Cowboys Agree to Terms with DL Jonathan Bullard

Veteran defensive lineman joins Dallas on one-year deal

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:32pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football defensive line, with sharp planes of navy blue, silver, and white representing the Dallas Cowboys' players and their movements.A cubist interpretation of the Cowboys' revamped defensive line, with veteran addition Jonathan Bullard set to provide experience and stability up front.Frisco Today

The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms with veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard on a one-year contract. Bullard, 32, is entering his 11th NFL season and has played for six different teams since being drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2016. Last season, he played in 15 games for the New Orleans Saints, starting six, and recorded 26 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and two pass breakups.

Why it matters

The addition of Bullard provides more depth and experience to the Cowboys' defensive line, which has seen some turnover this offseason. Bullard will reunite with his former defensive line coach Marcus Dixon, who is now the Cowboys' defensive coordinator, and the two had success together in 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings.

The details

Bullard is the third external addition to the Cowboys' defense this offseason, joining nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia and outside linebacker Rashan Gary. The Cowboys traded away defensive linemen Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas earlier in the offseason. Under Dixon's coaching style, which emphasizes player execution and a attacking mindset, Bullard had arguably the best season of his career in 2024 with the Vikings.

  • Bullard will play his 11th NFL season in 2026.

The players

Jonathan Bullard

A 32-year-old veteran defensive lineman who has played for six different NFL teams since being drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2016.

Marcus Dixon

The Cowboys' new defensive coordinator, who previously coached Bullard with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.

Christian Parker

The Cowboys' first-year defensive coordinator, who will oversee a defensive line room that has seen significant changes this offseason.

Dak Prescott

The Cowboys' starting quarterback, who is now tied with Bullard and Kenny Clark as the second-most tenured players on the Dallas roster.

Kenny Clark

A defensive lineman for the Cowboys, who is now tied with Bullard and Dak Prescott as the second-most tenured players on the Dallas roster.

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What they’re saying

“Creating those one-on-ones, and then putting ownership on them to understand, 'Hey, we're doing this for you to go win.' And then coaching style, I played the game. Maybe not at their caliber, but I understand some of those situations and how we've got to play up front, and it's all a mindset, and we have the guys for that you put them in position, and understand we're still attacking.”

— Marcus Dixon, Cowboys Defensive Coordinator

The takeaway

The Cowboys' defensive line has undergone significant changes this offseason, but the addition of veteran Jonathan Bullard provides more depth and experience to the unit. Bullard's reunion with defensive coordinator Marcus Dixon, who coached him successfully in 2024, could help him have another strong season and bolster the Cowboys' defensive front.