Cowboys, Malachi Lawrence Agree to Rookie Contract After 2026 NFL Draft, Full Details Revealed

The Dallas Cowboys officially secured their entire rookie class for the 2026 season.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Cowboys and No. 23 pick Malachi Lawrence agreed to a fully guaranteed four-year, $20.2 million contract. The edge rusher was the last member of Dallas' draft class who was unsigned.

Lawrence was Dallas' second first-round selection after the team landed star safety Caleb Downs with the No. 11 pick. The Cowboys traded down with the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles to No. 23 before selecting him to bolster their pass-rush.

Lawrence spent his entire college career at UCF and finished his senior year with 28 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks, three passes defended and two forced fumbles. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has already seen flashes of his potential throughout rookie camp and OTAs.

"Malachi Lawrence is picking it up really, really quickly, and we're very excited about that," Schottenheimer said Thursday, per team reporter Tommy Yarrish.

Lawrence is the freshest face on Dallas' revamped defensive line. The Cowboys also acquired veteran edge rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers earlier this offseason. Veterans Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark give the unit some much-needed depth and experience.

Now that the entire rookie class is locked up with new contracts, the Cowboys can forge ahead with their preparations for the 2026 campaign. The team's next OTA practice is set for Monday.