Cowboys trying out USFL cornerback ahead of training camp

The Dallas Cowboys won't shy away from looking into USFL talent, as we've learned over the last couple of years. In 2022, return specialist KaVontae Turpin arrived in Dallas after being named the USFL's MVP for the season. A year later, kicker Brandon Aubrey was signed to compete for the starting role with Tristan Vizcaino, […]

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer

Jul 25, 2023 1:08 PM EDT

The Dallas Cowboys won't shy away from looking into USFL talent, as we've learned over the last couple of years.

In 2022, return specialist KaVontae Turpin arrived in Dallas after being named the USFL's MVP for the season. A year later, kicker Brandon Aubrey was signed to compete for the starting role with Tristan Vizcaino, the only other kicker on the Cowboys' roster.

Now, they could be looking into adding a defensive player out of the USFL as well: Cornerback Josh Butler.

According to ESPN's Todd Archer, the Cowboys are working out the Michigan Panther ahead of the start of training camp. Butler is a former Michigan State Spartan, too.

The Cowboys are working out cornerback Josh Butler, who played for the Michigan Panthers in the USFL. The Cowboys have 89 players under contract as they head into the first practice of training camp on Wednesday.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) July 25, 2023

If he ends up being signed, Butler would be facing an uphill battle as the Cowboys have a deep group of cornerbacks led by projected starters Trevon Diggs, Stephon Gilmore, and DaRon Bland.

The rest of the depth chart will be defined in training camp as former starter Jourdan Lewis (expected to start on the PUP list) and Kelvin Joseph battle it out for the backup nickel role and sixth-round draft pick Eric Scott Jr. fights Nahshon Wright and others on the outside.

Butler is listed on the USFL Panthers roster at 6-foot tall and 182 pounds. He finished the season with 29 tackles.

The Cowboys officially report to training camp on Tuesday with the opening practice scheduled for Wednesday. With the roster sitting at 89 players, a signing (of Turner or somebody else) could be coming at any moment. Stephen Jones hinted at the team's interest in adding another cornerback last month.