**Cowboys Sign Ex-Raiders $10 Million 1st Round Pick After 4-Year Hiatus**
The Dallas Cowboys have signed former first-round pick Gareon Conley, previously with the Las Vegas Raiders. The announcement also included the signing of All-UFL linebacker Willie Harvey Jr.
This move is notable as Conley hasn’t played in the NFL since the 2019 playoffs. He finished that season with the Houston Texans after being traded by the Raiders at the mid-season deadline. His last NFL appearance was in the postseason on January 12, 2020. If Conley makes the Cowboys’ roster and plays this season, it will mark over four years since his last NFL game.
Conley has not been inactive, however. He played for the DC Defenders in the UFL this season, recording 25 tackles and 2 interceptions, which was tied for fifth in the league.
**New Cowboys Corner Gareon Conley Was the No. 24 Pick in the 2017 NFL Draft**
Conley’s NFL career has not unfolded as expected. After a successful college career at Ohio State, the Raiders selected him 24th overall in the 2017 NFL draft. Conley signed a four-year, $10.4 million rookie contract with the Raiders but didn’t secure a second contract.
His best season was in 2018 when he recorded 3 interceptions, 37 tackles, 15 pass deflections, and a touchdown. Pre-draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared Conley to five-time Pro Bowler Aqib Talib, highlighting his top-end speed and ball skills. However, Zierlein noted Conley needed to improve in run support.
**Gareon Conley Reunites With Former Raiders Defensive Coordinator Paul Guenther**
Conley’s signing reunites him with former Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, now the Cowboys’ defensive run game coordinator. It remains to be seen if Conley will make the final roster.
Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reported the signing on June 18, noting Conley’s history with Guenther.
The signing of Willie Harvey Jr. is also significant as he led the UFL in tackles and was named to the All-UFL team.
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