By Sunday 
Dallas isn’t waiting for camp — the roster shuffle is on.
The Dallas Cowboys made some under-the-radar but intriguing moves this week, adding two promising defensive players to their depth chart: cornerback Robert Rochell and defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey. At the same time, the team cut ties with a pair of players to make room — sending a clear message that competition is heating up before training camp even kicks off.
The New Faces in Big D
Robert Rochell, a former fourth-round pick by the Rams, brings length and athleticism to a cornerback room that already features names like Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland. Though Rochell never locked down a starting role in L.A., the Cowboys seem eager to tap into his upside as a physical defender with special teams versatility.
Next up is Perrion Winfrey, a once-hyped Oklahoma Sooner who was drafted by the Browns in 2022. Winfrey’s rookie year had flashes of promise, but off-field concerns led to a quick exit from Cleveland. Dallas is hoping a fresh start and a strong locker room culture can help unlock the high-motor disruptor he was in college.
If he delivers, he could become a valuable rotational piece on the interior — something the Cowboys could use as they try to bolster their run defense.
Two Out, Two In
To make room for the additions, Dallas released defensive end Ben Banogu and cornerback Gareon Conley.
Conley, once a first-round pick for the Raiders, had joined the Cowboys looking to revive his career. But with the influx of younger, faster talent, it seems the team saw a better fit in Rochell. Banogu, a depth signing earlier this year, simply got caught up in the numbers game.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just some preseason housekeeping. These are the kinds of low-key moves that could end up mattering in December.
The Cowboys have Super Bowl aspirations. To get there, they’ll need strong depth, especially on the defensive side where injuries and rotations are constant. Rochell and Winfrey are gambles — but low-risk ones with potentially high payoffs.
Plus, this kind of proactive tinkering shows Dallas isn’t waiting around for problems to show themselves. They’re trying to fix potential leaks before they even spring.
The Bottom Line
Dallas just added two players who’ve flashed real potential. If Rochell or Winfrey catches fire in camp, they could go from fringe signings to meaningful contributors — and that’s the kind of savvy move that wins games come playoff time.
Training camp battles just got more interesting.