Cowboys secure DE Tyrus Wheat with one-year ERFA tender amid positional uncertainty

[CCBoy]

There's currently a good deal of flux in the Cowboys' defensive line outlook for the 2025 season. But the team has made a move toward solidifying at least the back end of the rotation for the upcoming season.

The Cowboys have secured defensive end Tyrus Wheat on a one-year deal, part of a trio of exclusive rights free agents signings made official this week. Offensive lineman Brock Hoffman finalized his tender on Tuesday, while safety Juanyeh Thomas and Wheat were inked on Wednesday.

Wheat came to Dallas as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi State in 2023. He saw action in 12 games as a rookie but played the vast majority of his snaps with the special teams unit. In 2024, he made it onto the field in eight contests, primarily as an edge rusher helping to take up the slack caused by teammates' injuries.

https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/st...yrus-wheat-free-agent-re-signing/81742232007/

 

[CCBoy]

The move isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but it retains a key depth piece.

 

[CT Dal Fan]

For those wondering, exclusive rights free agent deals are one year, $1.03 million contracts. Wheat, Hoffman, and Thomas are currently not counting against the cap because of the "top 51" rule but that changes at the official start of free agency next week.

Regardless, keeping all three ERFA's at a combined cost of $3 million is a bargain these days.

 

[BoyzBlaster]

This changes everything.

 

[CCBoy]

This changes everything.

Yep, another decent defensive end returns and of value. Another hole filled. Valid unless crying adds up values.

Sam Williams, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Marshawn Kneeland back in positional group would bring a lot back up for the defensive line.