While the franchise denies that any other major moves are on the horizon, the fact that the Dallas Cowboys have even been linked to a player like Jalen Ramsey proves that there is some level of uncertainty concerning their current crop of defensive backs.
Acquiring a player of the caliber of Ramsey would likely cost more than the Cowboys would prefer to give up, especially after already completing one major trade this offseason for veteran wide receiver George Pickens.
Fortunately, less expensive options are still available, and one proven veteran has just fallen into the lap of Dallas if they want to pursue a deal with him.
Cowboys Gifted Affordable Target to Bolster Defensive Back Position
Friday afternoon, the Los Angeles Rams waived veteran cornerback Derion Kendrick, according to ESPN's Sarah Barshop, moving him one step closer to unrestricted free agency.
Should he go unclaimed off waivers, Kendrick would offer the Cowboys a low-cost, low-risk option to add to the back end of their defense. Dallas didn't have a single cornerback reach double-digit games played in 2024, so adding some CB depth isn't a bad idea.
The Rams have waived CB Derion Kendrick, a sixth-round pick in 2022. Kendrick tore his ACL during training camp last summer.
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) June 13, 2025
The former Clemson Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs standout appeared in 15 games during his rookie season in Los Angeles, starting in six of those matchups, and performed admirably in those contests. This led to Kendrick being a regular starter for the Rams during the 2023 campaign, starting in 12 of the team's 17 regular-season games.
Over those 32 appearances, Kendrick has put up respectable numbers, recording 92 total tackles, 14 pass deflections, three tackles for a loss, and one interception. When he's out on the field, production has not been a problem.
This is where the issue lies, Kendrick is coming off an ACL injury, which cost him the entire 2024 season. The 24-year-old cornerback is closing in on being one year removed from that injury, so, assuming there have been no setbacks, the defender should be close to being ready to return to the field.
Given the minor financial investment it would likely take to add Kendrick to the fold, the Cowboys would be wise to give him a look if he hits the open market.