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Cowboys Add Jalen Thompson as Christian Parker Builds Versatile Defense

Dallas is betting on versatile defenders to reset Christian Parker’s first defense in Dallas.

Overview

  • Dallas signed safety Jalen Thompson to a three-year, $33 million deal this month, reinforcing a plan to rebuild the secondary with players who can switch roles.
  • Thompson said the unit has “all the right pieces” and praised Parker for putting players in spots that create flexibility and clearer assignments.
  • The Cowboys also added safety P.J. Locke and corner Cobie Durant, while trading for pass rusher Rashan Gary, in a shift that favors defenders who can play deep, in the box, or in the slot.
  • ESPN reports the team is still targeting a middle linebacker, signaling more moves ahead through the draft or free agency to finish the reset.
  • The push follows a collapse in 2025, when Dallas allowed a franchise‑record 511 points and ranked 30th in yards allowed, a slide the new scheme and veteran pieces are meant to stop.