FRISCO, TX - The Dallas Cowboys are adding some much-needed muscle to the defensive line, agreeing to terms with veteran defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey. Winfrey joins the team after a post-Season 32 stint in the UFL, where he reminded scouts why he was once a prized prospect coming out of Oklahoma.
This signing marks Winfrey's seventh team in as many seasons. After bouncing around the league - with stops in Cleveland, Detroit, Miami, Philadelphia, Arizona, and most recently the New York Giants - Winfrey will now bring his experience and energy to a Cowboys defense that quietly became one of the league's toughest units in Season 32.
Despite his journeyman status, Winfrey has contributed whenever called upon. Over 34 career games, he's tallied 49 tackles, 4.0 sacks, and even returned a fumble for a touchdown during his year with the Miami Dolphins. His 7-game stint with the New York Giants in Season 32 may not have generated eye-popping stats (10 tackles, 0 sacks), but his UFL campaign showcased renewed burst and pad-level discipline that impressed the Cowboys' front office.
Filling a Void Up Front
Dallas finished Season 32 with the 4th-best scoring defense in the league, allowing just 19.8 points per game. They were even better against the pass, giving up a mere 205.9 yards per game - second only to the elite Las Vegas Raiders secondary. But one stat stood out: the Cowboys ranked 26th in rushing yards allowed, surrendering 115.0 per game. With defensive tackle Marquise Miller departing after posting 6.5 sacks in 11 games, the Cowboys had a void on the interior.
Winfrey’s arrival offers flexibility in early downs and depth behind the starters. While not a direct replacement for Miller's pass-rush production, Winfrey brings a stout anchor against the run and a motor that fits defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus' rotation-heavy scheme.
A Fresh Chapter
"Perrion's path hasn't been easy, but that's part of what drew us to him," Cowboys head coach Andres Perez said. "He's earned this opportunity, and we believe our system will bring out his best."
Winfrey becomes the latest player to use the UFL as a springboard back into the league, joining a growing list of veterans proving they still belong on a pro roster. For a Dallas team that reached the playoffs but was gashed in the trenches down the stretch, this signing signals a focus on shoring up the front.
Up Next
The Cowboys' offseason plan seems clear: strengthen the defense, especially up front. With Winfrey in the fold and more moves likely to come, Dallas fans can expect a tougher, more physical identity heading into Season 33.
