The Dallas Cowboys have turned the page on a disastrous 2025 campaign and set their sights on the future. Key offensive weapons were retained this offseason, while non-factors on the defensive side of things were given their walking papers. The NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" type of league, and fans were reminded of that this offseason.
One of the veterans from this past year's roster to hit the open market and remain there as of this writing is safety Donovan Wilson. The Cowboys parted ways with the defender after he was far more of a liability than an asset while on the field this past season.
It should never be the lone factor when examining a player's worth, but Wilson's Pro Football Focus grades paint a not-so-pretty picture about the lack of impact he had on the defense in 2025. Per PFF's grading system, Wilson earned an overall grade of 50.8, ranking 88th among 98 qualified safeties. Unfortunately, his coverage grades were no better, as Wilson earned a 38.8 grade in that area of his game, giving America's Team even more reason to turn the page on this partnership.
Eliminating a non-factor from the equation only does so much good, though, if they aren't replaced with a contributor. While nothing is certain until Dallas takes the field this fall, the Cowboys appear to have added a player in Jalen Thompson who should offer the type of relief this defense desperately needed when Wilson was depended on to be a difference-maker.
Cowboys Already in Much Better Place Without Donovan Wilson on Roster
Wilson saw his three-year, $21 million contract with Dallas come to an end following Week 18, and the additions of the aforementioned Thompson, as well as fellow offseason signing P.J. Locke, made it clear that the former Texas A&M standout would be forced to continue his professional career elsewhere.
Beyond simply not meeting the expectations of his contract, Wilson saw his raw statistical totals in several key defensive categories (sacks, total tackles, solo tackles) decrease from the end of the 2022 campaign through Dallas's 2025 regular-season finale loss to the New York Giants in January of 2026.
By adding Thompson and Locke for $4.62 million and $3.97 million, respectively, for the 2026 campaign, the Cowboys have successfully added a pair of backend defenders with plenty of experience to draw from.
With Christian Parker taking control of what was one of the league's worst defensive units in 2025, these additions have to bring a smile to his face, as the secondary is an area of extreme importance, as shown by his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Wilson provided Dallas with plenty during his seven years with the franchise. However, what Wilson may have done back then means nothing when discussing what he is capable of doing moving forward. This is the harsh reality of being an NFL player, and Wilson continues to learn that lesson with every day that passes without a contract offer coming his way.