Following the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys may have unearthed another promising undrafted talent in Syracuse linebacker Justin Barron. The team signed Barron with a $20,000 signing bonus and offered him a $234,000 roster bonus if he secures a spot on the practice squad.
Dallas has a proven track record of spotting undrafted players who blossom into key contributors. Currently, undrafted talents like Terence Steele, Markquese Bell, Juanyeh Thomas, and Hunter Luepke are projected to make the 53-man roster. Historically, the Cowboys have also struck gold with undrafted stars such as Tony Romo, Dan Bailey, and Ron Leary.
Barron could make an early impact, especially while the Cowboys wait for linebacker DeMarvion Overshown to recover from injury. With Kenneth Murray expected to start at MIKE and Marist Liufau penciled in at SAM, Barron will battle with Jack Sanborn and rookie Shemar James for reps at the WILL linebacker spot.
Pro Football Focus’ Ben Cooper recently highlighted Barron as a standout among undrafted signees. Cooper noted that Barron earned run-defense grades of 70.0 or higher over the past three seasons, logged 263 tackles, and allowed only two touchdowns on 144 career coverage targets—while also breaking up nine passes.
Barron’s versatility adds to his appeal. In college, he lined up at several positions, including slot corner, linebacker, EDGE, and free safety, making him a flexible defensive asset.
While Barron’s immediate future may be limited to the practice squad or special teams, his skillset and strong college production make him a name to watch closely during training camp. With a strong showing, he could push for a larger role.
