Could Alex Singleton Be the Key to Christian Parker’s Defensive Rebuild in Dallas?
Christian Parker is officially in the building, and with the former Broncos and Eagles assistant now calling the shots as the Dallas Cowboys' new defensive coordinator, the work begins - and it’s a tall order. Dallas is coming off a season where the defense was more liability than strength, and Parker’s challenge is clear: fix one of the league’s most underperforming units.
But he’s not starting from scratch. The Cowboys have a few foundational pieces to work with - Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, DeMarvion Overshown, and Osa Odighizuwa give Parker some talent up front and at linebacker. It’s not a full rebuild, but it’s going to take some smart moves to get this defense to where it needs to be.
Luckily, Dallas is armed with two first-round picks and could create over $100 million in cap space through restructures and roster cuts. That opens the door for some aggressive roster building - whether through the draft, trades, or free agency.
Now, the idea of going all-in for a superstar like Maxx Crosby has been floated. And sure, Crosby would be a dream addition - a game-wrecker who could instantly elevate the pass rush.
But the cost? Likely a massive contract and at least one, maybe two, first-round picks.
That’s a steep price, and not the kind of move Dallas typically makes.
So, what about a more realistic - and potentially more efficient - option?
Enter Alex Singleton.
The veteran linebacker is set to hit free agency, and there’s a compelling case for why he could be a perfect fit in Dallas. Parker knows Singleton well from their time together in Denver, and that familiarity could be key as Parker installs his system.
Singleton is coming off a 2025 campaign where he reminded everyone exactly who he is: a relentless, high-IQ linebacker who shows up when the lights are brightest. He played all 16 regular season games and was a force in the playoffs.
Against the Bills, he racked up a season-high 14 tackles. Then he followed that up with 12 more in the AFC Championship against New England.
That kind of production in the postseason says a lot about his mentality.
“In my biggest games, I played my best,” Singleton said this week - and the numbers back him up.
But what really makes Singleton’s season remarkable is what he played through. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer during the year and still missed only one game.
That’s after coming back from a torn ACL suffered early in the 2024 season. The guy is tough as nails, and his resilience would bring a much-needed edge to this Cowboys defense.
On the field, Singleton’s calling card is his tackling. Dallas has struggled in that department for years - missed tackles have been a consistent issue - and Singleton’s sure-handed style could help fix that.
He’s not just a thumper, either. He’s a smart, instinctive player who diagnoses plays quickly and gets to the ball in a hurry.
He’s the kind of linebacker who makes everyone around him better.
Pairing Singleton with DeMarvion Overshown could give Dallas a solid inside linebacker duo - a blend of veteran savvy and young athleticism. Overshown showed flashes last season, and with a steady presence like Singleton next to him, the Cowboys could finally have some stability at the second level.
And here’s the kicker: he might come cheap. Spotrac estimates Singleton’s market value at just $4.7 million per year - a number that feels low for his production and experience. If that’s anywhere close to accurate, Singleton could be one of the better value signings of the offseason.
He’s better than most of Dallas’ current options (Overshown excluded), he knows Parker’s system, and he won’t break the bank. That’s a pretty strong checklist for a team looking to retool on a budget.
Now, Singleton has expressed a desire to stay in Denver, and maybe the Broncos will make that happen. But if he hits the open market, he’s exactly the kind of player Parker could look to bring in - someone who knows the system, brings leadership, and can help establish the culture Parker wants to build.
For a Cowboys defense that needs a new identity, Alex Singleton might just be the kind of tone-setter they’ve been missing.