The UFL’s inaugural season has concluded, allowing teams to officially sign players who participated in the merged league. The Cowboys are one of the teams taking advantage of this opportunity, bringing a former first-round pick back into the NFL.
Gareon Conley is set to sign with the Cowboys, as reported by the Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins. This move follows a workout last week where Conley, a former first-rounder for the Raiders, impressed the team. Additionally, the Cowboys are adding UFL linebacker Willie Harvey, according to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero. Harvey also showcased his skills at Dallas’ minicamp.
For Conley, this signifies a return to the NFL after a period of absence. His last stint in the league was with the Texans in 2020, and he has not played in a game since 2019. The Cowboys have officially announced the signing, reuniting Conley with Paul Guenther, who served as the Raiders’ defensive coordinator from 2018-2019. Guenther was instrumental in drafting Conley in the first round of 2017 and overseeing his development as a starting cornerback. Guenther now serves as the Cowboys’ run-game coordinator on defense.
In addition to Conley, the Cowboys also worked out former Giants first-rounder Deandre Baker, both of whom played for the D.C. Defenders in the UFL season. While Conley earned a spot as a cornerback, there are no reported deals for Baker despite his All-UFL recognition.
Conley’s career has seen ups and downs, with injuries affecting his performance at times. Despite this, he has shown promise as a starting cornerback in the league. The Cowboys’ decision to bring him on board presents an intriguing opportunity for his comeback, especially considering the team’s history of unearthing talent from spring leagues.
The Cowboys’ cornerback depth chart is set to feature a trio of Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, and Jourdan Lewis at the top, with recent draftees like Nahshon Wright, Eric Scott Jr., and Caelen Carson as backups. Veteran C.J. Goodwin also remains on the roster, providing experience and depth in the secondary.
Harvey, on the other hand, garnered interest from multiple teams but ultimately chose to join the Cowboys after his successful workout. Leading UFL linebackers in tackles and sacks, Harvey brings a valuable skill set to Dallas’ defense as they prepare for the upcoming season.