Cowboys project named 'UDFA to watch' in Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys have recently signed eight unrestricted free agents, highlighting linebacker Justin Barron from Syracuse as a promising undrafted free agent (UDFA) to watch. Barron received $234,000 in guaranteed money and a $20,000 signing bonus, marking a significant investment by the Cowboys. His performance at Syracuse, with over 263 tackles and strong run-defense grades, underscores his potential as a valuable addition to the team. The Cowboys' linebacker rotation might open up for Barron due to DeMarvion Overshown’s injury and Kenneth Murray’s inconsistent performance. Barron's impressive college record suggests that he could secure a spot on the roster by the 2025 season amidst the team's ongoing transformation efforts.
Context:
The Dallas Cowboys have recently signed eight unrestricted free agents, highlighting linebacker Justin Barron from Syracuse as a promising undrafted free agent (UDFA) to watch. Barron received $234,000 in guaranteed money and a $20,000 signing bonus, marking a significant investment by the Cowboys. His performance at Syracuse, with over 263 tackles and strong run-defense grades, underscores his potential as a valuable addition to the team. The Cowboys' linebacker rotation might open up for Barron due to DeMarvion Overshown’s injury and Kenneth Murray’s inconsistent performance. Barron's impressive college record suggests that he could secure a spot on the roster by the 2025 season amidst the team's ongoing transformation efforts.
Dive Deeper:
Justin Barron, a linebacker from Syracuse, has been identified as a key undrafted free agent (UDFA) by the Dallas Cowboys, receiving a substantial financial package that includes $234,000 in guaranteed money and a $20,000 signing bonus.
Barron has demonstrated exceptional defensive capabilities, earning over 70.0 PFF run-defense grades for three consecutive seasons, and amassing a total of 263 tackles, one of the highest among college linebackers and box safeties.
His defensive prowess is further evidenced by his allowance of only two touchdowns across 144 career targets and his ability to break up nine passes during his college career.
The Dallas Cowboys' current linebacker situation, influenced by DeMarvion Overshown’s injury and Kenneth Murray’s inconsistent performance, might provide Barron with an opportunity to enter the team's rotation.
During his last season at Syracuse, Barron played 13 games, achieving 93 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, three passes defended, and one fumble recovery, showcasing his versatility and readiness for the NFL.
As part of the Cowboys' broader offseason transformation, Barron's potential inclusion in the roster by 2025 reflects the team's strategic investment in developing emerging talent.
Patrick McAvoy, who covers sports extensively, emphasizes Barron's potential impact on the Cowboys, drawing from his extensive experience in sports journalism and analysis.
The Dallas Cowboys have made a handful of moves over the last few weeks, including signing eight unrestricted free agents as of writing.
Pro Football Focus' Ben Cooper made a list of one "UDFA to watch" for each team and mentioned linebacker Justin Barron out of Syracuse.
"Dallas Cowboys: LB Justin Barron, Syracuse," Cooper said. "Barron garnered $234,000 in guaranteed money with a $20,000 signing bonus from Dallas, making him one of the team’s highest-paid undrafted free agents. It was warranted for the Syracuse product, who proved himself as a valuable coverage defender and run defender with the Orange.
"Barron earned 70.0-plus PFF run-defense grades in each of the past three seasons, and his 263 tackles over the span formed one of the highest totals in college football among linebackers and box safeties. He also allowed just two touchdowns on 144 career targets in coverage while breaking up nine passes. DeMarvion Overshown’s late-season injury and Kenneth Murray’s shaky reputation could create room for Barron in the Cowboys’ linebacker rotation."
Barron appeared in 13 games last season for Syracuse and logged 93 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, three passes defended, and one fumble recovery.
It's been an offseason of transformation so far for Dallas and Barron is a guy who realistically could earn a spot on the roster by the time the 2025 season gets here.
More NFL: Toughest NFL schedules 2025: Giants, Bears, Lions among teams with most difficult outlooks