<\/p>\n
Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) catches a pass during Organized Team Activity drills at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.<\/p>\n
Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n
After a disappointing finish to the 2025 season, the\u00a0Dallas Cowboys<\/a> are looking ahead to the new campaign.<\/p>\n Much of the focus this offseason has centered around the team’s defense, which could get a boost from new\u00a0coordinator Christian Parker<\/a>. The team also picked up some new names for the defensive unit, led by first-round draftees Christian Parker and Malachi Lawrence.<\/a><\/p>\n As the offseason moves forward and NFL teams prepare for training camp, we’re breaking down the Cowboys’ 2026 roster by position groups. Today, let’s take a look at Caleb Downs and the safeties:<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 2026 Dallas Cowboys safeties<\/p>\n Caleb Downs<\/p>\n Age: 21\u00a0NFL experience: Rookie<\/p>\n Contract: Signed a four-year, $28.9 million rookie deal this offseason.<\/p>\n Summary:\u00a0The Cowboys have pretty high expectations for Downs. That’s not surprising since the team moved up in the first round to select the Ohio State standout<\/a>. Downs should be a foundational piece of Parker’s defense moving forward.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n While Downs can make plays at safety, he could also get looks as the team’s nickel corner. Downs should see the field a lot in his rookie campaign.<\/p>\n Jalen Thompson<\/p>\n Age: 27\u00a0NFL experience: 8 years<\/p>\n Contract: Signed a three-year, $33 million deal this offseason.<\/p>\n Summary:\u00a0Downs wasn’t the only player the Cowboys added at the safety position this year. The team made an early free agency move to sign Thompson<\/a>, who has a connection with Cowboys secondary coach Ryan Smith. Thompson also has versatility, being able to line up at free safety, strong safety and as a slot corner.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Malik Hooker<\/p>\n Age: 30 NFL experience: 10 years<\/p>\n Contract:\u00a0Agreed to a restructured one-year, $5 million deal this offseason.<\/p>\n Summary:\u00a0Hooker should have a lot to prove this season after a tough 2025. He missed a few games with a toe injury last season, then he struggled to find a rhythm in Matt Eberflus’ defensive system.<\/p>\n After restructuring his deal this offseason<\/a>, Hooker should provide a veteran presence in a safety room with a few new faces.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n P.J. Locke<\/p>\n Age: 29\u00a0NFL experience: 7 years<\/p>\n Contract: Signed a one-year, $4 million deal this offseason.<\/p>\n Summary:\u00a0While Locke is new to Dallas, he isn’t new to Parker’s scheme.<\/a> He previously worked with Parker in his stint with the Denver Broncos. Like Thompson, Locke can line up at several different spots in the secondary.<\/a><\/p>\n Locke is a willing tackler, posting 174 total tackles and five forced fumbles throughout his professional career.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Markquese Bell<\/p>\n Age: 27\u00a0NFL experience: 5 years<\/p>\n Contract: Entering Year 2 of a three-year, $9 million extension.<\/p>\n Summary:\u00a0Bell worked his way up from undrafted free agent in 2022 to a three-year extension in 2025<\/a>. He’s looking to prove he can adjust to a new defensive system after working under Dan Quinn, Mike Zimmer and Eberflus.\u00a0<\/p>\n Alijah Clark<\/p>\n Age: 23\u00a0NFL experience: 2 years<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Contract:\u00a0Entering Year 2 of a two-year, $1.8 million deal.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n