Cowboys to Part Ways With 3 Key Free Agents

Dallas must make tough roster decisions to rebuild defense and maintain offensive firepower

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys face a critical offseason as they look to rebuild their defense and maintain their offensive firepower. Three key pending free agents - safety Donovan Wilson, running back Miles Sanders, and edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney - are expected to depart, signaling a shift in the team's strategy. The Cowboys must prioritize youth, versatility, and cap flexibility as they look to return to contender status after missing the playoffs the past two seasons.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' 2025 season exposed structural flaws on both sides of the ball, leading to a 7-9-1 record and a second consecutive playoff miss. Parting ways with veteran leaders like Wilson, Sanders, and Clowney is a difficult but necessary step as the team looks to rebuild its defense and maintain offensive balance. These moves will free up cap space and provide opportunities for younger, more versatile players to step up.

The details

The Cowboys' defense struggled mightily in 2025, ranking among the league's worst in EPA per play. Replacing the pass-rush production lost in the Micah Parsons trade is a top priority, as is finding a true sideline-to-sideline linebacker and shoring up the secondary. Offensively, the team must balance retaining key weapons like wide receiver George Pickens and running back Javonte Williams with the need to protect quarterback Dak Prescott's supporting cast. This financial tightrope sets the stage for the departures of Wilson, Sanders, and Clowney.

  • The 2026 NFL free agency period begins in March 2026.

The players

Donovan Wilson

A hard-hitting safety who has been a fan favorite in Dallas, but at 31 years old, his physical play style may not fit the team's desired defensive recalibration.

Miles Sanders

A dynamic running back who has seen declining efficiency and explosive output, making him expendable with the emergence of younger option Javonte Williams.

Jadeveon Clowney

A veteran edge rusher who provided veteran leadership and pass-rush credibility in 2025, but at 33 years old, the Cowboys are likely to prioritize younger, higher-upside options to bolster their defensive front.

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What they’re saying

“Allowing Donovan Wilson, Miles Sanders, and Jadeveon Clowney to depart would signal more than financial housekeeping. It would confirm Dallas is embracing structural recalibration rather than cosmetic change.”

— Enzo Flojo, Author (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to address their defensive needs through free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, while also carefully managing their salary cap to retain key offensive pieces like George Pickens and Javonte Williams.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' difficult decisions to part ways with veteran leaders like Wilson, Sanders, and Clowney reflect a necessary shift in the team's strategy. By prioritizing youth, versatility, and cap flexibility, Dallas can rebuild its defense and maintain its offensive firepower, putting them on a path back to contention after a disappointing 2025 season.