The 2025 NFL draft is over, and the Dallas Cowboys just paid a big chunk of change to convince one undrafted rookie to join America’s Team.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones speaks during training camp opening ceremonies at the River Ridge Fields. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Dallas Cowboys fans couldn’t have asked for a better 2025 NFL draft performance. After a disappointing seven-win 2024 campaign, the Cowboys entered the draft with a purpose, fleshing out the roster with a talented crop of incoming rookies that range from Alabama offensive guard Tyler Booker to Texas’ Jaydon Blue and everyone in between.

The additions didn’t end with the NFL draft, though. The post-draft fallout has seen the Cowboys sign a handful of drafted rookies, hoping they can develop into key contributors one day (or at least provide some extra training camp competition this summer).

Cowboys Sign UDFA DB Alijah Clark to $259,000 Contract After NFL Draft

Although the Cowboys have a reputation for being somewhat hesitant to throw around money for outside help, that isn’t the case after the draft. NFL insider Aaron Wilson is reporting the Cowboys have signed UDFA defensive back Alijah Clark to a contract that includes $259,000 in guaranteed money.

Assuming Wilson’s report is accurate, Clark’s deal is in the top 10 among this year’s undrafted rookies, highlighting just how badly the Cowboys wanted him on their roster.

Clark, 21, began his collegiate career at Rutgers before spending the last three seasons at Syracuse.

The 6-foot-1, 188-pound suited up for 37 outings during his run with the Orange, racking up 104 solo tackles (11 for lost yardage), nine defended passes, one interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. His accolades include being named DIRECTV Holiday Bowl Defensive MVP after recording six tackles and an INT in a 52-35 win over Washington State on Dec. 27.

An always-competitive ballhawk, it wouldn’t surprise Cowboys coaches if Clark began competing for a key role as early as this summer. During last month’s Syracuse Pro Day, the rookie defender made it clear that wouldn’t be satisfied riding the bench or being stuck on the practice squad.

“I just want to be on the field,” Clark said, per Syracuse.com‘s Javon Edmonds and Leila Frankina. “I’m comfortable on the field, I ain’t comfortable on the bench.”

With the ability to play cornerback and safety, it’ll be interesting to see how Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer deploys him this summer. He was targeted 102 times throughout his four NCAAF seasons, allowing 70 completions (68.6%) for 786 yards, six touchdowns, and a 102.8 passer rating.

Having said that, it wouldn’t be surprising if Clark began his Cowboys run at cornerback. Not only did CB Jourdan Lewis leave town last month, but Dallas is still waiting to see how DaRon Bland, Trevon Diggs, Caelan Carson, and Josh Butler perform following injury-plagued 2024 performances. The banged-up CB room is the main reason why fans thought the team was reuniting with Stephon Gilmore last week.

Clark is poised to have a competitive offseason, and Dallas fans won’t have to wait long for him to hit the field. All 32 NFL teams will begin their respective rookie minicamps sometime within May’s first two weeks, meaning it’s only a matter of time before the Cowboys fanbase will have some rookie action to watch.