It’s finally over for the rookie. The Dallas Cowboys have signed defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku ahead of this year’s training camp, which starts next week in Oxnard, California. 

The second-round rookie remained unsigned most of the offseason as the entire NFL saw itself in a battle with agents following deals signed by the 33rd and 34th overall picks of the 2025 NFL Draft. The first two picks of the second round struck fully-guaranteed deals and thus everyone picked after them wanted the same treatment. 

Earlier this week, multiple second-round picks signed their deals without such an achievement. Ezeiruaku’s deal isn’t fully guaranteed, but the first three years are. The fourth year is only 38% guaranteed, per Clarence Hill from All City DLLS. 

The news isn’t what agents wanted, but it’s a win for Cowboys’ Donovan Ezeiruaku

The fact that Ezeiruaku’s deal isn’t guaranteed might make many people think it’s a loss for the Cowboys rookie but let’s be honest with each other here. The battle for fully-guaranteed deals was only a battle because of agents and teams fighting for the big picture. 

Sure, it would be nice for Ezeiruaku’s 2028 salary to be secured but in all honesty it’s bigger for him to be present for Day 1 of camp. We’re talking about a rookie with starting aspirations in 2025. The Cowboys have multiple defensive ends fighting to start alongside Micah Parsons and despite this being his fist year playing pro football, Ezeiruaku has a legit chance at beating out more experienced players like Marshawn Kneeland, Dante Fowler Jr., and Sam Williams.

Ezeiruaku arrived at the NFL with expectations of being a high-floor player thanks to his refined technique and ample pass rush repertoire. As long as he proves his worth as a run defender early on, he’s likely to wind up as the second-best DE on the team. 

In all likelihood, these deals are happening around the NFL because rookies like Ezeiruaku know reps at training camp are more valuable for them at the moment. They’re practicing for playing time in September because they 1) Want to play football and 2) They need to get on the field to cash in later, too. 

For Ezeiruaku, this is a win.