The Dallas Cowboys have a storied history of uncovering diamonds in the rough through undrafted free agents (UDFAs), with players like Tony Romo and Miles Austin becoming household names. In 2025, the spotlight is on Auburn tight end Rivaldo Fairweather, an undrafted free agent who could emerge as a surprising force in the Cowboys’ offense. Analysts, including The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner, have pegged Fairweather as a player to watch, citing his unique skill set and potential to carve out a significant role. Here’s why Fairweather could shock the NFL in the upcoming season.
A Gritty Skill Set Tailored for Dallas
Rivaldo Fairweather, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 250 pounds, brings a blend of size, athleticism, and blocking prowess that aligns perfectly with the Cowboys’ offensive philosophy under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. During his time at Auburn, Fairweather showcased his ability to dominate at the point of attack, excelling as a run-blocker who can pave lanes for running backs like Jaydon Blue. His physicality in the trenches makes him an ideal fit for Dallas’ emphasis on a balanced, physical offense.
But Fairweather isn’t just a one-dimensional blocker. He also demonstrated soft hands and reliable route-running at Auburn, hauling in 38 receptions for 394 yards and six touchdowns in his final college season. His ability to stretch the seam and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties adds a dynamic element to an offense already bolstered by the recent trade for wide receiver George Pickens. With CeeDee Lamb drawing defensive attention, Fairweather could exploit underneath routes and red-zone opportunities, becoming a sneaky weapon for quarterback Dak Prescott.
Fighting for a Roster Spot
The Cowboys’ tight end room is crowded, with established players like Jake Ferguson leading the group and others like Princeton Fant, Tyler Neville, Brevyn Spann-Ford, and John Stephens Jr. vying for spots. However, Fairweather’s versatility gives him an edge in a competitive battle for the 53-man roster. Schottenheimer’s scheme often utilizes multiple tight ends, and Fairweather’s ability to contribute as both a blocker and a pass-catcher could secure him a role as a TE2 or TE3.
The Cowboys have a track record of rewarding UDFAs who prove their worth in training camp and preseason. Fairweather’s work ethic and physical tools have already drawn praise from coaches, with reports from rookie minicamp highlighting his ability to make contested catches and deliver punishing blocks. If he continues to shine in OTAs and preseason games, he could force the coaching staff to find a place for him.
A Culture Fit in Dallas
Beyond his on-field contributions, Fairweather’s intangibles make him a natural fit for the culture Schottenheimer is building in Dallas. Described as a high-character player with a relentless motor, Fairweather embodies the gritty, team-first mentality the Cowboys are prioritizing after a disappointing 7-10 season in 2024. His journey as an undrafted player fuels his hunger to prove doubters wrong, a trait that resonates with Cowboys fans who love an underdog story.
Fairweather’s signing also reflects Dallas’ aggressive approach to the UDFA market. The Cowboys offered competitive bonuses to several undrafted players, including a $10,000 bonus and $100,000 guaranteed salary to Virginia tight end Tyler Neville, signaling their commitment to finding hidden gems. Fairweather, with his higher upside as a pass-catcher, could outshine even some of his more heralded peers.
The Potential to Shock the NFL
What makes Fairweather a potential breakout star in 2025? It’s the combination of opportunity, fit, and raw talent. The Cowboys’ offense, while bolstered by Pickens and Lamb, still needs reliable secondary options to keep defenses honest. Fairweather’s ability to contribute in both the run and pass game gives offensive coordinator Klayton Adams a versatile chess piece to deploy in various formations.
If Fairweather secures a roster spot, he could see significant snaps in two-tight-end sets, especially in goal-line and short-yardage situations where his blocking and red-zone prowess shine. A strong preseason performance could also earn him a role in sub-packages, where he might exploit mismatches against slower linebackers. In a best-case scenario, Fairweather could post 20-30 receptions, 300-400 yards, and a handful of touchdowns—numbers that would mark him as one of the NFL’s top UDFA success stories of 2025.
The Road Ahead
The path to NFL stardom is never easy for an undrafted player, and Fairweather faces stiff competition and the pressure to perform immediately. However, the Cowboys’ history of developing UDFAs, combined with Fairweather’s unique blend of skills, positions him for a potential breakout. As Dallas looks to rebound from a challenging 2024 and make a playoff push in 2025, Fairweather could emerge as an unlikely hero.
Keep an eye on No. 88 during training camp and preseason games. If Rivaldo Fairweather seizes his opportunity, he might just shock the NFL and become the next great Cowboys undrafted success story.