Dallas Cowboys to pay a whole lot of money to land hidden gem post-draft that could make the 53-man roster

When gauging an undrafted free agent's chances of making the 53-man roster, it's always a good idea to follow the money. In years past, the Dallas Cowboys have been willing to pay top dollar in UDFA and more than one well-paid player has gone on to earn big roles as rookies. 

Most recently, fullback Hunter Luepke and tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford come to mind. For instance, the latter was among the highest-paid UDFAs in the league and he ended the 2024 season with 17 games played and a 26% snap count on offense. 

This year, though not all deals have been fully revealed, one name stands out in guaranteed money from the Cowboys' UDFA class: Defensive back Alijah Clark from Syracuse. 

According to Spotrac, Clark signed a deal with $259,000 guaranteed at signing, which currently ranks in the top 15 of highest guarantees for a UDFA around the NFL this year. For comparison's sake, it's $124,000 higher than another Cowboys' undrafted free agent DB, Zion Childress.  

As to why the Cowboys are so high on Clark, it likely has to do with his versatility, which he displayed in college by logging snaps all over the field. That includes 155 snaps in the box, 154 in the slot, and 259 at free safety in 2024, per PFF. That's the kind of calling card that makes you appear like a hidden gem.

Clark’s speed, explosiveness and physical profile are more good than great, but he likes to play with urgency when driving on plays and arriving with pop. Though the hunger to make plays is there, he doesn’t put himself in position to get his hands on the football often enough.

Overall, Clark has the versatile skill set and toughness to compete for a nickel role at the next level, but his college tape leaves you wanting more from a playmaking standpoint. His upside on special teams will help his chances of sticking in the NFL.

- Dane Brugler, The Athletic

At safety, the Cowboys are expected to carry Donovan Wilson, Malik Hooker, Markquese Bell, and Juanyeh Thomas on the 53-man roster. The challenge for Clark will be carving out a role in a loaded room.

The potential advantage? It's a clean slate as there's a new defensive coaching staff in town under Matt Eberflus. 

For now, the money says Clark has a chance at making the team. If he's to do so, he will need a fast start when rookie minicamp kicks off next Friday.