CB Derion Kendrick is signing with the Cowboys on a 1-year deal, per his agent Matt Leist of LAA. This announcement marks a significant move for Kendrick, who is eager to establish himself further in the NFL after a tumultuous journey through the league.
Kendrick, a two-time college football national champion, previously played for the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams in 2025. His collegiate success with the Clemson Tigers in 2018 and the Georgia Bulldogs in 2021 has set high expectations for his professional career. “Kendrick is a member of not one, but two college football national championship clubs,” noted analysts, highlighting his impressive background.
Drafted in the sixth round (No. 212 overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Rams, Kendrick’s path has not been without challenges. He suffered an ACL tear in July 2024, which sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. Despite this setback, Kendrick managed to make a comeback, starting 18 games prior to joining the Cowboys and logging a 76% snap share in 2023.
The Cowboys are retooling their defense under new coordinator Christian Parker, and Kendrick’s addition is seen as a strategic move to enhance their secondary. “The Cowboys are set to import another recent Rams cornerback,” observers noted, referring to Kendrick’s teammate Cobie Durant, who also signed with Dallas earlier in the offseason.
Entering his age-26 season, Kendrick will be looking to secure more playing time in Dallas. He had a productive 2025 season, recording two interceptions, including a notable pick against Aaron Rodgers. His performance in the league has shown promise, and the Cowboys are hopeful that he can bring that momentum to their defense.
With a one-year contract worth $4 million, Kendrick’s signing reflects the Cowboys’ commitment to strengthening their roster. As he transitions to this new chapter, the expectations are high for Kendrick to make a significant impact on the field.
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Kendrick to see how he integrates into the team’s defensive schemes and whether he can overcome the challenges of his past to become a key contributor in Dallas. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his immediate role, but the anticipation surrounding his signing is palpable.
