsFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesUCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) tackles ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) as he scrambles during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Nov. 9, 2024.Sep 6, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina A&T Aggies quarterback Braxton Thomas (17) is tackled by UCF Knights edge Malachi Lawrence (51) during the first quarter at Acrisure Bounce House. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn ImagesFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesOct 7, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) tackles Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jason Bean (9) during the second half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY SportsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UCF Knights defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number 23 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesNov 29, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws over the reach of UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn ImagesOct 28, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Jahiem White (22) is tackled by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports1 / 10DeMarcus Ware comparisons? Cowboys' 1st-round pick 'Has some of those traits'WACO, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 01: Defensive end Malachi Lawrence #51 of the UCF Knights tries to defend against a pass by quarterback Sawyer Robertson #13 of the Baylor Bears in the fourth quarter at McLane Stadium on November 01, 2025 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)1 / 10DeMarcus Ware comparisons? Cowboys' 1st-round pick 'Has some of those traits'WACO, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 01: Defensive end Malachi Lawrence #51 of the UCF Knights tries to defend against a pass by quarterback Sawyer Robertson #13 of the Baylor Bears in the fourth quarter at McLane Stadium on November 01, 2025 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)2 / 10Malachi Lawrence pic gallerySep 30, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Blake Shapen (12) is sacked by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the first quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports3 / 10Malachi Lawrence pic galleryFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images4 / 10Malachi Lawrence pic galleryUCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) tackles ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) as he scrambles during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Nov. 9, 2024.5 / 10Malachi Lawrence pic gallerySep 6, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina A&T Aggies quarterback Braxton Thomas (17) is tackled by UCF Knights edge Malachi Lawrence (51) during the first quarter at Acrisure Bounce House. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images6 / 10Malachi Lawrence pic galleryFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images7 / 10Malachi Lawrence pic galleryOct 7, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) tackles Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jason Bean (9) during the second half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports8 / 10Malachi Lawrence pic galleryApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UCF Knights defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number 23 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images9 / 10Malachi Lawrence pic galleryNov 29, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws over the reach of UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images10 / 10Malachi Lawrence pic galleryOct 28, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Jahiem White (22) is tackled by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY SportsMichigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) tackles Michigan State running back Kay'Ron Lynch-Adams (15) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) sacks Central Michigan quarterback Joe Labas (2)during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) sacks Central Michigan quarterback Joe Labas (2) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) arrives ahead of the Washington game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.Oct 4, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) reacts in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesMichigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) warms up at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive lineman Jaishawn Barham (DL33) runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesMichigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) tackles New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne (2) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, August 30, 2025.1 / 8Cowboys newest ILB/OLB, Jaishawn Barham from MichiganMichigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) tackles Michigan State running back Kay'Ron Lynch-Adams (15) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.1 / 8Cowboys newest ILB/OLB, Jaishawn Barham from MichiganMichigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) tackles Michigan State running back Kay'Ron Lynch-Adams (15) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.2 / 8Top Twitter Reactions to Cowboys draft trade for Winters, Barham pickMichigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) sacks Central Michigan quarterback Joe Labas (2)during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.3 / 8Cowboys newest ILB/OLB, Jaishawn Barham from MichiganMichigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) sacks Central Michigan quarterback Joe Labas (2) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.4 / 8Cowboys newest ILB/OLB, Jaishawn Barham from MichiganMichigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) arrives ahead of the Washington game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.5 / 8Cowboys newest ILB/OLB, Jaishawn Barham from MichiganOct 4, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) reacts in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images6 / 8Headbutts, position switch among 5 things to know about Cowboys BarhamMichigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) warms up at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.7 / 8Cowboys newest ILB/OLB, Jaishawn Barham from MichiganFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive lineman Jaishawn Barham (DL33) runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images8 / 8Cowboys newest ILB/OLB, Jaishawn Barham from MichiganMichigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) tackles New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne (2) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, August 30, 2025.Caleb Downs, AlabamaCaleb Downs, AlabamaCaleb Downs, AlabamaOhio State safety Caleb Downs (2) intercepts a pass from Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (not in the photo) during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.Ohio State football safety Caleb Downs makes an interception during the third period during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines Saturday, November 30, 2024 in Ohio Stadium.Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.Oct 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) enters the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn ImagesOhio State Buckeyes safeties coach Matt Guerrieri yells at defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) makes ain interception on a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates after sacking Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) takes the field for warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn ImagesOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs gets measured during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses with his parents Gary Downs and Tanya Shorter Downs on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images1 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsCaleb Downs, Alabama1 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsCaleb Downs, Alabama2 / 26Cowboys 2026 NFL Draft Day 3 Live Tracker: Pick-By-Pick AnalysisCaleb Downs, Alabama3 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsCaleb Downs, Alabama4 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State safety Caleb Downs (2) intercepts a pass from Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (not in the photo) during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.5 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State football safety Caleb Downs makes an interception during the third period during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines Saturday, November 30, 2024 in Ohio Stadium.6 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.7 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.8 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.9 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOct 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) enters the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images10 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safeties coach Matt Guerrieri yells at defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.11 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.12 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.13 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) makes ain interception on a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.14 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates after sacking Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.15 / 26Newest Cowboys safety Caleb Downs' rookie deal has $17.8M first checkOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.16 / 26Caleb Downs already changing Cowboys' thought process: 'This guy is different'Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) takes the field for warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.17 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsDec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images18 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images19 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs gets measured during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.20 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.21 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.22 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.23 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses with his parents Gary Downs and Tanya Shorter Downs on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images24 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images25 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images26 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesHere's a look at the recent UDFA classes.
2025 Class: Safety Alijah Clark (Syracuse), Linebacker Justin Barron (Syracuse), DB Zion Childess (Kentucky)
2023 Class: OL TJ Bass (Oregon), FB Hunter Luepke (N. Dakota State), Edge Tyrus Wheat (Miss. St)
2022 Class: S Markquese Bell (Florida A&M), RB Malik Davis (Florida)
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Cowboys undrafted free agent (UDFA) tracker