A unique trend has taken place across the NFL this offseason involving second-round draft picks. After the Houston Texans handed their second-round pick, Jayden Higgins, a fully guaranteed contract, the rest of the players selected in that round decided to holdout in hopes of receiving more guaranteed money. With training camp approaching, teams are beginning to fold, and the Dallas Cowboys became the latest squad to join that trend.
The Cowboys’ second-round pick, defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku, was among the players selected in this round that remained unsigned entering the week. With teams across the league beginning to give their second rounders more guaranteed money, though, Dallas’ front office decided to follow suit, and it resulted in Ezeiruaku finally putting pen to paper on his rookie contract.
Donovan Ezeiruaku Signs Rookie Deal with Cowboys
With the No. 44 pick, the Cowboys selected Ezeiruaku, a standout defensive end from the Boston College Eagles. A three-year starter, Ezeiruaku fully broke out last season with Boston College, as he racked up 16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for a loss, both of which were tops in the ACC. He also had 80 tackles, three forced fumbles, and one pass batted in 12 games of action.
Given Micah Parsons’ murky contract situation, it made sense for Dallas to look to get some help along their defensive line in the draft. While it would be a shock if Parsons doesn’t stick around with the Cowboys for the long-term future, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and you can never have too many strong pass-rushers at your disposal.
Despite that, Dallas’ front office spent the majority of their offseason dragging their feet when it came to giving Ezeiruaku what he wanted. They finally relented, giving him a four-year, $10.1 million deal that has the first three years being fully guaranteed, while the fourth year will see 38% of his money be guaranteed.
“At long last the Cowboys have signed their second-round pick, Boston College defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku, to his four-year, $10.1 million rookie contract,” Tommy Yarrish wrote for DallasCowboys.com. “He’ll reportedly get the first three years of his money guaranteed, plus 38% of his fourth year money guaranteed bringing the grand total to around 85% of his deal guaranteed.”
Cowboys Hoping Donovan Ezeiruaku Can Make Immediate Impact in 2025
GettyThe Cowboys finally signed their second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku
While Parsons is a one-man wrecking crew, he can’t do everything on his own. Getting him some help along the defensive line was a key offseason goal, and the team accomplished that by drafting Ezeiruaku here, while also reuniting with the veteran Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency after he picked up 10.5 sacks for their NFC East rival, the Washington Commanders, last season.
Assuming this group can coalesce and work together, they could become one of the most feared units in the league. With Ezeiruaku’s deal in place, the Cowboys’ front office could turn their attention towards hammering out a long-term contract with Parsons, which is the last big item on their to-do list ahead of the start of the new season.
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