Cowboys Lock in Rookie Safety Downs for $29M

0:00On May 1st, Dallas Cowboys just locked in safety Caleb Downs, their number 11 overall pick from the 2026 NFL Draft to a 4-year deal worth just under $29 million. They announced it Friday and he's grabbing Jersey number 18. The contract breaks down smooth, about 5.3 million his first year, then 6.6 million each of the next two, topping off at 9.2 million in year 4. That solid value since teens rarely drop big cash on rookies at safety early in the draft. Fans and analysts are hyped, calling him one of the top talents in his class, despite some off-field noise that dropped him out of the top 10. Bleacher report ranked him high and gave Dallas an A-plus plus for the steal, saying he'll boost their secondary right away. Cowboys' defense was rough last season, 30th in yards and dead last some points allowed so they needed playmakers. They added edge rusher Rashan Gary and signed safety Jalen Thompson to a 3-year 33 million packed, but Downs might outshine them all with, his smarts and versatility.

1:05This move sets Dallas up for defensive turnaround, pairing a bargain rookie star with targeted vets to flip that week unit into a strength heading, into next season.