Dallas Cowboys Eye Alex Singleton as Key Defensive Addition in Free Agency

The Dallas Cowboys are entering a pivotal offseason, aiming to revamp a defense that struggled mightily in 2025. Under former coordinator Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys ranked last in the NFL in points allowed and 30th in total yardage allowed, a stark decline from the previous year under Mike Zimmer, whose defense finished 31st in points allowed and 28th in yardage. In response, Dallas has brought in Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator, hoping fresh leadership can change the narrative.

But as team VP Stephen Jones has emphasized, the solution isn’t purely a coaching change. “We know we have to improve not only from a coaching staff standpoint, but we also need to improve from a personnel standpoint,” Jones said. “All that goes into the mix and the equation, and I think we’re making good progress.” Simply put, a coordinator can only be as effective as the players he has to work with—and Dallas currently lacks sufficient talent at key positions, particularly at linebacker and safety.

Why the Cowboys Need Personnel Changes

While Parker’s appointment is a critical first step, real progress won’t come until Dallas begins to upgrade personnel, primarily through free agency. Unlike teams that often rely heavily on the draft, the Cowboys face limitations this year—they hold only two first-round picks (No. 12 and 20) and are without second- and third-round selections, placing additional pressure on free agency to fill crucial defensive holes.

The linebacker corps is particularly concerning. Last season, veterans Kenneth Murray and Logan Wilson failed to assume the “captain-of-the-defense” role Dallas desperately needs. Without a reliable leader at the position, the Cowboys’ defense became a revolving door, struggling to maintain consistency and communication on the field.

Dallas’ draft strategy may address long-term linebacker depth, potentially targeting prospects like Arvell Reese or Sonny Styles in the later rounds. But those rookies won’t provide immediate impact, leaving free agency as the most viable path to a short-term solution.

Alex Singleton: A Cost-Effective Option

Enter Alex Singleton, the Denver Broncos linebacker who could provide the Cowboys with a proven, low-risk addition. Singleton, now 32 years old, isn’t a long-term solution, but he could bridge the gap until younger players are ready to contribute.

Singleton had notable moments against Dallas in 2025, including 11 tackles and a forced fumble in a single matchup—a performance that did not go unnoticed by Cowboys personnel. He also brings familiarity with Christian Parker, who coached him during his tenure with the Broncos before moving on to the Philadelphia Eagles. Parker’s existing relationship with Singleton could ease integration, allowing him to step into a leadership role quickly.

Financially, Singleton represents a cost-effective option. According to Spotrac, his market value is approximately $4.7 million per year, a modest price compared to high-profile free-agent linebackers like Nakobe Dean, who is expected to command top-of-market contracts. Signing Singleton in March would allow Dallas to address their linebacker need efficiently, freeing up resources for other positions, including defensive backfield reinforcements.

The Linebacker Dilemma

Singleton’s age—32—makes him a short-term piece, but Dallas can view him as a stabilizing veteran presence. While rookies like Reese or Styles could be long-term answers, Singleton offers immediate playmaking ability and in-game experience. This approach allows the Cowboys to prioritize other areas in the draft, particularly corners and safeties, which are harder to find through free agency.

Linebacker is just one piece of a much broader defensive puzzle. To complement Singleton, Dallas will need to continue building a rotation of young cornerbacks, bolster their secondary depth, and ensure they have versatile safeties who can contribute in coverage and run support. Parker’s arrival as defensive coordinator gives the front office a blueprint for these moves, but it will require a combination of strategic free-agent signings and smart draft picks.

How Singleton Fits the Cowboys’ Scheme

Singleton brings a versatile skill set that aligns well with Parker’s defensive philosophy. Known for his sideline-to-sideline range, tackling consistency, and ability to read offensive schemes, Singleton can contribute in multiple roles, from traditional inside linebacker duties to coverage responsibilities in nickel packages. His experience in Parker’s system also provides continuity, reducing the learning curve for both Singleton and the defensive unit.

Beyond the X’s and O’s, Singleton adds a veteran voice to the locker room—a quality the Cowboys desperately need after consecutive seasons of defensive struggles. Leadership, communication, and on-field adjustments were glaring weaknesses in 2025, and a player familiar with Parker’s expectations could help accelerate Dallas’ defensive cohesion.

Looking Ahead

For the Dallas Cowboys, the 2026 offseason represents a critical turning point. Christian Parker’s appointment signals the start of a cultural shift, but without the right personnel, even the best schemes will falter. Targeting Alex Singleton in free agency could be a smart, strategic move, providing immediate linebacker stability while leaving the team flexibility in the draft to develop long-term talent.

As Stephen Jones indicated, Dallas is looking at the offseason holistically—coaching, player acquisitions, and draft strategy must align. Singleton may not be the long-term solution, but he could be the catalyst that allows the Cowboys to move from last in the league to a competitive defensive unit, setting the stage for a resurgence in 2026.