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Cowboys sign 1st-rounder Caleb Downs, five other picks

By Thomson Reuters May 1, 2026 | 12:29 PM

The Dallas Cowboys signed six of their seven picks from the 2026 NFL Draft on ​Friday, including first-round selection Caleb ‌Downs to his four-year rookie deal.

Downs, the 11th overall pick of the draft, will receive $28.95 million in fully guaranteed money that ‌includes ​a $17.5 million signing ⁠bonus. The deal also ⁠includes a fifth-year team option.

The Cowboys traded up one spot with the Miami Dolphins to acquire Downs, ​a safety. Dallas has yet to sign its other first-round pick, ⁠edge rusher Malachi ⁠Lawrence, who was selected with ​the 23rd overall pick.

Downs, a two-time ​consensus All-American, was named the 2025 ‌Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year at Ohio State and took home the Jim Thorpe Award and ⁠Lott Trophy.

His career totals include 164 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, six ⁠interceptions ‌and three forced fumbles in ⁠44 games for Alabama (2023) ​and ‌Ohio State (2024-25).

In addition to Downs, ​the Cowboys ⁠signed third-round linebacker Jaishawn Barham, fourth-round tackle Drew Shelton, fourth-round cornerback Devin Moore, fourth-round edge rusher LT Overton and seventh-round wide receiver Anthony Smith.

–Field ​Level Media