The 2025 NFL free agency period is just over 24 hours old, and the Dallas Cowboys have already been involved in several arrivals and departures.
As names like cornerback Jourdan Lewis and pass rusher Chauncey Golston left the franchise, the Cowboys added new faces in the form of running back Javonte Williams and offensive guard Robert Jones. That's without mentioning how America's Team also re-signed long snapper Trent Sieg on Day 1.
Although it's nice to see them being more active than last offseason, the Cowboys' work in free agency is far from over if they want to return to the NFL playoffs. Having said that, owner/general manager Jerry Jones just made another signing to kickstart Day 2.
Cowboys Reunite DL Coach Aaron Whitecotton With Solomon Thomas in Free Agency
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Tuesday morning that the Cowboys have signed defensive tackle Solomon Thomas to a two-year contract. The veteran defender's contract is worth up to $8 million and will bring him back to Texas, where he played football at Coppell High School in Dallas County.
Thomas' signing is far from surprising given his connection to the Cowboys coaching staff. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound defender played the last three seasons with the New York Jets, where recently hired Dallas defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton held the same position.
Thomas had every reason to want to reunite with Whitecotton, considering how the former's three most productive seasons came under the latter's watch. The ex-Stanford Cardinal played 50 games (4 starts) with the Jets since the start of the 2022 campaign, racking up 43 solo tackles, 9.0 sacks, three defended passes, and a forced fumble.
Nevertheless, Thomas has been far from perfect recently. Although he had a solid Pro Football Focus pass rush grade (61.2) in his final season with the Jets, his tackling (29.9) and run defense (41.5) efforts left much to be desired.
The Jets had one of the worst defensive lines in the NFL, though, so perhaps a change of scenery is what the doctor ordered. The Cowboys struggled to stop the run (48.5, 30th), however, their pass rushing ranked fourth-best (79.1) among their peers.
The Cowboys need Thomas to live up to the hype by helping fortify the D-line as a starter or backup option. The veteran potentially finding immediate success upon reuniting with Whitecotton would go a long way in helping Dallas return to the postseason.
After nearly 30 years without a Super Bowl title, Cowboys fans need reasons to believe in the franchise again. Continuing to add outside talent early in free agency — unlike last season — is the first step to accomplishing that goal.