Caleb Downs has signed his rookie contract with the Dallas Cowboys after being selected 11th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Cowboys traded up to secure Downs, a highly regarded safety from Ohio State, to bolster their struggling defense.
Key points
Caleb Downs signed his rookie contract on May 1.
He was selected 11th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Cowboys traded up with the Dolphins to draft Downs.
Downs is considered one of the best safety prospects.
Dallas had the third-worst defense in the league in 2025.
Downs officially signed his rookie contract on May 1, according to ESPN's Todd Archer.
The star safety out of Ohio State fell into the Cowboys' laps on draft night during a time when the team was in desperate need of game-changers on defense. Dallas allowed 377 yards per game during the 2025 season, third-worst in the league.
One of the better safety prospects in recent memory, Downs figures to be a key piece to help improve that unit in 2026 and the Cowboys didn't even have to sweat the negotiation.
Here's what to know about Downs' first contract in the NFL.
Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft brings franchise‑defining moments as teams make their selections from the top of the board.
See how picks 1 through 32 came off the clock as the next generation of NFL talent enters the league.
Q&A
What are the contract details for Caleb Downs with the Cowboys?
Caleb Downs signed a rookie contract with the Dallas Cowboys, but specific financial details have not been disclosed.
Why did the Cowboys trade up to draft Caleb Downs?
The Cowboys traded up to the 11th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Caleb Downs, who is considered one of the best safety prospects and a potential game-changer for their defense.
How did the Cowboys' defense perform in the 2025 season?
In the 2025 season, the Cowboys allowed 377 yards per game, ranking them third-worst in the league, highlighting the need for improvements on defense.
What impact is Caleb Downs expected to have on the Cowboys in 2026?
Caleb Downs is expected to be a key addition to the Cowboys' defense in 2026, helping to address their struggles from the previous season.
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Caleb Downs contract details
Downs inked a four-year, fully-guaranteed, $28.9 million deal with the Cowboys.
It carries an average annual value (AAV) of around $7.23 million and an estimated signing bonus of $17.5 million, according to Spotrac. The total value of the deal is about $2 million less than what he would've received if the New York Giants selected him at No. 10.
NFL rookie contracts are slotted, meaning the player's draft position determines their contract. They are fixed and limit the haggling in negotiations to things like offset language.
The signing also ends the possibility of any potential holdout from the former Buckeyes star, which has been a problem the Cowboys experienced with veteran players on the roster in recent years.
Expected to start right away, Downs can now get to work immediately as the Cowboys offseason workouts begin.
