Cowboys Bolster Defense with Trio of Offseason Additions

Rashan Gary, Jalen Thompson, and P.J. Locke bring versatility and reliability to Dallas' defense.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:19pm

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The Dallas Cowboys made several key defensive additions in free agency, acquiring linebacker Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers and signing safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke. While the team didn't make any splashy, high-priced moves, these signings are expected to significantly improve the Cowboys' defense without breaking the bank.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' defense has been a weak spot in recent seasons, and these additions aim to shore up some of the unit's biggest deficiencies. Gary, Thompson, and Locke bring a mix of run-stopping ability, coverage skills, and special teams prowess that should make the Cowboys' defense more well-rounded and difficult to game plan against.

The details

The Cowboys traded a fourth-round pick to the Packers to acquire Rashan Gary, who will start opposite Donovan Ezieruaku and help improve the team's run defense. In free agency, the team signed safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke to bolster the secondary. Thompson is a reliable tackler who should stabilize the safety position, while Locke is a strong special teams contributor who can also play in the box against the run.

  • The Cowboys made these defensive additions in the early days of the 2026 NFL free agency period.

The players

Rashan Gary

An outside linebacker acquired via trade from the Green Bay Packers, who will start opposite Donovan Ezieruaku and help improve the Cowboys' run defense.

Jalen Thompson

A free agent safety signing from the Arizona Cardinals, known for his reliability as a tackler and versatility in coverage.

P.J. Locke

A free agent safety signing from the Denver Broncos, who excels on special teams and can also contribute in the box against the run.

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What they’re saying

“The idea here is to get opposing offenses to third-and-long to help the pass defense be more successful.”

— Mike Crum, Cowboys Wire Contributor (Yahoo Sports)

“Thompson brings reliability to that unit. He played under Cowboys secondary coach Ryan Smith for the Arizona Cardinals and doesn't have many weaknesses in his game.”

— Mike Crum, Cowboys Wire Contributor (Yahoo Sports)

“Locke's contributions begin with special teams. Dallas had a significant drop-off from its coverage teams last season, and Locke is an excellent special teams contributor with over 1,300 snaps with those units in his career.”

— Mike Crum, Cowboys Wire Contributor (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Cowboys will look to further bolster their defense through the NFL Draft, where they hold the 26th overall pick.

The takeaway

By making strategic, cost-effective additions to their defense, the Cowboys have positioned themselves to improve on that side of the ball without sacrificing financial flexibility. These moves demonstrate a disciplined approach to team-building that could pay dividends in the 2026 season and beyond.