The Dallas Cowboys made a strategic decision to part ways with veteran safety Donovan Wilson as free agency kicked off last week. Despite being a key figure in their defense, Wilson's 2025 performance signaled the need for a shake-up in the Cowboys' secondary.
Financial constraints also played a significant role in this decision. The Cowboys had to maneuver under the salary cap, making Wilson's return less appealing as they reshaped their roster for the new league year.
With the dust settling on the initial wave of free agency, it's evident that owner/general manager Jerry Jones made a savvy move by moving on from Wilson.
Donovan Wilson's Free Agency Challenges
Spotrac projects Wilson's next contract at three years and $20.8 million, with an annual average of $6.9 million. Given his recent performance, it's no shock that interest in him has been lukewarm. Teams are understandably cautious about investing in a player coming off a challenging season.
Pro Football Focus ranked Wilson 93rd out of 98 eligible safeties in coverage grade (38.8). While he held his ground against the run (73.9, 31st), his struggles in pass coverage were evident. Allowing 10.9 yards per catch on 29 receptions and a passer rating of 119.2 underscored his vulnerabilities.
Despite recording two interceptions and a few pass breakups, Wilson missed 18 tackles and was often caught out on big plays. He still has a place in the league as a rotational player, but his salary demands no longer align with his performance.
Cowboys' Strategic Moves
The Cowboys capitalized on this transition by acquiring Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke.
Thompson's cap hit stands at $4.6 million, while Locke's is $3.9 million, allowing Dallas to bolster their defense with two solid players for slightly more than Wilson's projected cost. The duo is poised to thrive under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, while Wilson continues to search for a team.
It's unlikely Wilson will secure a deal close to his projected value. Of the 35 safeties who have signed new contracts, only six have achieved an average annual value of $6.9 million or more. If Wilson were to land such a deal, it likely would have materialized by now.
Looking Ahead for Dallas
Releasing a starter always carries risks, especially when the entire defense struggled. The Cowboys allowed the most points per game (30.1) and the third-most total yards per game last season (391.4). Blaming Wilson alone would be unfair.
However, Dallas' safety situation looks significantly improved after allowing Wilson to explore free agency. While his next team might be a better fit, for now, the Cowboys' decision to move forward appears justified.