Following reports that linebacker Nakobe Dean was a prime target, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made swift roster changes after Dean signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. On March 10, 2026, Jones responded by adding two key defensive players to strengthen the Cowboys’ squad ahead of the new NFL season, despite missing out on Dean. These moves come as part of a broader effort to overhaul the defense under newly appointed coordinator Christian Parker, aiming to fix weaknesses from the previous season.
New Defensive Additions: Safety Jalen Thompson and Edge Rusher Sam Williams
Jones’s first significant defensive acquisition was safety Jalen Thompson, who agreed to a three-year contract reportedly worth up to $36 million. Thompson, 27, has spent his entire professional career with the Arizona Cardinals since being taken in the 2019 supplemental draft. Known for his partnership with star safety Budda Baker, Thompson helped form one of the league’s toughest safety tandems, bringing much-needed experience and versatility to Dallas‘s secondary.
Thompson’s 2025 season included 95 tackles and a 62.3% defensive completion rate, the lowest—and thus best—of his career, showing his effectiveness in coverage. Over five seasons, he has totaled nine interceptions, 37 passes defended, and 578 tackles. His ability to play multiple roles in the secondary fits the defensive scheme envisioned by Christian Parker and reunites him with defensive backs coach Ryan Smith, linking back to their time at the Arizona Wildcats.
Hours after securing Thompson, Jones re-signed defensive end Sam Williams to a one-year, $3 million contract. Williams, originally a second-round pick in 2022, has spent his three NFL seasons with the Cowboys, compiling 9.5 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. However, his progress was interrupted by an ACL injury during his rookie season that caused him to miss significant time.
Despite that setback, Williams made notable contributions last year with 37 total tackles, including 23 solo stops, and two pass breakups. His return to Dallas on a short-term deal shows the franchise’s confidence in his potential to continue developing as a disruptive edge rusher.
Why Nakobe Dean Went to the Raiders Instead
The Cowboys ended the 2025 campaign with a disappointing 7-9-1 record, missing the playoffs for the second season in a row. While the offense was comparatively strong, the defense struggled severely, finishing near the bottom of the league in total yards allowed, run defense, passing yards, and points conceded. These defensive struggles led to a coaching change, with Matt Eberflus replaced by Christian Parker, formerly the Philadelphia Eagles’ passing game coordinator.
With Dean emerging as a target due to his standout play with the Eagles, Jones seemed poised to add the linebacker to address defensive issues. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler highlighted Dean as a potential fit for Dallas, and reports indicated that Jones actively pursued him. Nevertheless, Dean chose a three-year, $36 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders instead, narrowly edging out the Cowboys’ offer.
According to NFL insider Jane Slater, Dallas’s bid was highly competitive and closely matched the Raiders’ offer. Dean himself admitted he
“could have seen himself in both places,”
reflecting the difficult decision. Slater further explained,
“ultimately he went with his gut feeling,”
selecting Las Vegas by a slim “51/49 margin.”
This near miss represents a setback for Jones, who has long marketed the Cowboys as a top destination in the NFL. Losing Dean to a divisional rival underscores the challenges facing the franchise as it attempts to rebuild its defense and return to playoff contention.
What Does This Mean for the Cowboys’ Defensive Future?
Despite missing out on Dean, Jones’s quick moves signal an urgency to fix the defense before the 2026 season starts. Adding a veteran safety like Thompson and retaining Williams provides a foundation to improve against both the pass and rush, addressing weak spots from last year’s poor defensive performance.
Christian Parker’s new defensive system will now feature versatile players able to adapt to multiple roles, a necessity given the frequent adjustments required to stay competitive in the NFC East. With these signings, the Cowboys hope to narrow the gap between offensive potential and defensive inconsistency.
Cowboys fans will closely watch how Thompson and Williams integrate into the team, as their performance could determine whether the defense can help this franchise break its recent playoff drought. Meanwhile, the organization continues scouting other opportunities, showing readiness to act as needed in an intense division battle.
The #Cowboys are bringing back DE Sam Williams on a one-year, $3 million deal, per me and @SlaterNFL. He returns to Dallas on a deal negotiated by his agent @AndreOdom. pic.twitter.com/wb9hhtnPPK
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 10, 2026
