As we wrap up our 2025 roster bubble sequence, it’s ironic that our ultimate place could not even have one. For this 12 months’s Dallas Cowboys, security will be the best spot to foretell who will and received’t make the roster. That isn’t to say surprises aren’t attainable, however it means one in all our veterans could must undergo a giant fall to make room for one of many hopefuls.
Three guys we all know will make the group are Malik Hooker, Juanyeh Thomas, and Markquese Bell. Hooker has not solely develop into one of many extra underrated Cowboys, however he’s additionally now a bridge participant to assist his teammates adapt to their new defensive coordinator. Hooker performed underneath Matt Eberflus from 2018-2020, albeit with numerous harm points throughout that span. Hooker isn’t a famous person however he’s a stable starter, and his presence this 12 months could also be extra precious than ever.
An thrilling backup for the final two years, Thomas could be beginning for Dallas within the close to future. He’s additionally low-cost, not being eligible for unrestricted free company till 2027. He’d make for distinctive depth this 12 months, locking him onto the roster, but additionally has an actual shot at competing for the beginning job. Thomas presents extra athleticism and protection capacity than Donovan Wilson, which is massive for the two-high security strategy that Eberflus is thought for.
Bell simply bought a brand new three-year deal to stay round in Dallas, so the group seemingly has a plan for him a minimum of in 2025. The Cowboys may’ve gone with only a one-year restricted free agent deal to maintain Bell. Skilled each on protection and particular groups, plus having some optimistic flex from his one 12 months at linebacker, Bell covers numerous bases.
Whereas these are the one guys we’re ready to declare as locks, we’re extremely assured that Wilson and Israel Mukuamu may even be on the group. That will provide you with 5 safeties, which might be all Dallas would carry. However since there’s a foreseeable probability one or each of those veterans received’t make it, let’s dig into them slightly extra, and in addition just a few of the fellows who may steal their jobs.
Donovan Wilson
As talked about, Wilson could have a tough time preventing off Thomas for the beginning job. He was a greater slot in Dan Quinn and Mike Zimmer’s defenses, in a position to do extra work nearer to the road of scrimmage the place his hard-hitting model shone. Wilson has all the time needed to make up for protection legal responsibility with playmaking, and that may very well be tougher with Eberflus. The Cowboys also can clear about $7 million in cap area by releasing or buying and selling him. The truth that he wasn’t a cap casualty final March was already stunning to some, so one thing occurring now would not be out of nowhere.
Israel Mukuamu
Nonetheless formally listed among the many safeties, Mukuamu’s job safety could come extra for his versatility as a cornerback possibility. He’s been getting work there thus far this offseason, which may show important with Trevon Diggs, Shavon Revel, and Josh Butler all questionable at finest for Week 1. Although he bought a reasonably minimal one-year deal to return to Dallas this 12 months, Mukuamu’s expertise and flexibility will make him onerous to oust.
Alijah Clark
Dallas made Clark their highest-paid UDFA and he’s the present frontrunner to sneak onto the roster. Clark presents place flex as a security and slot nook, with the latter being of excessive significance proper now after Jourdan Lewis’ exit and different CB harm points. He’s been making noise thus far within the spring camps, however it’ll take much more than that to drive his well past one of many veterans. His finest hope is probably going that Mukuamu goes to cornerback full time.
