Blogging The Boys
Just three years ago, Isaiah Land was looking like an undrafted rookie gem for the Cowboys. His career took a detour with another team, but the pass rushing prospect is now back for a second shot at a roster spot in Dallas’ 2026 training camp.
Years in NFL: 3
Acquired by: Free agency (2025)
In 2021, Land was one of the top performers in the NCAA subdivision at Florida A&M, winning nearly every possible accolade after a 19-sack season. The next year, a temporary academic ineligibility issue and a knee injury caused him to miss games and brought down his performance. As such, he entered the 2023 draft cycle without much going for him. Listed at just 6’3” and just 236 lbs. at the time, Land was barely big enough to play as a 3-4 OLB, let alone at 4-3 end. This all led to him going undrafted, but he did get signed up by the Cowboys.
Despite running a 4-3 scheme at the time under Dan Quinn, Dallas worked on developing Land as a pass-rushing specialist. He was a standout that summer, with many projecting he’d earned his way onto the roster. But as happens so often with our preseason pet cats, Land’s name was among others at final cuts. The Cowboys likely would have had him on the practice squad, but didn’t get a chance as the Colts claimed him off waivers.
Land spent two years in Indianapolis as a backup pass rusher and occasional special teamer, appearing in 17 total games. He didn’t get much run with just 109 total defensive snaps from 2023-2024, but did register his first and only career sack in his rookie season. Land competed for a third season with Indy in 2025 but was part of its final cuts. He went through waivers, and shortly after re-joined the Cowboys on their practice squad. Land spent all of last year there, never getting called up for a game, but did get a future contract to come back and compete this summer.
Years Left: 2
2026 Cap Hit: $1.19 million
Unsurprisingly, Land has a minimal deal for a fourth-year veteran with no guaranteed money.
Role: Backup OLB
Roster Chance: 10%
On the plus side for Land, Dallas’ new 3-4 scheme gives him a much better chance to catch on as an OLB than he’s had previously. He’s had three years to build up his mass and strength, with the team’s official website now listing him at 245 lbs. But on the the down side, the Cowboys may already have a full depth chart at OLB and nowhere for Land to break in.
In some order, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Rashan Gary, and Malachi Lawrence make a clear top three. Then you have James Houston and Sam Williams as the top contenders for backup roles. Even if one of them falters, Land will be up against Marist Liufau and Tyrus Wheat for consideration.
You can’t ignore that Dallas thinks...
