The Dallas Cowboys have once again parted ways with former Auburn defensive tackle Donavon Kaufman, a move that reflects the ever-evolving, high-stakes nature of life in the NFL. For Kaufman, the decision marks yet another twist in a turbulent journey as he fights to earn and keep a spot in one of the most competitive environments in professional sports. And for the Cowboys, it signals a continued push to refine their defensive rotation ahead of a season filled with sky-high expectations.
The release of Kaufman is not the first time Dallas has waived the former Auburn standout. In fact, this marks yet another chapter in a pattern of on-again, off-again stints with the team that initially gave him a shot after he went undrafted. Known for his stout frame, high motor, and SEC pedigree, Kaufman came into the league with promise and grit. But the business side of the NFL is unforgiving, and the Cowboys’ latest decision underscores just how difficult it can be for fringe players to carve out a lasting role on deep, playoff-contending rosters.
Kaufman’s release doesn’t come as a complete surprise to those who closely follow the Cowboys’ personnel decisions. Though he showed flashes of ability during training camps and in preseason appearances, the reality is that Dallas is loaded along the defensive front. With stalwarts like Osa Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith, and the ever-dominant Micah Parsons wreaking havoc across the line, the margin for error for depth players like Kaufman is razor-thin. The team’s commitment to fielding one of the fastest and most disruptive defenses in the league means every roster spot is contested fiercely, and Kaufman simply became the odd man out once again.
Still, the former Auburn star leaves behind a legacy of perseverance. Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing in at just under 200 pounds, Kaufman was never the prototypical NFL defensive tackle. But what he lacked in size, he made up for in versatility and heart. Originally beginning his collegiate career at Vanderbilt before transferring to Auburn, Kaufman was heralded for his leadership, work ethic, and ability to play multiple positions across the defensive front and secondary. While Auburn primarily deployed him as a safety, Kaufman often played closer to the line of scrimmage, showcasing the kind of physicality that attracted NFL scouts despite concerns about his frame.
It was that edge and positional flexibility that first piqued the interest of Dallas. In an era where hybrid defenders are increasingly valuable, Kaufman’s ability to adapt to different roles on the defense offered a glimmer of hope that he might stick. He flashed some promise in early preseason action, recording tackles, disrupting passing lanes, and even showing some acumen in special teams duties. But as the Cowboys got deeper into roster evaluations, they leaned toward players with more upside, better fit for their schemes, or simply more consistent health records.
The decision to waive Kaufman also came as Dallas continues to explore different configurations on the defensive line. With Dan Quinn departing in the offseason and Mike Zimmer stepping in as the new defensive coordinator, changes were expected. Zimmer, known for his meticulous defensive structures and tough-love coaching style, has already begun molding the defense into his vision. That includes reassessing who fits into the rotations and which players can execute his demanding assignments. For players like Kaufman—who exist on the periphery of the roster—it’s often a case of wrong place, wrong time.
Even as he exits Dallas again, Kaufman’s NFL dream is far from over. His motor, special teams prowess, and college reputation still hold weight, and there are other franchises in need of depth and toughness in their second or third defensive units. What Kaufman lacks in ideal measurables, he compensates for with a football IQ sharpened in the toughest conference in college football and a relentless drive to prove people wrong. If nothing else, he’s now accustomed to the process: the calls, the cuts, the constant reevaluation. The league may have overlooked him initially, but Kaufman has proven that he has enough to warrant more than one look.
For Dallas, the decision to move on says as much about their confidence in other players as it does about Kaufman himself. Rookie draft picks and undrafted free agents have turned heads in minicamps and OTAs. Players like Viliami Fehoko Jr. and Chauncey Golston have stepped up and shown significant growth, which puts additional pressure on back-end players to deliver in a limited window. With fewer preseason games and limited reps available, every snap matters. And with younger players climbing the depth chart, the team’s brass had to make some difficult choices.
This isn’t the first time the Cowboys have taken a flyer on a player from the SEC only to move on relatively quickly. The organization has often looked to big-time college programs like Auburn, Alabama, and Georgia when rounding out the roster. The logic is sound—players from those schools are battle-tested and familiar with high expectations. But the transition from the NCAA to the NFL is steep, and not every athlete makes the leap successfully. Kaufman was always going to be a long shot, but that never seemed to dampen his enthusiasm or effort.
The NFL can be both a dream and a crucible, especially for undrafted free agents trying to make a mark. For every Cinderella story like Tony Romo or Malcolm Butler, there are hundreds of players who come and go, bouncing between practice squads, short-term contracts, and waiver wire pickups. Kaufman’s journey is emblematic of that grind. And while he may not be in Dallas anymore, his story isn’t finished. Resilience often defines a player’s legacy more than stat lines ever could, and Kaufman still has that in spades.
As for Auburn, Kaufman’s path continues to serve as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale for current Tigers dreaming of the NFL. His fight to stay in the league is a testament to what hard work and belief can do, but it’s also a sobering reminder of just how difficult it is to stick in the pros—even for the best players on elite college programs. Coaches and teammates at Auburn continue to speak highly of his character, attitude, and dedication, and those qualities may ultimately be what gets him another chance elsewhere.
While it’s unclear what’s next for Kaufman, history shows that players like him often get another shot. Injuries, trades, and unexpected developments can open doors in a heartbeat. Teams always need depth, particularly on special teams and in hybrid defensive roles. And in an NFL world where practice squads have expanded and player development is prioritized more than ever before, Kaufman might find himself back on a roster sooner than expected. He’ll likely stay in shape, keep grinding, and wait for that next call.
In the bigger picture, the Cowboys continue to evolve into a team that is eyeing more than just divisional titles. With quarterback Dak Prescott returning healthy, a loaded receiving corps led by CeeDee Lamb, and one of the most menacing defensive units in the NFL, Dallas is operating with a Super Bowl-or-bust mindset. That kind of ambition leaves little room for sentiment or long-term projects. Every roster spot must contribute immediately or risk being replaced. Kaufman, unfortunately, became a casualty of that uncompromising standard.
Fans may be disappointed to see a hardworking player let go, especially one who brought energy and enthusiasm in every snap he played. But this is the nature of the NFL—a league that rewards production and punishes inconsistency. Kaufman’s journey reminds us that for every star shining under the lights, there are dozens of others grinding in the shadows, chasing that moment, that game, that opportunity to prove they belong.
Donavon Kaufman’s NFL story may not be over, but his latest release from the Cowboys serves as a powerful reminder of just how thin the line is between making it and starting over. For now, he walks away with more experience, more lessons, and hopefully more resolve. Whether it’s another camp invite, a practice squad role, or even a position with a team overseas, Kaufman’s grit ensures he won’t stop until every avenue is explored.
He may be waived again—but don’t count him out. Not yet.
