Cowboys Reunite Thompson with Smith, Strengthen Secondary

0:00On March 9th, the Dallas Cowboys wasted no time as NFL free agency negotiations kicked off for 2026. On Monday, they traded for pro-bowl pass rusher, Rashan Gary, and quickly followed up by signing safety Jalen Thompson to a three-year deal. This move reunites Thompson with Ryan Smith, his former coach from the Arizona Cardinals, who just joined Dallas as the secondary coach. At 27 years old, Thompson slots right into Smith's defensive scheme and bolsters a safety spot the Cowboys needed help with, especially with. Donovan Wilson hitting free agency. Drafted in the fifth round out of Washington State by Arizona, back in 2019, Thompson spent his entire seven-year career there. He signed a three-year extension in 2022 and evolved from free safety to strong safety, starting alongside Buddha Baker under Smith's. Guidance last season. Over the last 99 games since 2021, he started 87 times, racking up 502 combined tackles eight, interceptions, and eight quarterback hits proving his reliability as a starter.

1:05With Malik Hooker's contract restructured to keep him in Dallas, Thompson gives the Cowboys a fresh tandem in the secondary, setting them up strong for the changes ahead.