Cowboys Sign Key Special Teams Contributor

The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms on an extension with safety Israel Mukuamu on a one-year deal, according to NFL Network's Jane Slater.

Mukuamu was a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of South Carolina. He's spent all four of his NFL seasons with the Cowboys.

Mukuamu broke into the league as a cornerback, which was the position he played in college. He was moved to safety when injuries depleted the depth chart. He is currently working back at corner.

The Cowboys are not that deep at cornerback and it could mean Mukuamu is asked to work more at the cornerback position, which he did during the 2024 season. One of the things the front office likes about him is he can play anywhere in the defensive backfield.

Dallas has traded for former Buffalo Bills cornerback Kaiir Elam, earlier this week, but will still need more help. Mukuamu has the ability to step in anywhere in the secondary whenever he is asked. He can play any position in the defensive backfield at any time.

Mukuamu player a larger role in the defensive backfield over the 2024 season, posting career highs in tackles (19) and interceptions (2) over the course of 17 games. 

The former South Carolina product has also been a staple on special teams, playing 341 snaps on the unit last season.

He originally signed a four-year, $3,610,708 contract with the Cowboys that included a $130,708 signing bonus. This was his first chance at free agency.