The underrated free agent that could help the Dallas Cowboys recover from a self-admitted regret
You’ve hear about the big names. But here are three underrated free agents the Dallas Cowboys should pursue this week.
You’ve heard enough about the big-name free agents the Dallas Cowboys are expected to target when free agency frenzy starts Monday at noon ET.
But if the front office is going to fix one of the worst defenses in the NFL, it will take more than splash signings. Dallas needs quality, sure. But with needs at every defensive spot except DT, they also need quantity.
That’s why, in addition to the top names in the market, I decided to look at three underrated free agents the Cowboys should be looking into. We’re kicking off the list with someone who would help Dallas fix what they’ve explicitly described as a regret: A potential slot/nickel defensive back.
1. S Jalen Thompson, Arizona Cardinals
While Thompson is officially listed as a safety, he is a chess piece that is a natural fit for Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker. The newly hired coach told reporters earlier in the year he wanted his defense to be “multiple.”
Thompson is just that. In 2025, he logged 289 snaps at free safety, 320 snaps in the box, and 249 in the slot, per PFF. The latter should matter to Parker, who has described nickel as a priority on defense. After an underwhelming 2025 Cowboys season, Jerry Jones said he regretted losing slot cornerback Jourdan Lewis.
Thompson may not be a full-time nickelback, but he can move around and be that apex-esque defender that’s always near the football and keeps offenses guessing. He ranks 49th in A to Z Sports’ Top 100 free agents, and the Cowboys are listed as one of his three best fits.
“I feel like Thompson’s play has gone unnoticed because of where he plays, but he has long been one of my favorite players to study,” our own AJ Schulte writes. “A safety who can effectively play both deep and in the slot is a rare trait, and Thompson has honed his fundamentals to match his athleticism to become one of the most well-rounded safeties in the game. He can align in multiple roles and be a productive contributor in pretty much any defensive scheme.”
2. CB Cam Taylor-Britt, Cincinnati Bengals
Staying on the same need for a slot defender, veteran cornerback Taylor-Britt could be an underwhelming yet worthwhile bet.
Underwhelming because he never reached his potential in Cincinnati after a strong start in 2023, when he logged four interceptions in 12 games played. Playing for one of the worst defenses in the league the last couple of years, he was even benched in 2024 and failed to earn a starting role in 2025.
So, why worthwhile? Taylor-Britt is likely to be signed to an inexpensive, one-year deal with little risk while providing position flexibility. A new start could be just what he needs while bringing an ability to play inside or outside.
“A change of scenery feels like a necessity at this point for Cam Taylor-Britt, and with him set to hit free agency, it appears he will get just that,” our own Destin Adams writes of Taylor-Britt, the 71th best free agent for A to Z Sports. “He has the flexibility to play on the outside or in the slot. He was a player multiple teams targeted at the trade deadline, and I suspect he will have multiple interested suitors in free agency as well.”
3. S Reed Blankenship, Philadelphia Eagles
This is perhaps one of the names most frequently linked to the Cowboys ahead of free agency just because of his connection to Parker. He ranks 63rd in our Top 100 free agents and will be one one the most well-known names at the position in the market.
Blankenship’s calling card is his well-rounded game, which is a fit for Parker’s vision for Dallas. The fact that Blankenship was one of the defensive leaders in a Parker-coached defensive backfield should only help his chances of landing in Dallas.
“Reed Blankenship has gone from being a Day 3 dart throw to a starting-caliber safety in the NFL over the course of his NFL career,” our Rob Gregson writes. “A player who relies on explosiveness and instincts, Blankenship routinely finds his way to the football, serving as a plus one against the run, but also plays in the high post. He made his bones on special teams before being thrust into action, and he never looked back.”
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