The Dallas Cowboys made headlines this week by waiving former Auburn defensive tackle Justin Rogers for the second time in 10 months, a move that underscores the cutthroat nature of NFL roster management. Announced on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, just six days after the team wrapped up its offseason program, the decision cleared space for Perrion Winfrey, a standout defensive tackle from the United Football League’s Birmingham Stallions. With training camp looming on July 21 in Oxnard, California, this transaction raises questions about the Cowboys’ defensive line strategy and their commitment to developing young talent versus banking on proven performers. Let’s dive into the details of this roster shake-up, analyze the motivations behind it, and explore what it signals for Dallas’ 2025 season.
Justin Rogers’ Rollercoaster Journey
Selected in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Justin Rogers was a low-risk, high-upside pick for the Cowboys, valued for his size and potential as a run-stopper. However, his tenure in Dallas has been turbulent. The Cowboys first waived him last year when trimming their preseason roster to the regular-season limit of 53 players. Rogers then joined the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad before Dallas re-signed him to their active roster on December 19, 2024. Despite being eligible, he did not see game action in the final three weeks of the season, raising questions about his readiness to contribute at the NFL level.
This week’s waiver marks the second time Dallas has parted ways with Rogers, signaling that the team sees limited immediate value in the former Auburn star. His lack of playing time and inability to secure a consistent role suggest that the Cowboys’ coaching staff, led by Mike McCarthy, prioritizes players who can make an immediate impact over developmental prospects like Rogers. For a team with playoff aspirations, this move reflects the urgency to optimize their roster before training camp.
Perrion Winfrey: The New Addition
The Cowboys’ decision to waive Rogers came on the heels of signing Perrion Winfrey, a defensive tackle who earned All-United Football League honors with the Birmingham Stallions in 2025. Winfrey, a fourth-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2022 NFL Draft, brings more experience than Rogers, having played in 13 games as a rookie. However, his career hit roadblocks after failing to make the Browns’ roster in 2023 and spending that season on the New York Jets’ practice squad. Out of football in 2024, Winfrey’s resurgence with the Stallions showcased his potential as a disruptive force on the defensive line.
Winfrey’s signing suggests Dallas is betting on a player with a higher floor and immediate impact potential. His UFL performance demonstrates that he’s regained his form, and his prior NFL experience gives him an edge over Rogers, who remains unproven at the professional level. For a Cowboys defense that struggled with run defense last season, Winfrey’s ability to clog lanes and pressure quarterbacks could address a critical need.
A Broader Trend: NFL Teams Prioritizing UFL Talent
The Cowboys’ move mirrors a broader trend across the NFL, as teams increasingly tap into the United Football League for talent. On the same day Dallas waived Rogers for Winfrey, the New York Jets parted ways with former Auburn kicker Anders Carlson to sign Birmingham Stallions kicker Harrison Mevis. This pattern highlights the growing value of UFL players, who often bring recent game experience and versatility to NFL rosters.
For Dallas, signing Winfrey over retaining Rogers reflects a strategic choice to prioritize a player with a proven track record, albeit in a different league, over a draft pick who has yet to make an impact. The UFL’s emergence as a talent pipeline offers teams like the Cowboys an opportunity to bolster their depth without relying solely on draft picks or high-priced free agents, a critical factor for a franchise managing a tight salary cap.
The Cowboys’ Defensive Line Strategy
The decision to replace Rogers with Winfrey sheds light on Dallas’ broader defensive line strategy. The Cowboys have struggled to find consistency in their defensive front, particularly in stopping the run, a weakness exposed in their 2024 playoff loss. With stalwarts like DeMarcus Lawrence aging and younger players like Mazi Smith still developing, Dallas needs reliable depth to compete in a competitive NFC East.
Winfrey’s addition aligns with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s preference for aggressive, disruptive linemen who can collapse pockets and disrupt rushing attacks. Rogers, while physically imposing, may not have shown the technical refinement or versatility needed to earn Zimmer’s trust. By contrast, Winfrey’s UFL tape suggests he can contribute immediately, potentially as a rotational player alongside veterans like Osa Odighizuwa. This move underscores Dallas’ focus on win-now additions as they aim to capitalize on Dak Prescott’s prime and make a deep playoff run.
The Risk of Letting Rogers Go
Waiving Rogers is not without risks. As a seventh-round pick, he was a low-cost investment with significant upside, given his 6-foot-3, 330-pound frame and college production at Auburn. His departure could haunt Dallas if he develops into a contributor elsewhere, as late-round picks often do when given time to grow. The Bengals’ earlier interest in Rogers suggests he may not clear waivers, potentially landing with another team eager to tap into his potential.
Moreover, the Cowboys’ decision to prioritize Winfrey over Rogers reflects a short-term mindset that could limit their depth in the future. If Winfrey fails to translate his UFL success to the NFL or suffers from the inconsistency that plagued his earlier career, Dallas may regret cutting ties with a young, moldable player like Rogers. The front office, led by Jerry Jones, must weigh these risks against the immediate benefits of adding a more polished player.
What’s Next for Dallas?
As the Cowboys prepare for training camp on July 21, 2025, in Oxnard, California, the Rogers-Winfrey swap signals their intent to fine-tune their roster for a championship push. The defensive line remains a work in progress, and Winfrey’s performance in camp will be crucial to validating this move. If he can solidify the interior alongside players like Odighizuwa and Smith, Dallas could field a more robust defense capable of competing with NFC powerhouses like the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.
For Rogers, the waiver opens the door to a fresh start elsewhere, potentially with a team willing to invest in his development. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ front office must continue to navigate a delicate balance between immediate competitiveness and long-term roster building, a challenge that will define their 2025 season.
The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to waive Justin Rogers for the second time in 10 months to make room for Perrion Winfrey is a bold move that reflects their urgency to bolster their defensive line for the 2025 season. While Rogers’ potential remains untapped, Winfrey’s experience and recent UFL success make him a more immediate fit for a team with playoff aspirations. This roster shake-up, part of a broader NFL trend of tapping UFL talent, highlights the Cowboys’ win-now mentality but carries risks if Rogers blossoms elsewhere or Winfrey underperforms. As training camp approaches, Cowboys fans are left buzzing with anticipation and uncertainty, eager to see if this gamble pays off in their quest for a Super Bowl. The road to Oxnard is paved with high stakes, and Dallas’ latest move is just the beginning.