Phil Costa Cowboys Draft and NFL Career
Phil Costa was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, picking 95th overall out of the University of Maryland. He played center for the Cowboys from 2010 through 2013, appearing in 58 regular-season games and starting 17 contests over that period. His tenure with the Cowboys coincided with the team's rebuild under Jason Garrett and the emergence of rookie quarterback Tony Romo as the full-time starter. Phil Costa Cowboys is a common search term for fans tracking his draft slot and early career snaps. More details on his draft and early career are available on the official Dallas Cowboys team site dallascowboys.com.
During his time with Dallas, Costa served primarily as a backup and rotational starter at center, competing with veterans and younger prospects for playing time. He logged 30 starts across his four seasons with the team, with his most productive year coming in 2012 when he started 12 games. The Cowboys' offensive line during that era featured a mix of veteran leadership and new talent, with Costa fitting into a rotational role rather than a long-term starter profile. His career with Dallas ended after the 2013 season, when he was not re-signed and later signed with the Indianapolis Colts.
Phil Costa Cowboys Contract and Earnings
Phil Costa signed a four-year rookie contract with the Cowboys in 2010, with a total value around $2.3 million and a signing bonus near $300,000, typical for a fourth-round pick at the time. His base salary increased each year under the rookie scale, and he earned approximately $470,000 in his final year with Dallas in 2013 before moving to the Colts. NFL rookie contracts for fourth-round picks are structured with fixed base salaries and limited escalators, which kept his earnings modest compared to later-round picks who secured larger deals. Details on the structure of rookie contracts and salary cap rules are explained by the NFL Players Association nflplayers.com.
After leaving Dallas, Costa signed with the Colts in 2014 and played one season with Indianapolis before a brief stint with the Washington Redskins in 2015. His total NFL earnings across six seasons were estimated in the low millions, reflecting the typical compensation for a backup center with a four-year rookie deal. He did not receive major contract extensions or franchise-tag deals during his career, which kept his overall earnings below the median for long-tenured offensive linemen. His post-NFL career shifted toward coaching and business ventures rather than continued high-level playing contracts.
Phil Costa Cowboys Legacy and Current Role
Phil Costa Cowboys is often searched by fans curious about his post-NFL activities, and he has remained involved in football through coaching and player development roles. After retiring from playing, he worked with collegiate and semi-professional programs, applying his offensive line experience to younger players. His career path reflects a common trajectory for late-round picks who transition from playing to coaching or business within the football ecosystem. He is not currently listed on an active NFL roster but remains a recognizable name among Cowboys fans who followed his early career with the team.
The Cowboys' offensive line has evolved significantly since Costa's tenure, with the team prioritizing versatile, athletic centers in later draft classes and free agency. His time with Dallas is remembered as a solid developmental contribution rather than a franchise-defining role, and he is often cited in discussions about fourth-round value for interior linemen. Current Cowboys fans can compare his career to today's offensive line prospects using resources like Pro Football Focus profootballfocus.com for advanced metrics and