Earlier, we mentioned the free brokers that the Cowboys have to retain on offense. You’ll be able to argue that Dallas must burn most of their assets to repair a porous protection from final season. Spoiler alert: There gained’t be any slam dunks, no-brainers, like George Pickens for the offensive aspect, however for good purpose, Dallas must make some shrewd choices on the defensive aspect with their impending free brokers. Right here’s what Dallas ought to do with these upcoming free brokers on protection.
Kenneth Murray, LB: Let go
Whenever you evaluate the 2025 Cowboys protection, loads of their issues stemmed from their play at linebacker. Kenneth Murray was predominantly the first linebacker on the sphere on all three downs. What we noticed from Murray was him out of place, out of his correct hole, and extra instances than you’d prefer to see, unable to make tackles. To say he was one of many worst linebackers within the NFL final season isn’t solely hyperbole. Per PFF, Murray had a 38.8 grade, ranked 85 out of 87 linebackers. A change of tradition on protection begins with shedding underperforming gamers and getting them out of a outstanding function on the sphere.
Donovan Wilson, S: Let go
In run assist and as a short-area defender, you want what Donovan Wilson can do. Nonetheless, his vary at security and incapability to cowl in man protection are a detriment to the protection. Whenever you think about his distinctive talent set, which was catered to former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Wilson doesn’t slot in the place Dallas is and apparently will likely be transitioning to as soon as the brand new defensive coordinator is in cost. Dallas additionally has an analogous participant on the roster in Markquese Bell, albeit not as productive, however a linebacker/security hybrid very like Wilson. Dallas is anticipated to revamp the security place as a complete, as they’re going to be linked to security prospects within the draft. Letting go of Wilson makes an excessive amount of sense.
Dante Fowler, Edge: Let go
After a one-year cease with the Washington Commanders, Dante Fowler was again in Dallas on a modest $6M contract. On the time, it made sense. Fowler was coming off a ten.5 sack season and could be a very good depth choice for the Cowboys’ defensive position. But, like his 2023 season in Dallas, Fowler’s manufacturing fell off, and he solely had three sacks. To date in his time with the Cowboys, Fowler has collected 13 sacks. Not horrible, however not sufficient to the place he’s vital within the coming years. Finally, Dallas could be higher off letting Fowler depart due to the following impending free agent.
Jadeveon Clowney, Edge: Re-sign
Dallas should discover a method to maintain Jadeveon Clowney. For as dangerous because the Cowboys’ protection was final yr, it will’ve been straightforward for Clowney to mail it in and provides substandard effort, however that wasn’t the case. At 32 years outdated, the previous three-time Professional Bowler was chasing down cell quarterbacks and totaled 22 pressures on 44% of the defensive snaps. In all, he had 8.5 sacks in 13 video games, which led the staff in that class. Within the season finale in opposition to the New York Giants with nothing to play for, he was a person possessed. He had three sacks, a pressured fumble, a fumble restoration, and 4 tackles for loss in an in any other case meaningless sport. That form of effort is what you need on a constant foundation. Each side appear inquisitive about coming collectively for a brand new contract, so let’s make it occur.
Sam Williams, Edge: Let go
For one purpose or one other, issues haven’t clicked for Sam Williams as many would’ve hoped. Accidents have performed an element. Williams suffered a torn ACL previous to the 2024 season that saved him out for the complete season. He performed all 17 video games this season and solely registered one sack, regardless of having common taking part in time. There’s actually loads of untapped potential with Williams as he’s very versatile and offers impactful performs on particular groups. Nonetheless, that potential doesn’t appear as if it’ll get realized in Dallas. Williams has had a number of off-the-field incidents as nicely; subsequently, investing in him on a brand new contract could be considerably treacherous.
The Cowboys’ linebacker room wants a recent begin. Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn didn’t present the management that many have been anticipating and offered subpar play. Sanborn performed in solely six video games earlier than being positioned on injured reserve, ending his season. He was introduced in to Dallas primarily due to his relationship with Matt Eberflus, who’s now not with the staff, which additionally means certainly one of his greatest supporters will not be round anymore. Going ahead, the Cowboys’ major linebacker rotation must encompass DeMarvion Overshown and a few new recruits. Marist Liufau and Shemar James will even attempt to struggle their approach into that blend.
Juanyeh Thomas, S: Re-sign
Juanyeh Thomas is a restricted free agent, which suggests a staff must give the Cowboys compensation to signal him away, assuming Dallas locations a young on him. A lot of Thomas’ 2025 season was derailed by migraines that saved him off the sphere. Nonetheless, Thomas appears like an fascinating prospect that the Cowboys have a little bit extra time to see by way of. He’s obtained nice measurement and has proven vary to play in the midst of the sphere. He does must be extra constant as a tackler, however he has additionally proven himself to be a key contributor on particular groups. Dallas might place a second-round tender on Thomas, which might value roughly $5M. A pricy value to pay with out the good thing about understanding that Thomas can step right into a beginning function subsequent yr. To a lesser value, Dallas might tender Thomas with the proper of first refusal, roughly at $3M, and permit the Cowboys the choice to match a staff’s provide for Thomas.
