The Dallas Cowboys continue their strategy of betting on emerging talent from the United Football League (UFL), adding another name to their roster this week: Perrion Winfrey, a defensive tackle from the Birmingham Stallions who stood out during the recent spring season.
Winfrey, a former University of Oklahoma star, was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, his time in the league was cut short due to off-field issues, including an accusation of violent conduct, which led to his release from the Browns. He later signed with the New York Jets but spent most of 2023 bouncing between the practice squad and injured reserve.
Now standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 302 pounds, Winfrey arrives in Dallas determined to revive his NFL career. And he’s fired up for the challenge:
“As soon as I got the code, I knew it was real,” he posted on social media after walking into The Star, the Cowboys’ headquarters.
A strategic connection with the Dallas coaching staff
Winfrey’s signing is far from random. During his short stint with the Jets, he worked under Aaron Whitecotton, now the Cowboys’ defensive line coach, and shared the locker room with Solomon Thomas, another defensive tackle recently signed by Dallas. These links could work in his favor as he competes for a spot on the 53-man roster.
The Cowboys have been consistent in acquiring talent from the UFL. Players like KaVontae Turpin and Brandon Aubrey have already become key starters, and now Winfrey could follow a similar path-if he stays focused and avoids off-field distractions.
A potential asset for a struggling defensive front
Dallas ended last season with glaring issues stopping the run. As a result, the front office has made it a priority to beef up the interior defensive line-drafting Jay Toia and Tommy Akingbesote, while also re-signing the versatile Osa Odighizuwa.
Winfrey will have a real chance during training camp to prove his talent is still intact and show he can add strength and depth to the Cowboys’ defensive front.
For the Cowboys, it’s a high-risk, high-reward move. For Winfrey, it’s the kind of opportunity he says he couldn’t wait to seize.
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