Inside The Star
The Dallas Cowboys have a proud history of turning undrafted free agents (UDFAs) into meaningful contributors.
From Tony Romo to Markquese Bell, the team has shown that overlooked talent can become critical to its success.
As the Cowboys prepare for the 2025 NFL season, several new UDFAs are already catching the eyes of coaches and analysts during rookie minicamp.
This year’s class features players who could help the team at positions where depth is needed: wide receiver, tight end, linebacker, and in the secondary.
Below are five UDFAs from the Cowboys’ 2025 class with the best shot at making the 53-man roster.
Traeshon Holden may be the most promising of this year’s UDFA crop.
The former Oregon and Alabama receiver brings excellent size (6’3”, 215 pounds) and physicality to the position.
Known for his strong hands, ability to win contested catches, and route-running skills, Holden will make his presence felt early during team activities.
Holden is coming into the offseason with a chip on his shoulder. He had this to say:
“I was hurt,” Holden said. “That 24-hour rule, I was hurting. But now, I’m here, and I’m ready to make it happen. I’ll do what I can to show everybody that I belong.”
He will also come to the Dallas Cowboys with a familiar face, his co-offensive coordinator/receivers coach from the University of Oregon, Junior Adams. Adams has taken over the receivers coach position with the Cowboys.
He had this to say about getting to play for Coach Adams again:
“I’m very excited. He told me if he got a chance to come get me, he was coming to get me,” Holden said. “He knows he got a dawg, and I’m ready to make it happen.”
With the Cowboys searching for dependable depth behind CeeDee Lamb, Holden has a clear path to stand out.
The departure of Brandin Cooks and the uncertainty around the younger receivers opens the door for a player like Holden to step in and contribute immediately, especially in red-zone situations or on third downs.
Why he can make it: Holden’s blend of size, experience, and toughness fits perfectly into a wide receiver room that needs reliability and depth.
Rivaldo Fairweather is another UDFA with legitimate potential to crack the roster.
At 6’5” and over 250 pounds, the Auburn product combines NFL size with the versatility to be a dual-threat tight end.
He impressed at Auburn with his blocking ability and flashed potential as a short-to-intermediate receiving option.
https://twitter.com/AuburnFootball/status/1703490296514789663 Dallas already has Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker, but Fairweather offers a unique physical profile that could complement the current tight end group.
He’s also a valuable asset in two-tight end sets, particularly in the run game, where his physical blocking helps open lanes.
Key factor: If he can contribute on special teams and continue developing as a pass-catcher, Fairweather could edge out veteran competition for a roster spot.
