The Dallas Cowboys’ offseason focus has been on revamping a woeful defense.
Starting with the hiring of rising defensive coordinator Christian Parker, the ongoing trade of tight end Rashan Gary, and the move to free agency, the majority of Dallas’ moves have come on the underachieving defensive end. The Cowboys upgraded secondary Jalen Thompson to a three-year, $33 million deal and added cornerback Cobie Durant and safety PJ Locke.
Thompson, a seven-year veteran who had spent his entire career in Arizona, likes the trajectory of the new group.
“I just feel like we have all the right pieces,” Thompson said last week, via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram . “[Parker] get the players to the right places. Players who have worked under him have been All-Pros. He brings that versatility to the defense, putting guys in different spots that do the right thing for the team.
“We got all the right pieces. We’re ready to go. I’m excited to get going with the guys and meet the others as well and create an identity for us this year as a defense. We got to show that this is not the same defense as last year.”
Thompson’s versatility will play a big part in Parker’s scheme. In his seven seasons in Arizona, the safety played 2,452 snaps at free safety, 2,039 in the box, 1,160 manning the slot, 143 at outside corner and 44 in line along the D-line. In his career, he has 9 INTs, 578 tackles and two sacks.
“Wherever the coaches need me,” Thompson said of where he would like to play. “I definitely see myself playing slot. I definitely see myself playing strong safety. I definitely see myself playing strong, free, wherever they need me. My picture shows that. I got a tape that shows that. I’m ready to get it going.”
The 2025 Cowboys defense lacked not only playmakers, but also creativity. The hope is that the hiring of Parker and versatile defensemen can change everything about the operation in 2026.