Dallas Cowboys rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku reveals level of concern over unsigned rookie contract

As minicamps get underway, the Dallas Cowboys have yet to sign Donovan Ezeiruaku. The team’s second-round pick at No. 44 overall, the Boston College product is still out there practicing. Many guys would be holding out while waiting to come to a contract agreement.

That’s because Ezeiruaku is not too worried about getting pen to paper. He is putting faith in his agent and the Cowboys’ front office to get the job done. Ezeiruaku just wants to be out there playing football without the personal distraction of an unsigned contract.

“I’m here doing what I have to do every single day,” Ezeiruaku said via The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “That’s between the organization and my agent. I have full faith that they’re gonna get that done. When it’s ready, it’ll be ready and I’ll sign that piece of paper.”

Dallas felt like they got incredible value on Ezeiruaku in the second round. Some from the outside viewed him as a potential first-round talent, especially given the position he plays. Placing Ezeiruaku opposite of Micah Parsons could turn out to be a deadly duo.

In 12 games last season, Ezeiruaku consistently lived in the backfield. His 16.5 sacks were good enough for top in the ACC and second in all of college football during the 2024 season. Even better, 21 tackles for a loss was also first in the ACC but fourth when comparing on the national scale.

How is game translates to the NFL is yet to be seen. Early impressions are going swimmingly, though — just ask head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

“He’s doing really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really great,” Schottenheimer said. “You can’t watch the guy and not get excited just watching him do the things that we’re doing out there on the grass, the things that we saw coming out of Boston College. And then the work ethic is elite.”

Ezeiruaku will have to get his rookie deal signed at some point. He is not the only pass rusher Dallas is currently negotiating with, as Parsons does not have his long-term contract yet either.

Agents and front office personnel will get everything worked out. Ezeiruaku wants to make sure minicamp — eventually training camp out in Oxnard as well — go well, and he can be an impact player for the Cowboys in 2025. Doing so will allow him to put his attention on football and work toward a second contract.