Since the return of spring football, those seeking second opportunities, or a chance to showcase what was hidden at small schools, could finally do so. Finding and developing talent is critical to roster talent at a cheaper price, and the Dallas Cowboys have made the most of their opportunities.
The USFL, and now the UFL, have been a pathway for the Cowboys to recruit hidden talent. Brandon Aubrey and KaVontae Turpin are both All-Pros recruited from the spring leagues that the team has benefited significantly from.
With the already strong track record of identifying and developing talent, it appears Will McClay may have mined another gem. After a failed stint with the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets, and off-the-field issues pushing him from opportunities, defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey has earned a spot on Dallas' 53-man roster.
What Perrion Winfrey making the Cowboys' 53-man roster means for Mazi Smith
It was an emotional revelation for the 25-year-old, with head coach Brian Schottenheimer describing the emotional interaction when the former Sooner was told about the decision. An impressive training camp, topped by a good preseason, complemented the need for impact players on the interior defensive line.
While Winfrey had positive buzz around him, 2023 first-rounder Mazi Smith is on the flip side of the scale. After two disappointing seasons by first-round standards, Smith played a lot of snaps throughout the preseason. That's while other starters and locks for the roster sat out, especially in the final game.
Smith was expected to be a force when defending the run, with potential to develop as a pocket pusher. There have been flashes here and there, but inconsistencies cloud that. Meanwhile, Winfrey has impressed in defending the run and pass rushing.
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There is increasing frustration with the development of Smith, and a new coaching staff is in the building. The former Michigan Wolverine maintained his spot with the Cowboys to start the 2025 season, but the leash is shorter with him not being the choice of the current staff.
Winfrey will likely have a smaller role with the defense earlier in the season, but that can change as the weeks go by. He is already a favorite among fans and the coaches.
As Smith's opportunities begin to dry out, Winfrey's blooms. The turnaround would be quick to have the replacement come this season, but the possibility of releasing Smith heading into the 2026 season would become much easier knowing there is a replacement ready on the roster and on a cheap contract.