Cowboys Eyeing Versatile Safety in NFL Free Agency

Baltimore Ravens safety Ar'Darius Washington could be an ideal fit for Dallas' secondary.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys are expected to be active in NFL free agency as they look to address needs on defense, including in the secondary. One player they could target is Baltimore Ravens safety Ar'Darius Washington, an undrafted player who had a breakout 2024 season before suffering a torn Achilles in 2025. Despite his small stature and injury history, Washington's versatility and instinctive play could make him an intriguing low-cost option for the Cowboys.

Why it matters

The Cowboys have several holes to fill on defense and need to find cost-effective options to complement their bigger free agent moves. Washington's ability to play in the slot, box, and deep coverage could make him a valuable addition to their secondary.

The details

Washington, 26, was an undrafted free agent out of TCU in 2021 and has dealt with injuries throughout his first three NFL seasons. However, he had a standout 2024 campaign with the Ravens, recording 64 tackles, 1 sack, 8 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions. Though he's only 5'8" and 180 pounds, Washington has shown a "killer instinct" and versatility to play multiple defensive back roles. He returned from a torn Achilles in December 2025 after suffering the injury in May.

  • Washington had a breakout 2024 season with the Ravens.
  • He suffered a torn Achilles injury in May 2025 that sidelined him for most of the season.
  • Washington returned from the Achilles injury in December 2025 and played in 4 games.

The players

Ar'Darius Washington

A 26-year-old safety who played for the Baltimore Ravens. He had a standout 2024 season before suffering a torn Achilles injury in 2025.

Jerry Jones

The owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, who is aiming to fix the team's defense through free agency.

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What they’re saying

“The 26-year-old had star-level moments in a breakout 2024 season with the Ravens before a torn Achilles cost the majority of his 2025 campaign.”

— Brad Gagnon, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

“Despite never getting much attention outside of 2024, he's an instinctive player with a sometimes violent approach.”

— Brad Gagnon, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to evaluate the risk and potential upside of signing Ar'Darius Washington, who is coming off a major injury but showed promise in 2024. They'll have to weigh his fit and versatility against the team's other defensive needs in free agency.

The takeaway

The Cowboys are looking to add cost-effective pieces to their defense in free agency, and Ar'Darius Washington could be an intriguing low-risk, high-reward option given his versatility and potential despite his injury history and small stature. His ability to play multiple roles in the secondary could make him an ideal fit for Dallas' secondary.