Dallas Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson looks on during NFL football practice Thursday, June 4, 2026, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Dallas Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson looks on during NFL football practice Thursday, June 4, 2026, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

LM Otero/AP Photo/LM Otero

The Cowboys‘ defense looks very different in 2026.

With an entirely new coaching staff and an overhaul of the defensive personnel, Dallas is looking to get its defense back on track and one of the centerpieces of that potential turnaround is Jalen Thompson.

The Cowboys signed Thompson to a three-year, $33 million deal with hopes he would stabilize the back end of the secondary. He joined K&C Masterpiece on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM) at training camp in Oxnard, Calif. and discussed why he came to the Cowboys, which defenders have jumped out to him and what he’s seen from rookie first-round pick Caleb Downs so far.

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See highlights of the conversation below, edited lightly for clarity.

Brian Schottenheimer said you were all over the film recently, that you were all over the place. Is that just what we can expect from you?

Jalen Thompson: Oh, 100%. When I’m on the  field, you’re going to feel the presence. I live by that when I’m on the field, that’s my motto, just sideline to sideline.

There’s been lots of talk of interchangeability and adaptability in the safety room, do you think that’s what Christian Parker sees?

Thompson: Oh, for sure. That’s a big thing that we kind of harp on is just having the versatility to play all over the field. Like I said yesterday, that just makes our team that much better. It makes everybody else’s job easier.

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Can you walk us through the mechanics, pre-snap, during the snap at safety as opposed to maybe dabbling in some nickel corner?

Thompson: Well, really, at safety, it’s just about getting everybody lined up and getting the communication on point. When you’re at nickel, it’s kind of just locking in and doing your job. So listening to the safeties and trusting the call that they’re gonna make. 

What does it mean to be a part of the leadership council that Schottenheimer was talking about, despite the fact you’re new to the team?

Thompson: It’s huge, man. It’s huge. It shows the trust that they have in me. It shows that they believe in me, and basically, I’m just bringing that experience that I’ve had the past seven years into this team, and hoping that the guys follow. 

What was it that made you want to play in Dallas?

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Thompson: Obviously, just knowing that [Parker] was going to be here, the scheme that he has was amazing. Just watching it, obviously he’s won a Super Bowl. So that’s my goal at the end of the day is to win a Super Bowl. That’s our team’s goal is win a Super Bowl. Also, [new Cowboys secondary coach Ryan Smith] came from the Cardinals as well, so you know that was a big part in you know my decision to come here.

Who’s a guy playing in front of you among the linebackers and defensive lineman that has impressed you?

Thompson: It’s a lot of guys. I’m looking at DeMarvion Overshown, straight leader. I’m looking at Dee Winters. Leader as well, and I’m looking at Rashawn Gary. Always running to the ball. Those guys are always flying sideline to sideline, so we can kind of relate in that way. Just playing sideline to sideline and playing fast every play.

Schottenheimer said all the secondary players were up to at least 19 mph going after the play. Do you happen to know your top speed?

Thompson: I’m pretty sure I was up there. I pride myself on playing fast. I wouldn’t be surprised if I was above the 20 range. 

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How often are you guessing when you’re out there versus when you know what’s about to happen?

Thompson: Not often. I’m not guessing often. For the most part, I know what’s going to happen or have a sense of what’s going to happen. That’s just the film study over the years. Like I said, this is year eight for me. I’ve seen a lot of ball over the years, so nothing really surprises me. It’s about getting the young guys on board and hoping that they see what I see.

Is it okay to be irrationally excited about Caleb Downs?

Thompson: For sure. That’s a guy that works hard every day, bro. And like I said, the versatility that he brings to the team, the leadership that he brings. He’s always the first one in the line doing the drills, he’s always asking questions in the meetings. When you get a guy like that, kind of reminds me of myself when I was younger in the league. You get a guy like that, it’s special. Special.