Cowboys Prioritize Nickel Back Position in Offseason

Dallas learned the hard way last season about the importance of a strong nickel back, leading them to make it a focus this offseason.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:29pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the overlapping geometric shapes and planes of a football defensive formation, capturing the complexity and importance of the nickel back position in today's NFL.The Cowboys' renewed focus on building a strong nickel defense reflects the modern NFL's emphasis on versatile defensive backs who can excel in coverage, run support, and blitzing.Frisco Today

The Dallas Cowboys discovered the hard way last season just how valuable a good nickel back is. After allowing the most points in franchise history and having the NFL's 32nd-ranked pass defense, the team has made the nickel back position a priority this offseason. They have signed several veteran cornerbacks and safeties capable of playing in the slot, recognizing the unique skillset required to excel in the nickel role.

Why it matters

The nickel defense has become increasingly important in the modern NFL as offenses utilize more three-wide receiver sets. A strong nickel back who can cover receivers, support the run, and blitz is crucial to a team's defensive success. The Cowboys' struggles in this area last season exposed their need to invest more resources into finding the right player to fill this role.

The details

The Cowboys lost their starting nickel back Jourdan Lewis in free agency, who signed a lucrative deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In response, the team has signed veteran cornerbacks like Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick, as well as versatile safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke, all of whom have the ability to play in the slot. The team also has several young cornerbacks on the roster, but most lack significant NFL experience. Finding the right nickel back has become a top priority for the Cowboys this offseason.

  • The Cowboys struggled mightily on defense in the 2025 season, finishing 32nd in the NFL in pass defense.
  • Jourdan Lewis, the Cowboys' starting nickel back, left the team in free agency after the 2025 season.
  • The Cowboys have been active in free agency this offseason, signing several players capable of playing the nickel back role.

The players

Jourdan Lewis

The Cowboys' starting nickel back for the past 8 seasons, who left the team in free agency after the 2025 season.

Cobie Durant

A veteran cornerback signed by the Cowboys this offseason, who is capable of playing both outside and in the slot.

Jalen Thompson

A versatile safety signed by the Cowboys this offseason, who can play deep or in the box in the nickel defense.

P.J. Locke

Another versatile safety signed by the Cowboys this offseason, who can also contribute in the nickel package.

Derion Kendrick

A fourth-year cornerback signed by the Cowboys this offseason, who provides additional depth and flexibility in the secondary.

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What they’re saying

“It's important in any defense. You're closer to the ball. There's different ways you can build it. You have to again, this isn't the first time I've heard it. I think Christian (Parker, new defensive coordinator) was the one that said it (about the nickel back). You have to be able to cover like a corner, you have to be able to blitz like a safety, and you have to be able to fit the run like a linebacker. I mean, those are three really difficult things to do at the highest level.”

— Brian Schottenheimer, Offensive-Minded Head Coach

“I think versatility is super, super important.”

— P.J. Locke, Cowboys Safety

“See ball, get ball. There is nothing like getting the ball back to the offense. Just get the ball back to Dak Prescott is my new motive, man.”

— Cobie Durant, Cowboys Cornerback

What’s next

The Cowboys will continue to evaluate their cornerback and safety depth throughout the offseason, including the upcoming NFL Draft, as they look to find the right players to fill the critical nickel back role.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' struggles on defense last season, particularly in the pass defense, have highlighted the importance of having a strong nickel back who can excel in coverage, run support, and blitzing. The team's offseason moves show they are committed to addressing this need and rebuilding their secondary to be more competitive in 2026.