Sleeper Cowboys UDFA Could Be 'Serious Contender' To Make 53-Man Roster

Undrafted free agent Shiyazh Pete could be the sleeper contender to make the Cowboys’ 53-man roster. Dallas opens OTAs on June 1 with all 11 starting offensive players returning, but depth concerns linger after Robert Jones left for the 49ers and Brock Hoffman joined the Steelers. Tackles remain a question, with Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele competing for reps. Pete’s viral rookie minicamp moment, plus his 6-9, 309-pound frame and SEC background at Kentucky after New Mexico State, position him as a developmental option that could force Dallas to look beyond the obvious in training camp. Jon Machota of The Athletic called Pete a potential dark-horse to survive into the roster, especially if he shows upside in camp and preseason. Pete’s path is steep, but his height, length, and college experience offer a plausible route to the roster if he translates it on the field. The discussion around UDFA depth underscores the Cowboys’ focus on adding interior tackle and tackle depth through the offseason program. OTAs, mandatory minicamp, and training camp will reveal whether he can become a real contributor in 2026.