{"id":168163,"date":"2026-03-23T09:26:28","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T09:26:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=168163"},"modified":"2026-03-23T09:26:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T09:26:28","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8breaking-news-done-in-dallas-the-longest-tenured-defender-is-out-a-7-year-run-ends-for-the-2019-6th-round-pick-one-stat-tells-the-whole-story-88th-in-coverage-out-of-98-in-a-surprisi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=168163","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8BREAKING NEWS: DONE IN DALLAS: THE LONGEST-TENURED DEFENDER IS OUT. A 7-YEAR RUN ENDS FOR THE 2019 6TH-ROUND PICK. One stat tells the whole story: 88th in coverage out of 98. In a surprising move, Dallas has officially parted ways with their longest-tenured defender, signaling a shift in their defensive plans. The player, once a late-round pick, now finds himself on the move after struggling in coverage."},"content":{"rendered":"

The Dallas Cowboys\u2019 defensive makeover in the early stages of 2026 NFL free agency has been marked by bold moves, significant departures, and a clear shift in philosophy under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Among the most notable changes is the end of an era for one of the team\u2019s longest-serving players: safety\u00a0Donovan Wilson<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Drafted in the sixth round by the Cowboys in 2019, Wilson spent seven seasons in Dallas, appearing in 98 games and starting 62 of the team\u2019s last 68 contests. At 31 years old, he was the longest-tenured defender on the roster\u2014only quarterback Dak Prescott has been with the organization longer. Wilson carved out a role as a physical, run-stopping strong safety, often thriving as a downhill player in the box during his peak years.<\/p>\n

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However, his time in Dallas has come to a close. As an unrestricted free agent following the 2025 season, Wilson was not re-signed, and recent reports indicate the Cowboys have moved on definitively. Beat reporter Jon Machota of The Athletic, speaking on \u201cThe One-Star Podcast,\u201d expressed strong confidence that Wilson won\u2019t return, citing the team\u2019s new additions at safety.<\/p>\n

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The Cowboys have bolstered their secondary with key signings, including former Arizona Cardinals safety\u00a0Jalen Thompson<\/strong>\u00a0on a three-year deal worth up to $33-36 million, and\u00a0P.J. Locke<\/strong>\u00a0on a one-year contract. These moves provide versatile options who align better with Parker\u2019s scheme, which emphasizes coverage skills and flexibility\u2014including slot corner responsibilities. Thompson and Locke can contribute in multiple roles, including special teams, making a reunion with Wilson unnecessary.<\/p>\n

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Wilson\u2019s decline in coverage has been a glaring issue in recent seasons. Pro Football Focus graded him\u00a088th out of 98 safeties<\/strong>\u00a0in coverage last year, and opposing quarterbacks posted a combined passer rating of 125.9 when targeting him over the past two seasons. While he remained effective against the run, his limitations in pass defense\u2014evident in limited slot snaps (just 87 of 921 last year)\u2014no longer fit the Cowboys\u2019 evolving defensive vision.<\/p>\n

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The team appears poised to address the safety position further through the draft, potentially with a late-round pick or undrafted free agent, rather than relying on the veteran. This decision reflects a broader rebuild on defense, which has included other departures like defensive linemen\u00a0Osa Odighizuwa<\/strong>\u00a0(traded to the 49ers for a third-round pick) and\u00a0Solomon Thomas<\/strong>, among others.<\/p>\n

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Adding to the secondary youth and talent infusion, Dallas signed former Rams cornerback\u00a0Cobie Durant<\/strong>\u00a0to a one-year deal. Durant, a ball-hawking veteran with six interceptions last season (including three in the playoffs), brings playmaking ability despite his smaller stature. Machota praised the move, noting Durant\u2019s knack for takeaways and the winning culture he brings from a strong organization.<\/p>\n

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Wilson\u2019s departure marks the end of a gritty, homegrown tenure that saw him evolve from a late-round pick into a reliable starter and locker room presence. But with the Cowboys prioritizing coverage speed and scheme fit over familiarity, his 7-year run in Dallas is officially done. The focus now shifts to building a faster, more adaptable defense for 2026 and beyond<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Dallas Cowboys\u2019 defensive makeover in the early stages of 2026 NFL free agency has been marked by bold moves, significant departures, and a clear shift in… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":168164,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-168163","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"\n\ud83d\udea8BREAKING NEWS: DONE IN DALLAS: THE LONGEST-TENURED DEFENDER IS OUT. A 7-YEAR RUN ENDS FOR THE 2019 6TH-ROUND PICK. One stat tells the whole story: 88th in coverage out of 98. In a surprising move, Dallas has officially parted ways with their longest-tenured defender, signaling a shift in their defensive plans. The player, once a late-round pick, now finds himself on the move after struggling in coverage. - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=168163\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\ud83d\udea8BREAKING NEWS: DONE IN DALLAS: THE LONGEST-TENURED DEFENDER IS OUT. A 7-YEAR RUN ENDS FOR THE 2019 6TH-ROUND PICK. One stat tells the whole story: 88th in coverage out of 98. In a surprising move, Dallas has officially parted ways with their longest-tenured defender, signaling a shift in their defensive plans. 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