Cowboys Signing Cornerback Tells Truth of Depth Concerns originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
It's "leaves-falling season" in Oxnard, which around here, is code for the process of monitoring how the Dallas Cowboys roster is performing at training camp before deciding on making any last free agency moves.
The cornerback position was a major concern heading into camp, but largely due to injuries. We know the healthy performances we can get from players like DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs, but we haven't been able to enjoy each of their services together for a full season in recent years.
Rookie corner Shavon Revel Jr. was a major addition out of the third round, but he is also rehabbing a knee injury. Josh Butler (PUP) and Caelen Carson are also notable defensive backs sitting out with injury.
It appears these mounting availability concerns have not improved during camp, as Jerry Jones and the Cowboys have now made a move to add depth to the room.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Tuesday morning that the Cowboys are signing third-year cornerback prospect Christian Matthew, who last played for the Chicago Bears in 2023. He was traded there after being drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
The 28-year-old has just 20 games played and three starts to his name since entering the NFL. He has spent most of his time on special teams, last playing defensive snaps in 2022 during his rookie year. Matthew did not see any regular-season action in 2024.
Matthew doesn't offer much in the form of on-field experience, but he's a healthy body that can fill out a lineup during drills and maybe battle for a practice squad spot while others are sidelined. He also brings a touch of familiarity that might help his adjustment, as he has worked with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus during his time in Chicago in 2023.
Might this signing suggest the Cowboys are finally recognizing how slim they are at cornerback? Are things not like we expected them to be regarding Diggs and Revel (and others') injuries?
Its particularly interesting timing regarding Revel, who was seen being much more active the last few days. He and Diggs were on the grass backpedaling, playing the ball in the air, and occasionally jumping in solo drills on the side.
Some internet gossip sparked, however, as one rep from the rookie was recorded by DallasCowboys.com's Tommy Yarrish. It was an uncomfortable watch.
Rookie third-round CB Shavon Revel Jr. going through some individual work on the opposite field during the team period #Cowboyspic.twitter.com/61sFdO2zqw
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) July 27, 2025
Upon making the catch, Revel noticeably favors one side and jogs slowly as he finishes … suggesting he doesn't feel anywhere close to a hundred percent, or is struggling regaining confidence in that knee.
Revel was initially expected to be healthy at some point during camp, but we haven't gotten any definitive word on an updated timeline.
Diggs, however, could have been destined for the PUP list, but he has held a firm belief that that won't be necessary. He said Monday that his recovery is ahead of schedule and pins September as a possible return to the field. If he can play anytime before Week 5 and avoid the PUP, that's good news … as long as the recovery went properly.
Trevon Diggs backpedaling and playing the ball individually. The most we’ve seen him do in a while #Cowboyspic.twitter.com/35ihIgw2PM
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) July 27, 2025
All of these worries about the room are valid as the secondary looks to stay afloat nearly a month away from the regular season … something they barely managed to do last season.
A free agent signing will keep camp moving, but more leaves must fall to brush away these cornerback concerns.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
