Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) catches a pass during Organized Team Activity drills at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) catches a pass during Organized Team Activity drills at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News

After a disappointing finish to the 2025 season, the Dallas Cowboys are looking ahead to the new campaign.

Much of the focus this offseason has centered around the team’s defense, which could get a boost from new coordinator Christian Parker. The team also picked up some new names for the defensive unit, led by first-round draftees Christian Parker and Malachi Lawrence.

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:

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2026 Dallas Cowboys safeties

Caleb Downs

Age: 21 NFL experience: Rookie

Contract: Signed a four-year, $28.9 million rookie deal this offseason.

Summary: The 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. Downs should be a foundational piece of Parker’s defense moving forward.

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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.

Jalen Thompson

Age: 27 NFL experience: 8 years

Contract: Signed a three-year, $33 million deal this offseason.

Summary: Downs 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, 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.

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Malik Hooker

Age: 30 NFL experience: 10 years

Contract: Agreed to a restructured one-year, $5 million deal this offseason.

Summary: Hooker 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.

After restructuring his deal this offseason, Hooker should provide a veteran presence in a safety room with a few new faces.

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P.J. Locke

Age: 29 NFL experience: 7 years

Contract: Signed a one-year, $4 million deal this offseason.

Summary: While Locke is new to Dallas, he isn’t new to Parker’s scheme. 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.

Locke is a willing tackler, posting 174 total tackles and five forced fumbles throughout his professional career.

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Markquese Bell

Age: 27 NFL experience: 5 years

Contract: Entering Year 2 of a three-year, $9 million extension.

Summary: Bell worked his way up from undrafted free agent in 2022 to a three-year extension in 2025. He’s looking to prove he can adjust to a new defensive system after working under Dan Quinn, Mike Zimmer and Eberflus. 

Alijah Clark

Age: 23 NFL experience: 2 years

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Contract: Entering Year 2 of a two-year, $1.8 million deal.

Summary: Clark was an undrafted free agent last year. He made an impact on special teams, particularly helping Dallas pick up a big win over Philadelphia in November. He could be a name to watch on a special teams unit that endured some struggles last year.

Julius Wood

Age: 25 NFL experience: 2 years

Contract: Signed a two-year reserve/future deal worth $2.1 million.

Summary: Wood originally joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He returned to Dallas as a practice squad player last year, then he signed a reserve/future deal in the offseason. He’ll look to earn a roster spot in training camp.