Canadian defensive end Luiji Vilain has signed a reserve futures contract with the Dallas Cowboys for the 2025 season.
The Ottawa, Ont. native began the 2024 campaign with the Carolina Panthers but was waived following training camp. He spent two weeks on the Cleveland Browns’ practice roster in September before being released, joining the Cowboys practice roster on October 9. He did not appear in any games this season.
The six-foot-four, 252-pound edge rusher originally signed with the Minnesota Vikings after going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft and dressed for three regular-season games as a rookie, recording four tackles. He was waived by the team in October 2023 and claimed by the Panthers, appearing in one game for each franchise that year.
The 26-year-old originally attended the University of Michigan but transferred to Wake Forest in 2021 and recorded 34 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
Vilain was selected by the Toronto Argonauts in the third round of the 2021 CFL Draft. He elected not to enter the professional ranks that year as he transferred to the Demon Deacons, however the Argos still hold his exclusive CFL rights.
