The Dallas Cowboys are making waves with a clever maneuver to bolster their practice squad for the 2025 NFL season, slipping in an extra player through a little-known loophole. In a move that’s turning heads, the team has reportedly signed defensive end Dayo Odeleye, a towering talent with a unique journey, to their practice squad, according to NFL insider Aaron Wilson. Thanks to the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, Odeleye’s signing comes as a roster exemption, allowing Dallas to stash the 27-year-old Nigerian-born prospect without occupying an official practice squad slot.
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This isn’t the first time the Cowboys have played this card. They previously used the same exemption for offensive lineman Isaac Alarcón and, more recently, defensive tackle Denzel Daxon, who was waived earlier this week. Odeleye, who stands at an imposing 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, brings a rare blend of size and athleticism to Dallas’ defensive line. He’s slightly bulkier than fellow defensive ends Marshawn Kneeland, Sam Williams, and Dante Fowler, making him a formidable addition to the squad.
Odeleye’s path to the NFL is anything but conventional. Born in Nigeria, he moved to the United Kingdom at age nine, where he initially carved out a career in rugby. His transition to professional football began in 2021 with the Berlin Thunder in the European League of Football, catching the eye of NFL scouts. The Houston Texans gave him his first big break, signing him for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, followed by a stint with the Baltimore Ravens in 2024. This offseason, Odeleye drew interest from multiple teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers, and Carolina Panthers, but Dallas swooped in to secure his talents.
The Cowboys’ decision to sign Odeleye comes at a critical time. With Tyrus Wheat recently waived and claimed by the Detroit Lions, Dallas needed to reinforce their defensive end depth. Odeleye joins returning practice squad member Earnest Brown IV, helping maintain the robust numbers the Cowboys prefer at the position.
This stealth signing not only showcases Dallas’ knack for exploiting roster rules but also adds an intriguing international prospect to their ranks. Fans are buzzing about what Odeleye’s unique athletic profile could bring to the team as they fine-tune their practice squad for the 2025 campaign. For the latest updates on Dallas’ roster moves, keep an eye on the Cowboys Wire Practice Squad Tracker to see who else joins the fold beyond the initial 53-man roster.