UDFA looks to turn one-handed training camp INT into role in Cowboys secondary

The Dallas Cowboys didn't sign any external veteran safeties in this year's free agency haul. They also didn't use any of their nine draft selections on a college safety. They retained the services of restricted free agents Juanyeh Thomas and Markquese Bell, reserves who have figured into their rotation the last several years behind starters Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker.

There's a huge question as to what type of skill and play profiles will work best under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and with recent secondary staple Al Harris no longer in town. The additions made by the new regime were UDFA signings, including Kentucky safety Zion Childress.

Rundown

Position: Safety

Age: 23

Height: 5-foot-11

Weight: 199 pounds

Hometown: Houston, TX

High School: New Caney

College: Kentucky (Highlights)

Draft: 2025 Undrafted Free Agent

Contract: Three-year contract (2025), $2.975 million

2025 Base Salary: $840,000, $125,000 guaranteed

Profile

sheeeeesh 😮@ZionChildress | @AmericanAirhttps://t.co/KzuxM8nk1qpic.twitter.com/Yhpz1rnVLL

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) July 24, 2025

Childress has already had a standout moment in training camp, coming down with a one-handed interception on Thursday. He'll look to parlay that big play into opportunities once the pads come on, and then in preseason games to try work his way into either the 53-man roster or practice squad discussion.

Scouting report from The Athletic:

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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Dallas Cowboys player profile: No. 48 Safety Zion Childress