As the 2023 NFL season winds down, the Dallas Cowboys are already looking toward the future with an eye on strengthening their roster for the upcoming seasons. In a move that has gotten Cowboys fans excited, the team has signed nine players to future contracts—a clear indication of their long-term strategy and commitment to building a deeper, more competitive squad in 2024 and beyond.
Future contracts, which are typically signed after the season ends, allow teams to add players to their roster for the next year without affecting their current salary cap. While these players won’t be eligible to play in the remaining games of the season, the Cowboys have clearly identified these individuals as part of their future plans. The signings are often a mix of developmental talent, practice squad standouts, and players who could make an impact on special teams or in rotational roles.
The Nine New Faces: A Look at the Cowboys’ Future Signings
While specific details on each player vary, here’s an overview of the nine signings and what they might bring to the Cowboys in 2024:
1. QB Will Grier (Quarterback)
Grier, a former third-round pick of the Carolina Panthers, has had a limited role since joining the Cowboys but showed flashes of potential when called up from the practice squad earlier this season. While he’s unlikely to dethrone Dak Prescott as the starter, Grier offers a solid backup option with experience in the NFL. He has the tools to be a serviceable backup QB in the event of injury, and his time on the practice squad allowed him to absorb the Cowboys’ offensive system, making him a reliable option if needed.
2. RB Malik Davis (Running Back)
Davis showed promise in his limited opportunities during the 2023 season, offering a burst of energy and skill as a backup to Tony Pollard. His ability to be a versatile weapon on offense, combined with solid ball security and vision, makes him an intriguing option to complement Pollard in the Cowboys’ backfield. The signing is a smart move to maintain depth at the running back position, where injuries have often been an issue for teams.
3. WR Jalen Tolbert (Wide Receiver)
A 2022 third-round pick, Tolbert has yet to make a major impact in his early NFL career. However, the Cowboys have shown patience with the young receiver, and his signing to a future contract suggests they still believe in his potential. Tolbert has the physical traits to succeed, and with more time in the system, he could emerge as a reliable option for Dak Prescott. He’ll need to improve his consistency and develop chemistry with Prescott, but he’s an exciting prospect with a lot of upside.
4. TE Sean McKeon (Tight End)
McKeon has been a steady contributor as a depth piece at tight end for the Cowboys. A reliable blocker and occasional receiver, McKeon provides value as a special teams player and a solid backup behind Dalton Schultz. His signing to a future contract signals the team’s intent to keep him in the fold as a versatile role player who can contribute in a variety of ways. His familiarity with the offense is invaluable as the Cowboys look to keep their tight end depth strong.
5. OL Isaac Alarcon (Offensive Lineman)
Alarcon, a native of Mexico, has been a project for the Cowboys since he was signed to their practice squad in 2020. The team has been patient with his development, and the signing to a future contract shows they are still committed to his growth. A massive 6’6″, 320-pound lineman, Alarcon has the physical tools to become a contributor along the offensive line. While he may not be ready for a starting role yet, he provides depth and could eventually become a solid rotational piece on the line.
6. DL Neville Gallimore (Defensive Tackle)
Gallimore, a fourth-round pick in 2020, has been a solid contributor along the defensive line for the Cowboys. His signing to a future contract ensures that the team keeps him in the fold for 2024 and beyond. Gallimore has the ability to rush the passer from the interior, and his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield has earned him a key spot in the defensive rotation. The Cowboys will likely continue to lean on him as a depth piece behind starters like Mazi Smith and Johnathan Hankins.
7. LB Jabril Cox (Linebacker)
Cox, a former fourth-round pick, has had a somewhat slow start to his NFL career, with injuries limiting his opportunities on the field. However, he has flashed coverage ability and athleticism when given the chance. The signing to a future contract reflects the Cowboys’ belief that Cox can develop into a more prominent contributor at linebacker, especially given the team’s ongoing focus on strengthening their defense. If Cox can stay healthy, he’s a versatile linebacker who could play a major role on special teams or as a rotational piece in the Cowboys’ linebacker corps.
8. CB Nahshon Wright (Cornerback)
Wright, a third-year cornerback out of Oregon State, has spent most of his time as a depth piece on the Cowboys’ secondary. Despite not being a regular starter, Wright has shown that he has the physical traits to succeed as an outside corner in the NFL. At 6’4″, he provides an intriguing matchup against taller receivers. The Cowboys’ signing of Wright to a future contract suggests that they see potential in him as a development player who could be groomed into a more significant role on defense.
9. S Tyree Gillespie (Safety)
Gillespie, a former fourth-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders, has bounced around a bit in his career but has the athleticism to contribute in the Cowboys’ secondary. Known for his physicality and ability to play both in coverage and against the run, Gillespie provides depth at the safety position. With veterans like Malik Hooker and Jayron Kearse leading the group, Gillespie can learn and develop behind them, potentially emerging as a key special teams contributor or a rotational piece in 2024.
Why These Signings Matter
The Cowboys’ decision to sign these nine players to future contracts speaks to their desire to build sustained depth and maintain a competitive roster. While these players may not be stars right now, many of them have shown flashes of potential that could lead to increased roles in the future. The Cowboys have made a habit of drafting and developing players to fit their system, and these future contracts reflect their ongoing commitment to improving every area of the roster, both for 2024 and beyond.
For head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Jerry Jones, these signings represent an important step in securing the team’s future while also keeping the competitive window open. Many of these players will have the opportunity to prove themselves during the offseason and training camp, and some could carve out significant roles with strong performances.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for the Cowboys
As the Cowboys continue to make strategic moves this offseason, these nine future contract signings highlight the team’s focus on building a roster that can compete for a Super Bowl in the near future. With a mixture of young talent and established players, the Cowboys have the pieces in place to remain one of the NFC’s top teams. It’s all about finding the right combination of players, and these nine signings are part of that long-term vision.
Whether or not any of these players end up as significant contributors in 2024 remains to be seen, but the Cowboys are setting themselves up for sustained success—and fans can look forward to the next chapter in this exciting journey.
