In a stunning move that has sent ripples through the Dallas Cowboys fanbase, the team has shaken up its roster by signing former UFL standout Perrion Winfrey and veteran cornerback Robert Rochell while parting ways with fan-favorite defensive tackle Justin Rogers and cornerback Luq Barcoo. The announcement, made on June 18, 2025, comes just weeks before the Cowboys head to training camp in Oxnard, California, signaling their intent to bolster competition and depth on the defensive side of the ball.
UFL Star Perrion Winfrey Joins the Cowboys
Perrion Winfrey, a former fourth-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2022 NFL Draft, has earned a second chance in the NFL after a stellar performance with the Birmingham Stallions in the United Football League (UFL). Winfrey, who was named to the 2025 All-UFL team, recorded 29 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack during his time with the Stallions. His explosive play in the trenches caught the attention of the Cowboys, who have struggled with run defense in recent seasons.
The Oklahoma product brings familiarity with Cowboys defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, having spent time on the New York Jets’ practice squad in 2023 when Whitecotton was part of the coaching staff. This connection could ease Winfrey’s transition as he competes for a roster spot. With Dallas having previously found success with UFL talents like All-Pros KaVontae Turpin and Brandon Aubrey, Winfrey represents another high-upside addition from the spring league.
The Dallas Cowboys have waived DT Justin Rogers and CB Luq Barcoo following mandatory minicamp.
They have signed DT Perrion Winfrey (2022 R4 pick, UFL in ‘25) and CB Robert Rochell (2021 R4 pick, GB in ‘24) in their place. @AaronWilson_NFL first on signings. pic.twitter.com/a4iGUPF2Gu
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) June 18, 2025
Winfrey’s signing addresses a critical need for depth at defensive tackle, where the Cowboys are thin behind starters Osa Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith, and Solomon Thomas. His 26 quarterback pressures and 70.1 defensive grade, per Pro Football Focus, highlight his potential to disrupt opposing offenses. However, Winfrey will need to prove he can translate his UFL success to the NFL stage to secure a place on the 53-man roster.
Robert Rochell Adds Veteran Depth to Secondary
Alongside Winfrey, the Cowboys signed cornerback Robert Rochell, a 2021 fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams who most recently played for the Green Bay Packers in 2024. Rochell, a 27-year-old entering his fifth NFL season, brings experience with 48 career games played, including five starts during his rookie year with the Super Bowl LVI-winning Rams. His athleticism, showcased by a 4.41-second 40-yard dash and a 43-inch vertical leap at the 2021 NFL Combine, makes him a low-risk addition for a secondary plagued by injuries in recent years.
Rochell’s signing aligns with Dallas’ strategy to add competition at cornerback, especially with Trevon Diggs returning from injury and rookie Shavon Revel Jr. still recovering from a torn ACL. Rochell is expected to vie for a depth role and contribute on special teams, leveraging his speed and physicality. While he has limited starting experience, his familiarity with high-stakes environments could prove valuable as the Cowboys aim to rebuild their defense under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Heartbreak for Fans: Justin Rogers Waived
The decision to waive defensive tackle Justin Rogers has left Cowboys fans reeling. Rogers, a former Auburn standout, was a beloved figure despite his limited on-field impact. Signed to the Cowboys’ active roster on December 19, 2024, after a stint on the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad, Rogers was seen as a developmental prospect with potential to grow into a rotational player. However, he did not see game action in the final three weeks of the 2024 season, and his release marks the second time in 10 months that Dallas has parted ways with the young lineman.
Rogers’ departure is particularly emotional for fans who admired his work ethic and connection to the team. As a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, Winfrey’s signing effectively replaced Rogers, highlighting the harsh realities of roster management. While Rogers could potentially return to the Cowboys’ practice squad, his release underscores the team’s prioritization of immediate impact players as they gear up for a critical 2025 campaign.
Luq Barcoo Also Released
Cornerback Luq Barcoo was the other casualty of the roster shakeup. Barcoo, who has bounced around the league since entering as an undrafted free agent in 2020, was waived to make room for Rochell. While Barcoo showed flashes of potential during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and other teams, he was unable to secure a consistent role in Dallas. His release further emphasizes the Cowboys’ focus on upgrading their secondary with more experienced or higher-upside players.
What This Means for the Cowboys
The roster moves reflect Dallas’ aggressive approach to addressing defensive weaknesses ahead of training camp, set to begin on July 21, 2025. The Cowboys’ run defense ranked among the league’s worst in 2024, prompting the addition of Winfrey and the earlier signings of Solomon Thomas and rookies Jay Toia and Tommy Akingbesote. Meanwhile, the secondary’s injury concerns necessitated Rochell’s addition to provide depth behind starters like Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland.
These changes also signal a broader shift under Schottenheimer, who has overseen a “near-perfect” offseason highlighted by the blockbuster trade for wide receiver George Pickens and the drafting of edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku. With a healthy Dak Prescott and a revamped offensive line featuring young stars like Tyler Smith and Cooper Beebe, the Cowboys are positioning themselves as a dark-horse contender for 2025. However, the success of these roster tweaks will hinge on the integration of new players like Winfrey and Rochell.
Fan Reactions and Looking Ahead
The release of Justin Rogers has sparked an outpouring of disappointment on social media, with fans expressing their frustration over losing a player they viewed as part of the team’s future. Conversely, excitement is building around Winfrey’s potential to become the latest UFL success story in Dallas, with some drawing comparisons to Turpin and Aubrey. Rochell’s addition has been met with cautious optimism, as fans hope he can stabilize a secondary that has been a weak point in recent seasons.
As the Cowboys prepare for training camp, all eyes will be on how Winfrey and Rochell perform in a competitive environment. With the team projected to earn compensatory draft picks in 2026 based on the playing time of free agents like Solomon Thomas and Javonte Williams, every roster decision carries long-term implications. For now, Dallas fans are left to process the shock of losing a fan favorite while embracing the potential of their newest additions.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Cowboys finalize their roster and gear up for what promises to be an exciting 2025 season!