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What Cowboys just did with Caleb Downs has everyone talking before minicamp
TL;DR
The Dallas Cowboys signed first-round pick Caleb Downs to a four-year, $28.9 million rookie deal, fully guaranteed. This move aims to strengthen their defense after a disappointing 2025 season.
Key points
- Dallas Cowboys signed Caleb Downs to a four-year rookie deal
- Contract worth about $28.9 million, fully guaranteed
- Downs was the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
- Move aims to improve a struggling defense
- Downs expected to play multiple roles in the secondary
Caleb DownsDallas CowboysNFL Draft 2026
What Cowboys just did with Caleb Downs has everyone talking before minicamp originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Dallas Cowboyshave signed first-round pick Caleb Downs to a four-year rookie deal worth about $28.9 million. The contract is fully guaranteed and follows the standard pay scale for players taken early in the draft.
Downs entered the league as the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a strong college career at Alabama and Ohio State. He built his profile as a versatile defensive back who can cover, tackle, and support different roles on defense.
The Cowboys made this move as part of an effort to fix a defense that surrendered a league-high 30.1 points per game in 2025. With the team focusing on fixing the secondary, Downs is expected to play multiple roles as a safety in coverage and run support.
Cowboys bet on Caleb Downs to fix secondary issues right away
While the money is a normal part of the draft process, the real detail is the expectation. Rather than treating a 21-year-old rookie as a long-term project, the Cowboys are relying on Downs to be an immediate starter and fix the secondary right away.
Q&A
What is Caleb Downs' contract value with the Cowboys?
Caleb Downs signed a four-year rookie deal worth approximately $28.9 million, fully guaranteed.
Why did the Cowboys sign Caleb Downs?
The Cowboys signed Caleb Downs to enhance their defense, which allowed a league-high 30.1 points per game in 2025.
What position will Caleb Downs play for the Cowboys?
Caleb Downs is expected to play multiple roles as a safety, focusing on coverage and run support.
