Cowboys Sign UFL Standout Defensive Tackle

The Dallas Cowboys are hoping to continue their luck in signing players out of the UFL.

Sources confirm that the Cowboys are signing defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey after an All-UFL season with the Birmingham Stallions this spring.

After a standout college career at Oklahoma, Winfrey was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was waived after one year with the Browns before being picked up by the New York Jets the following season. He spent much of his one-year contract in 2023 on the injured reserve or practice squad before becoming a free agent and testing out his skills in the UFL.

The 6-3, 290-pounder proved his pre-draft pedigree by earning all-league honors in the spring after joining the Stallions in October of last year.

He comes to the Cowboys with previous ties to the coaching staff. During his time on the Jets' practice squad, he worked with Dallas' new defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton. He also reunites with former New York teammate and fellow DT Solomon Thomas, who signed with the Cowboys earlier this offseason.

The Cowboys struggled stopping the run last season, and signing Winfrey continues the team's efforts to enhance the interior defensive line. Dallas drafted two tackles in Jay Toia and Tommy Akingbesote, along with signing Thomas and re-signing emerging star Osa Odighizuwa.

Winfrey will head to training camp with a shot at earning his place on the Cowboys 53-man roster and adding depth to the trenches.

His connections to the staff should bode well for his causes, but he still must prove that he deserves the chance to play in the NFL.

For the Cowboys, Winfrey could become the latest success story with players acquired from the UFL. Josh Butler and All-Pros KaVontae Turpin and Brandon Aubrey each earned a roster spot in Dallas after starting their careers in the spring league.