Cowboys and Second-Round Pick Donovan Ezeiruaku Agree to Rookie Contract…read more…

Cowboys and Second-Round Pick Donovan Ezeiruaku Agree to Rookie Contract

 

The Dallas Cowboys have officially signed their second-round pick, Donovan Ezeiruaku, to his rookie contract, wrapping up negotiations just in time for the start of training camp. The deal puts an end to speculation about a potential holdout and allows the highly-touted edge rusher to focus fully on making an impact in his rookie season.

 

### 📄 Contract Structure and Guarantees

 

The contract is a standard four-year rookie deal, reportedly valued at around \$10.1 million. Notably, it includes a high percentage of guaranteed money—approximately 84.5% of the total value. This structure aligns with trends seen around the league as second-round picks push for more guaranteed security. In Ezeiruaku’s case, the first three years of the deal are fully guaranteed, with a sizable portion of the fourth year also guaranteed.

 

### 🕒 Delays Explained

 

The delay in signing wasn’t due to any off-field concerns or player holdout tactics. Rather, it was part of broader negotiations that second-round draft picks across the NFL have faced in recent years. The increasing push for guaranteed money, following precedents set by other franchises, contributed to extended talks. Despite the wait, Ezeiruaku participated fully in all team activities during the offseason, including rookie minicamp, organized team activities (OTAs), and mandatory minicamp.

 

### 🏈 Who Is Donovan Ezeiruaku?

 

Donovan Ezeiruaku made waves during his college career at Boston College. Known for his relentless motor and explosiveness off the edge, he was a dominant defensive presence, racking up 16.5 sacks in his final season. His standout performance earned him several honors, including ACC Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-American recognition. The Cowboys saw enough in his play to select him in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, expecting him to provide immediate depth and long-term potential.

 

### 💼 Role With the Cowboys

 

Ezeiruaku joins a deep and talented defensive line rotation in Dallas that includes stars like Micah Parsons and veterans like DeMarcus Lawrence and Dante Fowler. While a starting role isn’t guaranteed, the rookie is expected to compete for rotational snaps, particularly on passing downs. His explosiveness and tenacity could make him a disruptive force off the edge—something defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is sure to leverage.

 

### 🏕️ Ready for Training Camp

 

With the contract signed and off-field matters settled, Ezeiruaku will report to training camp in Oxnard, California, with the rest of the team. Coaches and fans alike will be eager to see how quickly he adapts to the speed of the NFL and whether he can carve out a meaningful role early in the season.

 

### 🔮 Outlook

 

Donovan Ezeiruaku’s arrival in Dallas adds to an already formidable defense. If he can translate his college production to the pros and learn quickly under veteran mentors, the Cowboys may have secured one of the biggest steals of the draft. For now, his journey officially begins—with a contract in hand and high expectations ahead.