Updated March 1, 2026, 2:47 p.m. CT

The Dallas Cowboys are going to make several signings this offseason. The point of contention is the level of external free agents they target and how much they will spend. The new league year begins in just eight days, with the legal tampering window opening on March 9. All 32 NFL clubs have to get under the $301.2 million salary cap by March 11, 4pm eastern, but deals with new players can be negotiated for two days prior.

With so many needs, especially on defense, the Cowboys have spent the last several weeks identifying which prospects fit their plans for 2026, and which ones will give the best bang for the buck in salary. One of the biggest needs Dallas will have is at the safety position, which under new DC Christian Parker, also looks at the nickel defender and not just the typical free and strong, or split varieties.

So which free agents should the Cowboys’ be looking at?

Here, we’ve taken the Top 100 rankings from five different outlets (Pro Football Focus, NFL.com, FOX Sports, USA Today and CBS Sports) as of March 1, as well as the projected average annual value (AAV) from Spotrac and PFF, to augment which players best fit the expected Parker defense.

Related: Eagles, NFL free agents who may follow DC Christian Parker to Cowboys

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.12. Nick CrossIndianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross (20) wraps up Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Age: 24

2025 PFF Grade: 59.8

Expected AAV: $8.9 million

11. Reed BlankenshipOct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (32) against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Age: 27

2025 PFF Grade: 42.6

Expected AAV: $7.1 million

10. Jaylinn HawkinsJan 25, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins (21) reacts against the Denver Broncos during the first half in the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Age: 28

2025 PFF Grade: 74.9

Expected AAV: $9.7 million

9. Ar’Darius WashingtonJan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Ar'Darius Washington (29) breaks up a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Age: 27

2024 PFF Grade: 80.9

Expected AAV: $2.9 million

8. Alohi GilmanDec 14, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Alohi Gilman (12) reacts after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Age: 28

2025 PFF Grade: 70.4

Expected AAV: $5.5 million

7. CJ Gardner-JohnsonDec 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (35) reacts against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

Age: 28

2025 PFF Grade: 51.4

Expected AAV: $2.4 million

6. Jalen ThompsonNov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) against the Jacksonville Jaguars at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Age: 27

2025 PFF Grade: 68.7

Expected AAV: $9.5 million

5. Kevin ByardFeb 1, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Chicago Bears free safety Kevin Byard III (31) during NFC practice at the Flag Fieldhouse Moscone Center South Building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Age: 32

2025 PFF Grade: 75.4

Expected AAV: $8.5 million

4. Kamren CurlOct 20, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Curl (3) picks up a fumble by Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (not pictured) in the second quarter at SoFi Stadium and runs it back for a touchdown. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Age: 27

2025 PFF Grade: 77.8

Expected AAV: $9.4 million

3. Coby BryantNov 9, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) looks on before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Age: 27

2025 PFF Grade: 70.3

Expected AAV: $12.2 million

2. Jaquan BriskerJan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (9) fires up the crowd after a penalty call against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Age: 27

2025 PFF Grade: 64.6

Expected AAV: $9.2 million

1. Bryan CookDec 21, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Age: 26

2025 PFF Grade: 83.5

Expected AAV: $13.1 millon