Cowboys sign LB Malik Jefferson, cut RB JaQuan Hardy

The Dallas Cowboys signed linebacker Malik Jefferson and released running back JaQuan Hardy on Thursday.

Jefferson, 25, is a Dallas native who played collegiately at Texas.

A third-round pick by Cincinnati in 2018, Jefferson has recorded 16 tackles in 35 games with the Bengals (2018), Cleveland Browns (2019), Los Angeles Chargers (2020) and Indianapolis Colts (2021).

Hardy, 24, joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent and appeared in three games last season. He rushed four times for 29 yards and had a 22-yard touchdown run in a 51-26 win at Philadelphia in Week 18.