Former Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke has agreed to a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, ending his six-year run with the Broncos. Locke’s departure marks the conclusion of his journey as an undrafted free agent who gradually earned a significant role in Denver’s secondary since 2020. The move brings Locke to Texas, closer to home, as he aims to secure an expanded role with the Cowboys.
Career Progression and Impact in Denver
Locke evolved from a special teams contributor to a full-time starting safety for the Broncos by the 2023 season. Known for his physicality, he recorded 74 tackles and three tackles for loss over 15 starts in 2024. Despite being pushed to a backup role following the Broncos’ offseason acquisition of Talanoa Hufanga, Locke still started five games in 2025, stepping in when Denver’s starter Brandon Jones suffered a season-ending pec injury. His steady presence helped stabilize Denver’s defense during a key stretch of the season.
Locke’s resilience is evident in his recovery from an offseason spinal fusion surgery in 2025. He underwent a procedure to repair a degenerated disc that caused severe nerve pain, a rare comeback story in the NFL due to the surgery’s difficulty. Remarkably, Locke returned to training camp looking physically strong and even slightly taller, thanks to a spinal spacer implant.
Insights from Coaches and Performance Highlights
Craig Naivar, Locke’s former safeties coach at Texas, praised his tenacity and capabilities.
“I think the young man’s just a warrior,”
Naivar said.
“He (has) overachieved, he’s a hell of a player.”
Locke made significant contributions during the 2025 season, amassing 16 tackles in regular play. His standout performance came in Denver’s AFC divisional playoff victory over the Buffalo Bills, where he logged nine tackles, forced a fumble, and intercepted a pass, highlighting his ability to make pivotal plays on the big stage.
New Opportunities with the Dallas Cowboys
Locke’s move to Dallas reunites him with Christian Parker, the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator who previously coached Locke as Denver’s defensive backs coach from 2021 through 2023. This connection could facilitate Locke’s integration into the Cowboys’ defensive system while offering him a chance to expand his responsibilities. Additionally, the signing brings him back to Texas, where he grew up in Beaumont and played collegiate football for the Texas Longhorns.
Broncos’ Ongoing Adjustments in the Secondary
With Locke’s departure, the Broncos are poised to seek new talent to support their safety group, which includes Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones. According to NFL sources, Denver is expected to pursue safety options in the upcoming free agency period and likely aims to bolster its depth. The team has been mentioned as a potential suitor for Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, who might be available at the 30th overall pick in April’s NFL Draft.
Significance and What Lies Ahead
P.J. Locke’s transition to the Dallas Cowboys represents a fresh chapter for a player known for his grit and perseverance. His recovery from major spinal surgery and consistent performances suggest he remains a valuable asset in the secondary. For the Cowboys, adding Locke provides experience and toughness to a defense under new coordination. For Denver, his exit opens opportunities to infuse new talent and reconfigure their secondary ahead of the 2026 season. The ongoing player movements and draft selections will shape how both franchises adjust strategically in the months to come.
