On June 18, 2025, the Dallas Cowboys signed Perrion Winfrey, a former fourth-round NFL Draft pick and recent UFL breakout star, to strengthen a defensive line that lacked consistency in 2024.
After dominating with the Birmingham Stallions, Winfrey gets a second chance to prove he belongs in the NFL—and this time, it’s with one of the league’s most iconic franchises.
What Perrion Winfrey Brings to the Cowboys
1. Explosiveness and Versatility
At 6’4”, 290 pounds, Winfrey offers a rare combination of power, quickness, and disruptive ability from the interior.
He consistently won one-on-one matchups in the UFL using fast hands, a low center of gravity, and explosive get-off.
His skill set fits perfectly in a Dallas defense looking to increase backfield disruption from the inside.
2. UFL Production That Turned Heads
Winfrey was a standout for the Birmingham Stallions, posting:
- 29 total tackles
- 2 tackles for loss
- 1 sack
- 1 forced fumble
- 4 pass breakups
He added another four tackles and a sack in the UFL Conference Championship Game. His consistency, effort, and leadership in the Stallions’ front four earned him a spot on the Cowboys.
3. Redemption and Growth
Originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2022, Winfrey showed flashes in 13 games as a rookie but was released due to off-field issues.
After a brief stint with the New York Jets, his revival in the UFL revealed a player who was more focused, mature, and hungry.
Dallas is giving him a clean slate—and a clear opportunity to compete for meaningful stats.
Scheme Fit: Why Perrion Winfrey Matches Eberlus’s Vision
Winfrey fits well into defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’s scheme, which values high-motor, gap-penetrating players who can rotate seamlessly and maintain pressure.
Winfrey’s ability to play both 1-technique and 3-technique gives Dallas valuable versatility. That flexibility makes him a plug-and-play option in multiple fronts and sub-packages.
He fits well with Eberflus’s focus on keeping defensive linemen fresh and aggressive through a rotational approach.
Projected 2025 Stats and Role Perrion Winfrey
If Winfrey secures a rotational role on game days, reasonable 2025 projections include:
- 22–30 tackles
- 2–4 tackles for loss
- 2–3 sacks
- Occasional batted passes and quarterback pressures.
He would be expected to rotate in on early downs and see snaps in nickel formations, particularly in third-and-medium situations where Dallas will want an inside push to force quick throws or sack opportunities.
Cowboys’ Defensive Tackle Room: Updated Outlook
Winfrey joins a retooled group that includes:
- Osa Odighizuwa – an ascending talent and reliable presence inside
- Solomon Thomas – a seasoned veteran with positional flexibility
- Mazi Smith – entering his third season, looking to break out after improved play late in 2024
- Jay Toia – a rookie 7th-round pick bringing strength and raw upside
In this mix, Winfrey will compete for a rotational role. His experience and UFL momentum give him a legitimate shot at making the 53-man roster and contributing meaningful plays.
Low-Risk, High Reward Signing
This is the type of signing that can quietly pay off in a big way.
The Cowboys’ 2024 defense ranked near the bottom of the league in red zone defense and rushing touchdowns allowed.
Adding a player like Winfrey, who plays with urgency and explosion, is part of the broader effort to improve those numbers.
If he continues the path he showed in the UFL—focused, physical, and disruptive—he could become an impact role player in 2025 and beyond.
A Second Chance for Perrion Winfrey That Could Pay Off
Perrion Winfrey brings more than just talent; he brings hunger, growth, and a point to prove. The Cowboys are offering him a chance to contribute on a defense aiming to regain its swagger and discipline.
If Winfrey capitalizes on this opportunity, he could become one of the most valuable under-the-radar signings of the Cowboys’ offseason. And if he thrives under Matt Eberflus, don’t be surprised if he becomes a key part of the rotation mid-season.
a Dallas Cowboys fan, since the 70’s I was watching a lot of U.F.L. games and I’m also glad that the Cowboys gave DT Perrion Winfrey a shot because the N.F.L. preseason games is too short to show and prove yourself and your talent I saw a lot of good U.F.L. talent in 2025 and lets not forget H.B.C.U. also
Ed do you wake up everyday formulating how to make some of the most confusing comments on the internet. If so, well played sir.
Agreed!! But if I’m being honest, I think he just don’t know what he’s talking about!!
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Outstanding sign!
I want the Cowboys’ defense to dominate and punish opposing offenses.
I like this signing!! I was hoping we would draft him, but Cleveland ended up with him!! But now we got him, so let’s hope we keep him!!
Dallas couldn’t stop a college running back last year. The NFL figured out Parsons. Run at him or force him to over pursue creating huge holes. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mazi Smith gets released at the end of pre season. If there is a fire burning inside Smith he has to show it this season or he is gone