Cowboys’ Caleb Downs makes official $28.9 million contract move

The Dallas Cowboys are looking for a spark to help propel them back into the playoffs. Rookie safety Caleb Downs is now here to provide it.

Downs has now officially signed Downs to a fully guaranteed four-year, $28.9 million contract, via Adam Schefter of ESPN. The safety is now poised to be a focal point of Dallas’ secondary for the foreseeable future.

The Cowboys finished their 2025 season ranked 30th in total defense, allowing 377 yards per game. Their pass defense in particular was their biggest weakness, ranking dead last by allowing 251.5 YPG. Getting a playmaker in the secondary in the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft was Dallas’ top priority. When Downs was available at No. 11, the Cowboys must’ve hurried to turn in the pick.

Over his three years at Ohio State, the safety put up 257 tackles, 12 passes defended and six interceptions. He won a national championship with the Buckeyes in 2024 before being named a Unanimous All-American in 2025 while winning the Lott Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award.

The Cowboys have still been trying to find their defensive identity after trading away Micah Parsons. However, their playoff aspirations haven’t changed. With a new player to build around on that side of the ball, their expectations become more realistic. Although, Downs can’t do it all on his own.

The Cowboys won’t have to worry about their first-rounder’s contract status throughout the offseason. Officially signed, they can now began scheming exactly how he’ll be used in their defense. If everything goes to plan, Downs will be in an impactful role from the moment he steps on the gridiron. And now, fans can officially see the rookie in his Cowboys jersey for the first time, via team reporter Tommy Yarrish.

First look at Caleb Downs in a #Cowboys jersey pic.twitter.com/IcBdFGB4kx

— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) May 1, 2026

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