Story by
Dallas Cowboys Sign Cornerback Derion Kendrick to Strengthen Defense for 2026 Season
- Story by
- Dallas Cowboys Sign Cornerback Derion Kendrick to Strengthen Defense for 2026 Season
The Dallas Cowboys are coming off another forgettable NFL season. They missed the playoffs for a second straight year after finishing 7-9-1, extending their Super Bowl drought to 31 painful years.
Defense was a significant issue for the Cowboys in 2025. Jerry Jones and the front office made some moves to address their problems before the trade deadline. They brought in four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets on a blockbuster trade deal . While the moves paid dividends, it simply wasn't enough.
Advertisement
The Cowboys are now looking to further shore up their roster heading into the new season.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones during warmups against the Las Vegas Raiders.Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Jones and Co. have been busy in the offseason. Based on their activity in NFL free agency, defense has been the focus of their retooling ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Their biggest move thus far has been signing safety Jalen Thompson to a three-year, $33 million deal . Cornerback Cobie Durant , defensive end Sam Williams , defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia and safety P.J. Locke have all been brought in on one-year deals.
Advertisement
The Cowboys signed another defensive player Tuesday. According to team beat reporter Jon Machota of The Athletic, Dallas has decided to sign cornerback Derion Kendrick on a one-year deal.
Kendrick split time between the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks last season. He played 10 games for Seattle in the regular season, registering two interceptions, five passes defended and seven tackles (four solo), before being released mid-season.
Kendrick's one-year deal is another short-term add for the Cowboys. It's a low-risk deal for Dallas, which seems intent on building depth for its secondary.
Advertisement
Kendrick will now join a crowded CB room for the Cowboys, which includes the likes of DaRon Bland , Shavon Revel , Durant and Caelen Carson , to name a few.
Related: Brandon Aubrey Explains Hold Up in Contract Negotiations With Cowboys
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
