The Dallas Cowboys are sending a clear message to their 2023 first-round pick, Mazi Smith: shape up or face the consequences. Drafted to bolster the team’s run defense, Smith has struggled mightily, ranking among the NFL’s worst interior defenders against the run. The front office and coaching staff are undoubtedly aware of his shortcomings, and their recent actions speak volumes about their lack of confidence in his ability to turn things around.
According to Patrik Walker of the Cowboys’ official website, the team is hosting workouts for two UFL standouts, defensive tackles Perrion Winfrey and DeVere Levelston, this weekend. This move comes after months of fan pressure to strengthen the defensive tackle position, signaling that the organization is exploring alternatives to Smith.
Perrion Winfrey’s name may sound familiar to draft enthusiasts. A standout at the 2022 Senior Bowl, Winfrey was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round. However, his tenure in Cleveland was short-lived, as he was released the following summer after being listed as a suspect in an aggravated robbery incident. Winfrey then joined the New York Jets’ practice squad in November 2023, appearing in just one regular-season game. Seeking to revitalize his career, he played in the UFL in 2025, earning All-UFL Team honors with nine tackles for loss, four passes defended, one sack, and one forced fumble. Notably, Winfrey has a connection to the Cowboys’ new defensive line coach, Aaron Whitecotton, who coached the Jets’ defensive line in 2023—a relationship that could play a role in Dallas’ interest.
DeVere Levelston, on the other hand, is a lesser-known prospect. A 2024 undrafted free agent who briefly signed with the Seattle Seahawks, Levelston joined the Memphis Showboats of the UFL midway through the 2025 season. Despite limited playing time, he impressed with 12 tackles, two sacks, and an 82.9 PFF player grade, per James Larsen of Pro Football Newsroom.
While Winfrey and Levelston may not be the high-profile additions Cowboys fans envisioned to challenge Smith, their workouts send a damning message about the team’s faith in their former first-rounder. The fact that Dallas believes two UFL players could contribute to the defensive tackle room underscores the depth of their concerns about Smith’s performance.
To be fair, Smith will likely receive every opportunity to prove he can handle the one-technique role. However, the Cowboys’ coaching staff is also high on 2025 seventh-round pick Jay Toia from UCLA, who could emerge as a viable alternative. If either Winfrey or Levelston signs with the team, it would further erode confidence in Smith’s ability to make a significant leap in his third year.
The Cowboys’ decision to explore UFL talent reveals a brutal, unspoken truth: Mazi Smith’s tenure as a cornerstone of their defensive line is on shaky ground. While the front office may still pursue a veteran addition later, these workouts indicate that Smith’s leash is shorter than ever. For a player drafted to solve a critical issue, his inability to deliver has forced Dallas to confront an uncomfortable reality—and they’re not waiting around for him to figure it out.