Breaking News: Dallas Cowboys Signing Texas Tech UDFA WR Josh Kelly, per Justin Melo

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys are continuing their offseason roster building by dipping into the undrafted free agent (UDFA) pool, and their latest addition brings more firepower to their wide receiver room. According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the Cowboys are signing former Texas Tech wide receiver Josh Kelly, a promising yet overlooked prospect who now has an opportunity to compete at the NFL level.

 

Josh Kelly’s signing is part of the Cowboys’ broader strategy to strengthen depth and identify potential hidden gems among UDFAs following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his combination of size, hands, and route-running ability, Kelly brings an intriguing skill set to a Dallas roster that is already loaded with talent but always in search of young players who can develop into contributors.

 

Josh Kelly’s Journey to the NFL

 

Josh Kelly’s journey to the NFL has been anything but conventional. A standout player at Fresno State before transferring to Texas Tech, Kelly demonstrated versatility and resilience throughout his college career. At Texas Tech, he quickly became one of the team’s most reliable targets, finishing his final season with impressive numbers despite playing in a crowded receiving corps.

 

During the 2024 season, Kelly totaled 63 receptions for 825 yards and 7 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to be a consistent threat both underneath and downfield. His performance earned him attention from NFL scouts, though he ultimately went undrafted — a decision many experts considered surprising given his strong production and technical polish.

 

At 6’1″ and 200 pounds, Kelly offers a solid frame for the position, coupled with fluid footwork, sharp cuts in and out of breaks, and an ability to high-point the football. While he doesn’t possess blazing 4.3 speed, his game is built more on intelligence, toughness, and polished skills — traits that often translate well to the professional game.

 

What Josh Kelly Brings to the Cowboys

 

The Dallas Cowboys have made it a point in recent years to find value in players who may have been overlooked during the draft process. Josh Kelly fits the mold of a developmental receiver who could thrive in the right system. His route-running savvy and ability to win contested catches could make him a natural fit in the Cowboys’ West Coast-influenced offense.

 

One area where Kelly could make an immediate impact is on special teams, a critical factor for undrafted rookies trying to make a 53-man roster. Cowboys special teams coordinator John Fassel is known for giving opportunities to young players, and Kelly’s experience as a returner at Texas Tech only increases his chances.

 

Additionally, the Cowboys have shown a willingness to reward young players who earn their roles during training camp and the preseason. Players like KaVontae Turpin and Brandon Smith have blazed similar trails in recent years, earning roster spots through impressive summer performances. If Kelly can replicate that success, he could find himself moving up the depth chart quickly.

 

Competition in the Wide Receiver Room

 

Kelly enters a wide receiver room headlined by CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Jalen Tolbert, along with other young talents such as Jalen Brooks and KaVontae Turpin. While roster spots at the top are locked in, the back end of the position group remains highly competitive.

 

The Cowboys carried six receivers for much of the 2024 season, suggesting there could be two or three open spots for players like Kelly to fight for. His versatility, football IQ, and willingness to contribute in multiple phases of the game could give him a slight edge over other rookies and fringe players.

 

“Josh Kelly is a technician at wide receiver — his routes are clean, his hands are reliable, and he understands leverage against defenders,” said a scout who evaluated Kelly during the pre-draft process. “He’s not going to blow you away with raw athleticism, but he’s a guy who can stick around for a long time because he does the little things right.”

 

Dallas Continues to Value UDFAs

 

The Cowboys’ front office, led by executive vice president Stephen Jones and vice president of player personnel Will McClay, has long made a point to emphasize the importance of undrafted free agents in roster building. Several contributors on the Cowboys’ current roster, including players like Terence Steele and Malik Davis, began their careers as UDFAs.

 

By signing Kelly, the Cowboys are once again betting on their ability to develop overlooked talent into meaningful contributors. Given the team’s history and success with UDFAs, Kelly’s signing could be more than just a camp body — it could be the beginning of a rewarding partnership.

 

Looking Ahead: Rookie Minicamp and Training Camp

 

Josh Kelly will officially begin his Cowboys journey at the team’s rookie minicamp, scheduled for mid-May. There, he will get his first opportunity to work under head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

 

Rookie minicamp, followed by organized team activities (OTAs) and training camp in Oxnard, California, will give Kelly numerous chances to showcase his skills. If he can continue the momentum he built during his final college season, Kelly could position himself as a dark-horse candidate to not only make the roster but contribute during the 2025 season.

 

Of course, the road for undrafted players is never easy. Kelly will need to impress coaches and show value in a variety of roles — offense, special teams, and possibly even scout team duties — to carve out a spot. However, his polished skill set and determined mentality suggest he could be up for the challenge.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to sign Texas Tech wide receiver Josh Kelly adds another intriguing layer to an already interesting offseason. While Kelly may not have heard his name called on draft weekend, he now joins one of the NFL’s most high-profile organizations with a clear opportunity to prove his worth.

 

If recent history is any indicator, fans should not be surprised if Josh Kelly becomes the latest undrafted success story wearing the star on his helmet.

 

For now, the next chapter of Josh Kelly’s football career begins in Dallas — and it’s one that will be well worth watching.