Happy free agency week, Cowboys fans.
The opening of the new league year on Wednesday signals the single busiest period of the calendar year when it comes to roster construction and turnover. And for Dallas, it will be no different.
On the hunt for multiple impact starters on the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys have signaled throughout the offseason that they will be more of a player in the open market than they have been in years past to fix a defense that ranked 30th in yards allowed in 2025.
Considering they have spent the least amount of money of any team in the NFL on external free agents since 2020, that could end up not meaning much at the end of the day.
Despite the league year opening on Wednesday, the madness will unofficially begin on Monday with the opening of the legal tampering period at 11 a.m. CST, which will allow teams to communicate with free agents and agree to deals. However, contracts cannot be officially signed until 3 p.m. CST on Wednesday.
As the madness ensues, make this your one-stop shop for any and all Cowboys-related free agency news in the coming days and weeks.
External additions
DE Rashan Gary, S Jalen Thompson
The new Cowboys defensive staff quickly identified safety Jalen Thompson as an impending free agent shortly after being hired, and he becomes the first external signing on day one of the legal tampering period. He has agreed to a deal worth up to $36 million over three years.
On Monday morning, the Cowboys finalized a deal to acquire defensive end Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. It’s the first of what is expected to be multiple impact signings in the edge group.
This list will be updated when the Cowboys make external additions in either free agency or the trade market.
Internal unrestricted free agents
LB Kenneth Murray Jr., S Donovan Wilson, DE Dante Fowler Jr., OL Rob Jones, DE Jadeveon Clowney, DE Payton Turner, LB Jack Sanborn, RB Miles Sanders, WR Jalen Tolbert, CB C.J. Goodwin, OT Hakeem Adeniji, CB Corey Ballentine, LB Logan Wilson, DT Perrion Winfrey
The Dallas Cowboys released veteran linebacker Logan Wilson as a cap-saving move on Feb. 20. He will not return in 2026. Days before free agency, defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey was also released.
Internal restricted free agents
K Brandon Aubrey (2nd-round tender), OL T.J. Bass (2nd-round tender), OL Brock Hoffman, S Juanyeh Thomas
Restricted free agency offers some intrigue with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. After failing to come to an agreement on a long-term contract ahead of free agency, kicker Brandon Aubrey was given a second-round tender by the team on Saturday. If another team offers Aubrey a long-term contract, the Cowboys have the right to match. If they choose not to match, the other team can sign Aubrey and will owe Dallas a second-round pick. The same tender was also placed on offensive lineman T.J. Bass. If no team bites, the Cowboys will be on the hook for a one-year, $5.8 million contract with each player.
The Cowboys have until Wednesday to place tenders on offensive lineman Brock Hoffman and safety Juanyeh Thomas, although it is expected that Dallas will allow them to hit unrestricted free agency.
Internal signings
RB Javonte Williams, DE Sam Williams, CB Josh Butler, CB Reddy Steward
Ahead of free agency opening, the Cowboys struck a deal with running back Javonte Williams on a three-year, $24 million deal to keep him in Dallas. In a one-year “prove-it” situation in 2025, Williams rushed for 1,201 yards and nine touchdowns on his way to securing long-term status with the team.
After striking out at the top of the edge rusher market in the beginning of free agency, the Cowboys brought back 2022 second-round pick Sam Williams on a one-year, $3 million deal. Hopes were high for Williams coming off a torn ACL last season, but he never found consistent production. He will fight for a rotational role on the defensive side of the ball.
The two exclusive rights free agents, cornerbacks Josh Butler and Reddy Steward, were brought back ahead of free agency. Steward was tendered and Butler agreed to a one-year contract. Neither will hit the open market and both will be back in 2026.
This list will be updated if/when the Cowboys retain internal free agents.
Departed players
This list will be updated when Cowboys free agents agree to deals elsewhere.
This story was originally published March 9, 2026 at 8:55 AM.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Nick Harris is the Dallas Cowboys beat reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He has experience working on the beat for DallasCowboys.com and previous work experience at Yahoo Sports/Rivals and 247Sports.