Cowboys project named 'UDFA to watch' in Dallas

Patrick McAvoy

Cowboys project named 'UDFA to watch' in Dallas image

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."

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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.

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Patrick McAvoy

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sportswriting across baseball, football and basketball. He has provided coverage for the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Eagles and Boston Celtics throughout his career. 

Outside of journalism, Patrick also has received a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Brandeis University and studied communication and business at Merrimack College where he earned his Bachelor's Degree.