Who Are the New Faces in the Cowboys Secondary?
The Dallas Cowboys needed air support on one side of the ball: defense.
It was the defense that stalled and squandered the team’s playoff hopes despite while the offense recorded explosive numbers, including 20 or more points in 12 times.
Dak Prescott led the offense, setting the tone with passes to tight end Jake Ferguson and wide receivers George Pickens and Ceedee Lamb. Meanwhile, running back Javonte Williams pounded the ground.
As the offense kept up, Dallas saw how Matt Eberflus‘ defense became a detriment during pivotal moments all season. The Cowboys were noticeably bad on defense, particularly against the pass, giving up 251.5 yards per game through the air, according to ESPN. In the 2024 season, Dallas surrendered 3,708 passing yards, bringing their average down to 218.1 yards per game.
To address defensive deficiencies, Dallas signed safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke and cornerback Cobie Durant.
Thompson agreed to a three-year deal, and Durant inked a one-year contract.
Who is Durant?
Durant joins the Cowboys after four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. He posted career highs in games played (17) and solo tackles (30) while tying career bests in total tackles (40) and interceptions (3).
Los Angeles selected Durant 142nd overall in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Durant attended South Carolina State.
Who is P.J. Locke?
Locke has played for the Denver Broncos throughout his career. The Broncos signed him as an undrafted free agent ahead of the 2020 campaign. After recording nine total tackles across 31 games combined as a rookie and sophomore,
Locke exploded in his third year with 22 takedowns. His total tackles in 2023 and beyond are 22, 53, 74, and 16. The safety played college football at the University of Texas.
Who is Thompson?
Thompson comes over after spending seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He posted 100+ total tackles in 2021 and 2022. A fast, adaptive player, Thompson hasn’t registered an interception since 2023. Efficient at reading plays and bringing opponents to the ground, Thompson recorded 98 and 95 total tackles in the past two seasons, respectively. Thompson attended Washington State.
Dallas hopes the additions bring versatility to the defense.
More changes could be coming before the regular season kicks off, as there are a handful of impressive prospects slated to be available early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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