The Dallas Cowboys have begun reshaping their defensive line for the 2026 season by waiving defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey, a move confirmed on March 5, 2026, by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Winfrey's tenure with Dallas was brief, spanning just one season and one game during the 2025 campaign.
Winfrey was originally selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round (108th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. After two seasons with Cleveland, his path took an unconventional turn as he spent time in the United Football League (UFL) before signing with the Cowboys last offseason. At 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds, Winfrey was brought in to add depth to the interior defensive line and potentially rediscover the disruptive play that made him a notable prospect coming out of Oklahoma.
Despite the opportunity, Winfrey made limited impact on the Cowboys' defensive front, appearing in only one game. The team's emphasis on developing their core defensive linemen--including draft picks like Mazi Smith and key players such as Osa Odighizuwa and Chauncey Golston--left little room for Winfrey to earn consistent snaps. As a result, the Cowboys prioritized roster flexibility and competition by releasing him.
This roster move carries minimal financial implications, as Winfrey was on a near league-minimum deal, so the release primarily reflects a football decision by the coaching staff and front office. The Cowboys open an additional offseason roster spot, allowing them to pursue other options in free agency, undrafted rookie signings, or internal evaluations during workouts and training camp.
The decision fits into Dallas' broader offseason strategy of refining the depth chart rather than signaling a major overhaul. With interior starters expected to remain the same when healthy, the focus is on improving depth and competition for backups and practice squad candidates. The Cowboys are likely to continue actively seeking defensive line talent through various avenues as the offseason progresses.
For Perrion Winfrey, this marks another chapter in a challenging NFL journey. After being drafted by Cleveland and spending two seasons there followed by a stint in the UFL, his time with the Cowboys represented a final opportunity at revival that ultimately did not materialize. He now enters the waiver system, where other teams may claim him based on his potential and past production.
For Dallas, releasing Winfrey is a routine yet important roster management step. It underscores the highly competitive nature of NFL roster spots and highlights the Cowboys' intent to focus resources on their developmental core. Every offseason move like this impacts roster construction and directly contributes to the quest for building a stronger, more competitive team.
As the 2026 offseason unfolds, the Cowboys will continue to prioritize strengthening their defensive line group while managing the 90-man roster limits. The waiver of Perrion Winfrey is the first notable roster adjustment to the defensive front and sets the tone for heightened evaluation and possible acquisitions ahead.
In summary, Perrion Winfrey's release from the Dallas Cowboys is a clear and confirmed move made as of early March 2026. It reflects performance and team planning priorities rather than financial considerations and highlights the ongoing, incremental nature of offseason roster shaping for a competitive NFL franchise.