Cowboys' Jalen Thompson Excited for New-Look Defense

Veteran safety believes Dallas' offseason moves will elevate the team's struggling unit.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 2:24am

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Newly signed Dallas Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson is eager to get to work with the team's new-look defense. Thompson, who spent the first seven years of his career with the Arizona Cardinals, cited his familiarity with defensive backs coach Ryan Smith as a key factor in his decision to join the Cowboys. The 27-year-old believes his versatility and ability to be a vocal leader in the secondary will help improve a Dallas defense that struggled mightily in 2025.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are hoping their offseason defensive overhaul, which included trading for pass rusher Rashan Gary and signing Thompson, will help them capitalize on the open championship window provided by star quarterback Dak Prescott and the team's high-powered offense.

The details

Thompson, who signed a three-year deal with the Cowboys, says he's prepared to play multiple roles in the secondary, lining up at slot corner, deep safety, and strong safety. He credits his familiarity with Cowboys defensive backs coach Ryan Smith, whom he played under in Arizona, as a major factor in his decision to join the team. Thompson believes his cerebral approach and communication skills will help solidify the Cowboys' defensive backfield.

  • Thompson signed with the Cowboys as a free agent in March 2026.

The players

Jalen Thompson

A 27-year-old veteran safety who spent the first seven seasons of his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals before signing with the Dallas Cowboys in 2026.

Ryan Smith

The Dallas Cowboys' defensive backs coach, who previously worked with Jalen Thompson during their time together with the Arizona Cardinals.

Christian Parker

The Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator, who is tasked with overhauling the team's struggling unit.

Dak Prescott

The Dallas Cowboys' star quarterback, whose high-powered offense has created an open championship window for the team.

Rashan Gary

A pass rusher acquired by the Dallas Cowboys via trade, part of the team's efforts to improve its defense in the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“I see myself playing slot, deep, strong, free wherever they need me. I've got tape that shows it and I'm ready to get it going, bro.”

— Jalen Thompson, Cowboys Safety

“[Smith being in Dallas] played a big role in my decision. Smitty is definitely a player's coach. He's a coach that puts the team and the players before himself. He knows how to coach really well. Knowing that a guy like that is over here with an organization like this, it made the decision that much easier for me.”

— Jalen Thompson, Cowboys Safety

“Coming into the league, that was the biggest thing for me: being vocal as a safety, making sure everyone knew where to go and where to be aligned. My job, as a safety, is to know everybody's job on the football field. With me bringing that to the team, we can only elevate and go up from there.”

— Jalen Thompson, Cowboys Safety

What’s next

The Cowboys will look to continue improving their defense through the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place in April.

The takeaway

The addition of veteran safety Jalen Thompson, along with the team's other offseason defensive moves, has the Cowboys optimistic about their ability to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and capitalize on their championship window with star quarterback Dak Prescott.