The Dallas Cowboys are charging into the 2025 season with a major win off the field, as their second-round pick, Boston College defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku, is on the verge of signing a blockbuster four-year, $10.1 million rookie contract. While the ink has yet to dry, multiple sources confirm that Ezeiruaku has agreed to terms, with the deal expected to be finalized before the team heads to Oxnard, California, for training camp on Sunday. This agreement marks the end of a dramatic delay for the Cowboys’ ninth and final draftee, setting the stage for Ezeiruaku to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
The holdup wasn’t unique to Dallas. A historic standoff gripped the 2025 NFL Draft’s second round, with 30 players caught in a league-wide contractual tug-of-war. The spark? The Houston Texans made history by signing the 33rd overall pick, Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins, to a fully guaranteed rookie deal—a first for a second-rounder in NFL history. The Cleveland Browns followed suit, granting the same terms to their 34th overall pick, UCLA linebacker Carson Schwessinger. This unprecedented move sent shockwaves through the league, as the remaining second-round picks, including Ezeiruaku, pushed for similar guarantees. Most teams, however, resisted the fully guaranteed clause, leading to a prolonged stalemate.
The logjam began to break on Wednesday when the San Francisco 49ers inked their second-rounder, Alfred Collins, to a deal without full guarantees. This opened the floodgates, paving the way for other second-round picks to finalize their contracts. For Ezeiruaku, the result is a robust agreement that guarantees the first three years of his contract and 38% of his fourth year, totaling approximately 85% of his $10.1 million deal secured. It’s a significant win for the young defensive end and a testament to the Cowboys’ commitment to locking in their future star.
Ezeiruaku, unfazed by the contract saga, has kept his eyes on the prize from day one. “There’s nothing I’m worried about,” he declared in June, exuding confidence and gratitude. “I’m just so grateful to be a Dallas Cowboy.” His focus on football over finances shone through as he fully participated in the team’s rookie minicamp, OTAs, and mandatory minicamp, even without a signed deal. Unlike some rookies across the league who opted to sit out until contracts were finalized, Ezeiruaku’s dedication to honing his craft never wavered.
Now, with his contract all but official, Ezeiruaku is poised to unleash his full potential at training camp in Oxnard next week. The 6’2”, 250-pound pass-rusher brings a relentless motor and explosive athleticism to the Cowboys’ defensive line. His college tape at Boston College showcased a knack for disrupting backfields, with 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in his final season. Dallas envisions him as a key piece in their quest to bolster a defense that’s hungry to dominate in 2025.
As the Cowboys gear up for camp, the excitement surrounding Ezeiruaku is palpable. His combination of work ethic, talent, and now a lucrative deal positions him as a breakout candidate in his rookie year. With the contract drama behind him, Ezeiruaku is ready to storm the NFL and prove why Dallas invested in his potential. Cowboys Nation, get ready—this rookie is about to make some noise!