Why Cowboys didn't sign Emmitt Smith's son to free agent contract

Why Cowboys didn't sign Emmitt Smith's son to free agent contract originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

E.J. Smith was an undrafted free agent available to be signed.

But it's news that he didn't sign with the Dallas Cowboys, and for one reason: He's Emmitt Smith's son.

Yep, the NFL's all-time leading rusher had a kid available to be added after the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft.

But instead of the Cowboys, it was the Chiefs who signed E.J. He had spent a local pro day in front of pro scouts in Dallas, but it clearly didn't move the Cowboys much.

“Excited to officially sign with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent,” E.J. Smith wrote on Instagram. “Nothing is given. Everything is earned. I’m ready to work, learn, and prove myself every single day. Thank you to my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone who believed in me and pushed me to this moment. The journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge prepared me for this next step. Grateful is an understatement. All glory to God for this opportunity. Let’s get it Chiefs Kingdom.”

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Why didn't the Cowboys sign E.J. Smith?

The reality is that E.J. Smith doesn't appear to be an NFL-level running back.

E.J. spent six seasons playing college football.

The first four were at Stanford, followed by the last two at Texas A&M.

In 2025 for the Aggies, E.J. had 44 carries for 205 yards and four touchdowns.