The Dallas Cowboys are making serious waves in the lead-up to their much-anticipated training camp in Oxnard, California, and their latest move has raised more than a few eyebrows in the NFL world.
In a calculated shuffle of their roster, the Cowboys have brought in veteran Robert Rochell to bolster their depth in the secondary. Simultaneously, they’ve parted ways with Luq Barcoo, who had been vying for a spot in Dallas’ injury-prone defensive backfield.
Rochell, 27, isn’t a household name—but his résumé does feature a Super Bowl ring. The cornerback entered the league as a fourth-round selection out of Central Arkansas in the 2021 NFL Draft and went on to start five games during his rookie year with the Los Angeles Rams, who were on a Super Bowl tear that season. While those five starts mark the bulk of his meaningful on-field time, Rochell has seen action in 48 NFL games and has since bounced around practice squads and rosters including the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, and Kansas City Chiefs.
This latest move by Dallas comes after growing concern about durability in the secondary. Injuries have plagued the Cowboys’ defense over the past two seasons, forcing the coaching staff and front office to rethink how they structure their training camp roster. By bringing in a journeyman like Rochell—who has experience but isn’t locked into a long-term spot—they’re adding a layer of competition that could help elevate the overall standard of the unit.
“He’s not a starter,” one team source hinted anonymously, “but he’s got experience, and sometimes that’s what we need in a camp full of question marks.”
Rochell isn’t the only player to benefit from this roster reshuffle. The Cowboys also signed defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey while cutting ties with Justin Rogers. These moves—made midweek—signal a clear intent: Dallas is not standing pat. They’re tinkering aggressively, even if the names aren’t flashy.
“This isn’t about making a splash. It’s about making smart, calculated moves that build depth,” one NFC executive noted.
The Cowboys’ decision to release Barcoo was met with surprise among fans who had grown fond of the young corner. Known for his high-motor play and underdog mentality, Barcoo had carved out a cult following online. But with limited game experience and several promising prospects ahead of him on the depth chart, the move was deemed inevitable by those close to the team.
Whether Rochell sticks past training camp is another matter. But for now, his arrival underscores the Cowboys’ commitment to revamping their secondary in hopes of a deeper playoff run.
Meanwhile, social media buzzed with talk of other roster changes swirling around The Star. From Trevon Diggs’ controversial QB rankings to rising expectations for DaRon Bland, there’s no shortage of storylines coming out of Dallas.
Diggs, for instance, made headlines this week after listing his top five quarterbacks—with a few eyebrow-raising omissions. While that chatter is mostly off-field fodder, it reflects the level of scrutiny the Cowboys are under as they head into a make-or-break 2025 campaign.
For now, all eyes will be on Rochell to see if he can make the most of this unexpected opportunity.
With more transactions likely in the coming weeks, don’t be shocked if the Cowboys’ roster looks even more different by the time Oxnard opens for business.
