Talent pool depth dictates Cowboys targeting safety, LB
The Cowboys can’t do all their shopping in the 2026 NFL draft; they’ll need free agency. Which position offers better free agent depth?
The Dallas Cowboys need some upgrades on their defense, and the linebacker and safety positions are geneally regarded as weaknesses of similar importance. Because the 2026 draft can’t fix the defense alone, free agency will need to be utilized to some degree.
Which positions the Cowboys address in free agency and which positions line up best in the draft requires some degree of prognostication but glancing at the upcoming free agent class should be able to provide some insight as to which positions will be plentiful and which will need to be filled in the draft.
Safety
The Cowboys safety position could be in store for major changes. Donovan Wilson is an unrestricted free agent and Juanyeh Thomas is an exclusive rights free agent. There’s even doubts about Malik Hooker’s future in Dallas given his nearly $9M cap hit in 2026.
At the very least, Dallas is in need of one starting caliber safety. Cover-2 ability is a must but if Hooker stays on, they need someone capable of playing in the box for Cover-1 and Cover-2 looks. Free agency offers players like Andre Cisco, Jalen Thompson, Kevin Byard, Reed Blankenship and Jaquan Brisker who would all represent significant upgrades to Wilson.
Safety is an extremely deep free agent position.
Linebacker
The Cowboys current linebacker situation might be in the eye of the beholder this year. The shopping list will be dependent on who Dallas brings in at defensive coordinator. DeMarvion Overshown is a lock, but no one knows what the expectations will be for Marist Liufau and Shemar James.
The Cowboys need at least one starting quality starter this year and more options for depth. Free agency offers plenty of depth options but with names like Lavonte David (35), Bobby Wagner (35), Demario Davis (37), and Alex Anzalone (31) headlining the list, age is a major factor for any free agent shoppers. Quincy Williams (29), Devin Bush (27) and Quay Walker (25) are attractive younger alternatives, but they’ll be in demand and therefore extremely pricey.
Verdict: Safety
Comparing the two free agent classes, it appears safety is a far deeper pool of veterans. It’s a position the Cowboys could jump in on and be picky, or it’s one, given the depth, they could sit back and see who slips through the cracks.
LB is a group the Cowboys will either have to pay for early or wait until the draft to properly address it. Based on the depth in free agency, it would probably be wiser to use the draft for linebacker while dedicating free agent money to safety.
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