Dallas Cowboys Sign Former Ravens Cornerback Christian Matthews, Adding Depth, Versatility, and Experience to Bolster Secondary Ahead of 2025 Season

In a move designed to fortify their defensive backfield ahead of a pivotal 2025 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys have signed former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Christian Matthews. The acquisition, confirmed late Monday evening, is a strategic step by Cowboys general manager Jerry Jones and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer as the team looks to solidify its secondary rotation following an up-and-down 2024 campaign.

Matthews, 26, brings physicality, intelligence, and a chip-on-his-shoulder mentality that the Cowboys hope will translate into immediate impact during training camp and preseason action. While he may not be a household name yet, those close to both the Ravens and Cowboys organizations believe Matthews’ best football may still be ahead of him.

From Baltimore to Dallas: A Fresh Start

Christian Matthews entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia State, where he made a name for himself with consistent man-to-man coverage skills and sharp ball instincts. The Baltimore Ravens scooped him up in 2022 and stashed him on their practice squad for much of his rookie season.

He eventually cracked the active roster in 2023, appearing in 11 games and earning praise from Ravens veterans for his work ethic, preparation, and ability to stay calm under pressure. In spot duty, Matthews posted 21 tackles, 4 pass deflections, and an interception — small stats on paper, but crucial contributions for a banged-up Ravens secondary.

However, the numbers game in Baltimore’s cornerback room became too crowded. With the emergence of younger draft picks and free agent additions, the Ravens were forced to cut Matthews loose during the 2024 preseason. He remained unsigned during much of the 2024 regular season before working out for several teams, including the Falcons and Panthers.

Now in Dallas, he gets a chance to rewrite the narrative — and he’s already catching eyes.

Cowboys’ Secondary Needs More Grit

The Cowboys’ defense in 2024 was a mixed bag. While All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs returned from injury and DaRon Bland continued to shine, the depth behind them was frequently tested. Injuries to the slot and third cornerback spots exposed a vulnerability in coverage, particularly against high-powered offenses like Philadelphia and San Francisco.

With the arrival of new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, known for his emphasis on smart, aggressive, and technically sound defensive backs, the Cowboys have been proactive in reshaping their DB room. Signing Christian Matthews fits that mold — he’s competitive, versatile, and thrives in man and press coverage, making him an ideal option in Zimmer’s schemes.

Zimmer commented briefly on the addition during his Tuesday press conference:

“We’ve been evaluating a lot of corners. Matthews has shown he can play press, can tackle, and he understands zone concepts. He’s got the right mindset.”

A Spot to Win — And Earn

This isn’t just a depth signing for Dallas. There’s a real opportunity for Matthews to compete for the CB4 or nickel corner role during training camp.

The Cowboys are keeping an open competition behind Diggs, Bland, and Jourdan Lewis. Matthews will battle 2023 sixth-round pick Nahshon Wright, veteran Kelvin Joseph, and undrafted rookie Myles Brooks. If Matthews performs well in preseason, he could leapfrog the group and earn a permanent role on the 53-man roster.

Matthews understands the opportunity — and he’s not taking it lightly.

“Man, this is a blessing,” Matthews told reporters after his first practice in Oxnard, California. “I’ve always admired the Cowboys growing up, and now I’ve got a real shot to prove myself here. I don’t take that for granted.”

His early reps during camp have earned positive feedback from defensive backs coach Al Harris, who praised his “footwork, patience, and physicality.”

Locker Room Fit and Special Teams Boost

One of Matthews’ most underappreciated assets is his ability to contribute on special teams. During his time in Baltimore, he became a reliable gunner on punt coverage and a strong lane-filler on kick returns.

The Cowboys, who lost special teams ace C.J. Goodwin to retirement, have been actively looking for someone who can fill multiple roles. Matthews’ versatility as a DB and special teamer gives him an edge in roster decisions.

“He’s not flashy, but he’s gritty. He’s reliable,” said an AFC scout who evaluated Matthews in 2023. “Teams need guys like that to win in December and January.”

A Player With Something to Prove

Matthews has long been viewed as an underdog — even in college, where he started as a walk-on. But it’s precisely that underdog mentality that appeals to teams like the Cowboys, who thrive on turning doubted players into contributors.

Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy commented,

“We’ve had a lot of success with players who come in with a chip on their shoulder. Christian fits that mold. He wants it.”

And Matthews certainly sounds like he does.

“I know what people think — undrafted, bounced around, quiet stat sheet,” Matthews said. “But I believe in my game, and I know I belong.”

His path may mirror that of fellow DBs like Malcolm Butler and Charvarius Ward — late bloomers who carved out impactful NFL careers despite little fanfare early on.

What This Means for the Cowboys Moving Forward

While this isn’t the blockbuster type of move that lights up headlines, the signing of Christian Matthews is a subtle but potentially significant piece of the Cowboys’ offseason puzzle. With the pressure mounting in 2025 to break their NFC Championship Game drought, Dallas needs solid role players and depth behind its star-laden front lines.

If Matthews proves reliable, he could provide Dallas with the type of rotational depth that often separates contenders from pretenders.

Moreover, it shows that the front office isn’t just waiting around for bigger names to become available. They’re being proactive in addressing areas of need — something fans have been clamoring for.

The Christian Matthews signing might not shake up the NFC, but for the Dallas Cowboys, it represents a smart, cost-effective bet on an ascending talent. If Matthews capitalizes on his new opportunity, he could be a key contributor to a defensive resurgence under Mike Zimmer.

And for Matthews, the journey from Baltimore’s practice squad to potentially cracking the Cowboys’ rotation offers yet another reminder: grit, work ethic, and timing still matter in the NFL.

Keep an eye on No. 27 this preseason. He may surprise you.