2026 NFL draft: Cowboys undrafted free agent (UDFA) tracker

Yahoo Sports2h ago19 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

The 2026 NFL Draft is concluding, marking the start of the undrafted free agent process for the Dallas Cowboys. Historically, the team has found success with UDFAs, including notable players like Tony Romo and Miles Austin.

Key points

2026 NFL Draft is concluding
Dallas Cowboys excel in undrafted free agent process
Tony Romo is a notable UDFA success story
Recent seasons have seen a decline in UDFA success
Tracker for Cowboys' UDFA signings will be updated continuously

Mentioned in this story

Tony RomoMiles AustinCole BeasleyDan BaileyBarry ChurchRon Leary

Dallas Cowboys

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)

Q&A

What is the significance of undrafted free agents for the Dallas Cowboys?

Undrafted free agents are crucial for the Cowboys as they have historically found talent that contributes significantly to the team, including stars like Tony Romo.

Who are some notable undrafted free agents that have played for the Cowboys?

Notable undrafted free agents for the Cowboys include Tony Romo, Miles Austin, Cole Beasley, and Dan Bailey.

How does the undrafted free agent process work after the NFL Draft?

After the NFL Draft concludes, teams like the Cowboys begin signing undrafted players to contracts, aiming to secure talent that was not selected during the draft.

What recent trends have affected the Cowboys' success with undrafted free agents?

In recent seasons, the Cowboys' success with undrafted free agents has slowed down, but they are hopeful for a resurgence in talent acquisition.