Why The Dallas Cowboys Are Kings of Undrafted Free Agency

Several teams have had tremendous success in undrafted free agency over the years. None of them though can touch the Dallas Cowboys.

If there is one thing that can be credited towards the success this franchise has enjoyed for several decades, it’s their ability to find great players in small places. It seems like from the 1960s through the modern day they’ve found at least one person who would become a near-Hall of Fame level contributor to their roster. That is bonkers to think about, and a testament to the work they put in to find these guys.

So it’s time to showcase why they are the kings by unveiling the 10 best undrafted free agents they ever signed.

#10:  Dan Reeves

These days most people remember Dan Reeves as the highly successful head coach who took two different teams to a total of four Super Bowls. One could say the seeds of that were sewn in Dallas where he was an underrated running back for a number of years. In fact from 1966 to 1968 he scored an impressive 37 touchdowns. He later went on to become a player coach towards the end of his career and helped Dallas win its first Super Bowl in 1971.

#9:  Bill Bates

It seemed like the team really never had a full grasp of how to use Bill Bates throughout the entire first half of his career at safety. They knew he was a tireless worker who hit and played hard. He proved that much with a Pro Bowl in 1984. Then for whatever reason he was relegated back to the bench. Not until 1993 did he get another chance, producing two interceptions. He was also a persistent presence on special teams throughout those years, helping them win three Super Bowls.