Cowboys news: Free agent signee talks about his role on defense

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 09: Jalen Thompson #34 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 09, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesJalen Thompson: Cowboys new-look defense ready to step it up' - Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com

Jalen Thompson speaks on the Cowboys defense improving in 2026.

FRISCO, Texas- Little to no time was wasted by the Dallas Cowboys once legal tampering got underway to begin the 2026 NFL free agency spree. Their trade to acquire pass rusher Rashan Gary was followed by the signing of veteran safety Jalen Thompson, the latter move flying under the radar, contextually speaking.

Granted, Thompson was awarded a three-year deal that instantly makes him the starter opposite Malik Hooker, but there are layers to the signing that don't immediately meet the eye - a super-versatile defensive back that will likely play different roles depending on the called play.

I see myself playing slot, deep, strong, free - wherever they need me," Thompson said of his abilities and the Cowboys' expectations of him. I've got tape that shows it and I'm ready to get it going, bro."

It's something the 27-year-old mentioned previously,after signing his sparkling new contract his Dallas, and he's hellbent on following through on that promise for Christian Parker, but also for Derrick Ansley, Robert Muschamp and, of course, Ryan Smith, whom Thompson spent several seasons with the Arizona Cardinals learning from.

Recent intel has me nervous the Cowboys may end up making a huge mistake with George Pickens - Mauricio Rodriguez, A to Z Sports

Did Jerry lie to us again?

Listen, theDallas Cowboysmay simply be doing their due diligence and nothing else. That's what you want from a front office ahead of theNFL Draft, right?

But I'd be lying if I told you a recent report on the Cowboys' draft process doesn't have me a little bit nervous when it comes to the future of George Pickens. I'm talking about Dallas-with all of itsdefensive roster holes-scheduling a visit with one of the top wide receiver prospects in the class.

Let's break it down.

Cowboys looking into top WR prospect

The Cowboys will use one of their Top 30 visits" in Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr.,according to Ryan Fowler.

Cooper is known for his quality route running and ball skills, which seemingly intrigues the team's scouting department. But if the Cowboys wanted to pick him, they'd likely need to do it in the first round, especially because they lack a second-round pick.

The decision to use a pre-draft visit on him is somewhat of a surprise. Though they may want to take a closer look, Dallas is expected to focus on defense as they have holes at LB, EDGE, and CB.

Additionally, with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and even Ryan Flournoy on deck, they appear to be set at wide receiver. Which brings me to my Pickens-related fear: If the Cowboys wind up picking Cooper Jr., could they consider trading the franchise-tagged WR?

Cowboys fans should beware of dicey big-name free agent (before it's too late) - Lior Lambert, The Landry Hat

The Cowboys should steer clear of this big name in free agency.

The Dallas Cowboys havemore work to do this offseasonif they want to return to contention, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Cornerback is arguably at the top of the list of outstanding needs, though risky veterans like Marshon Lattimore are among the free-agent options still available.

Lattimore is the most accomplished name on the board (outside of maybe ex-Cowboy Trevon Diggs). Dallas owner and general managerJerry Jones' eyes usually light upwhen a grizzled player is up for grabs. However, it'd probably be in the club's best interest to look elsewhere for secondary help.

As the Washington Commanders learned the hard way, Lattimore is no longer the star he once was - and is quite far from that, actually. The Cowboys should avoid making the same mistake their NFC East foe did by acquiring him in November 2024, which ended with his release.

The Dallas Cowboys would be wise to steer clear of free-agent CB Marshon Lattimore

Washington sent 2025 third-, fourth-, and sixth-round picks to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for Lattimore and a fifth-round selection. Roughly 16 months later,the Commanders cut himto save $18.5 million in salary cap space. Talk about a painful fall from grace.

Cowboys Predicted To Sign Former All-Pro LB in NFL Free Agency - Randy Gurzi, SI.com

The Cowboys need to add a veteran linebacker before the draft.

TheDallas Cowboysseem to have slowed down this offseason after making several moves to strengthen their defense.

They signedsafeties Jalen Thompsonand P.J. Locke, as well as cornerback Cobie Durant and nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia. They also improved on the EDGE bytrading for Rashan Gary, previously of the Green Bay Packers.

Even with those additions, there's one major hole that has yet to be addressed: linebacker.

The Cowboys' current linebacker corps is rather uninspiring, with DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James, and Justin Barron as their only three options. They do have Marist Liufau, but the former third-round pick isbeing moved to EDGE, according to defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

With that being the case, the Cowboys are expected to target a linebacker in the upcomingNFL draft. Names to watch there includeCJ Allen from Georgiaand Jacob Rodriguez out of Texas Tech.

Even with a rookie being added to the mix, Dallas could use some veteran leadership. That's why Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News is predicting theyoutbid the Washington Commandersfor veteran Bobby Wagner.

Who could fill Cowboys' hole at middle linebacker? - Todd Archer, ESPN.com

Here are more veteran linebackers that could make sense for the Cowboys in a trade.

Pittsburgh SteelerslinebackerPatrick Queenhad 120 tackles last season, but several scouts said his play fell off last year. He is due to make $10.83 million in base salary this year.

Miami DolphinslinebackerJordyn Brookshad 183 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season. Miami seems to be in a complete rebuild. At 29, Brooks is set to make $7.815 million in 2026.

Azeez Al-Shaair, also 29, had 103 tackles for theHouston Texans, one of the best defenses in the league. He plays with an attitude (sometimes gets too far over the edge) and is set to make $11 million in 2026.

With the middle linebacker free agent market already picked over, perhaps the Cowboys have some remorse in not doing more to reel in Walker or Lloyd. Dean's background with Parker with thePhiladelphia Eaglesmade him an interesting fit, but his size (5-foot-11, 231 pounds) and injury history made him more questionable than the other two.

The off-ball linebackers currently on the roster for new assistant coach Scott Symons areDeMarvion Overshown,Shemar JamesandJustin Barron.

Overshown will have an offseason program to focus on football and not rehab for the first time in his career. James was second on the defense with 84 tackles as a rookie fifth-round pick. Were his tackles the equivalent of a shooting guard scoring 20 points a game on a bad NBA team? Somebody had to make the tackles. Barron spent most of the season on the practice squad.