🚨 DALLAS COWBOYS RELEASE DEFENDER PERRION WINFREY: Cost-Saving Move Ahead of Free Agency 👇

Dallas, TX – As NFL free agency approaches, the Dallas Cowboys are making some crucial decisions regarding their roster. In a move announced just days before free agency begins on March 9, 2026, the Cowboys have waived defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey, saving the team over $1 million in cap space.

Winfrey, a former fourth-round pick, was unable to establish himself as a regular contributor to the Cowboys’ defense, playing in just one game last season. The move is seen as part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming free agency period as they work to create cap flexibility and finalize their plans under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

Perrion Winfrey’s Time with the Cowboys

Winfrey, who was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft after a standout college career at Oklahoma, has struggled to carve out a consistent role in the NFL. After his rookie season with the Browns, where he appeared in 13 games and recorded 22 tackles, two quarterback hits, and two pass deflections, Winfrey’s career hit a roadblock.

He spent part of the 2023 season bouncing between the NFL and the UFL before landing with the Cowboys. However, despite his size (6-foot-4, 290 pounds) and potential, Winfrey was never able to establish a foothold in Dallas. He appeared in just one game during the 2025 season and was released after only a year with the Cowboys.

A Cost-Saving Move Ahead of Free Agency

The release of Winfrey was primarily a financial decision, freeing up $1.075 million in cap space as the Cowboys look to be strategic in their moves before the start of free agency. Although Winfrey had a two-year, $2 million contract set to run through the 2026 season, the team opted to part ways with the defender ahead of a critical offseason.

This move also signals that Winfrey may not have been the best fit for the Cowboys under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s system. The Cowboys have been working to revamp their defense, and Winfrey, despite his potential, didn’t seem to fit the vision that Parker has for the unit.

Christian Parker’s Vision for the Cowboys’ Defense

With the arrival of Christian Parker as the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator, the team is in the midst of retooling its defensive roster. Parker is expected to work closely with the front office to identify the players who will best fit his defensive scheme moving forward. Vice president of player personnel Will McClay spoke about the early conversations with Parker, stating, “We’ve had general conversations to begin with, but you know he wants good players and he wants smart players, which every coach does.”

Parker’s vision for the defense is clear, and the front office will continue to work to bring in the right players to execute that vision. The release of Winfrey is likely just the first of several moves that could come as the Cowboys look to strengthen their defense and address key areas in the upcoming free agency period.

What’s Next for the Cowboys?

With $1 million saved in cap space by waiving Winfrey, the Cowboys will now look to target potential free-agent acquisitions and finalize their roster heading into the 2026 season. The team will need to make further decisions on its defensive roster, especially as it works under a new defensive coordinator and looks to strengthen its defensive line.

The Cowboys’ decision to move on from Winfrey reflects their ongoing efforts to create flexibility and improve the defense as they aim for another Super Bowl run in 2026. With the free agency period just around the corner, Dallas is expected to make more moves to ensure they are well-positioned to compete in the upcoming season.