Jan. 24, 2026, 3:30 p.m. CT

Christian Parker is the new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, a 34-year-old coach who excels at working with the secondary. Parker has been a defensive backs coach with the Denver Broncos (2021-2023) and the Philadelphia Eagles (2024-2025), while also doubling as the passing game coordinator for the last two seasons with the latter.

Along the way, Parker has helped turn three cornerbacks and one safety into All-Pro players. Patrick Surtain, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean all blossomed under Parker at CB, while Justin Simmons was his star pupil at safety.

The Cowboys don’t have a realistic shot at acquiring any of the three CBs, but the team could investigate bringing in Simmons. When Parker got hired by the Cowboys, the veteran safety sent out a message of support for his former coach.

Last year, Dallas’ pass defense was among the worst in the league, and their safety play was a big part of the failure. Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker didn’t have their best seasons as the starters, and only Hooker is under contract for 2026. Wilson is a free agent, and although he did play under Parker at Texas A&M, he’s not guaranteed to return.

Simmons might be an attractive alternate if the team is looking for a veteran option at safety. He didn’t play in 2025, and Simmons would be three years removed from playing at a high level. Simmons spent eight seasons with the Broncos, including three with Parker as his DB coach. 

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During those three years, Simmons was a second-team All-Pro in every season and led the NFL in interceptions in 2022 with six. Simmons totaled 14 interceptions when he played under Parker, a total that bests every safety on the Cowboys’ roster combined over the past three seasons (14-11). For a defense that struggled to pick off passes last season, a safety who can take the ball away would be a valuable asset.

The obvious question revolves around Simmons’ ability at 32-years old, and after not playing last season, is there any gas left in the tank? The veteran played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, and it was apparent that he wasn’t the same guy that he was with the Broncos. However, he did have two picks, seven passes defensed, two tackles for a loss and 62 tackles in his lone campaign with the Falcons.

That wasn’t up to Simmons’ usual standard, and no team signed him last offseason. The Cowboys, who were desperate for secondary help in 2025, never looked Simmons’ way. If the team had added Simmons, there’s a possibility that he would’ve been the best safety on the roster from the moment he walked in.

Simmons hasn’t announced any retirement, so if he’s ready to return in 2026 the Cowboys might be an intriguing match. Parker’s arrival could be good news for the Cowboys, who need better safety play, and Simmons can help.

There are other, younger options for the Cowboys at safety, including another former pupil in Reed Blankenship, but if the front office continues their frugal ways in free agency, Simmons could be a fit in Dallas. The draft could also bring help, especially if it’s Ohio St. standout Caleb Downs, but the defense could use more than just one safety and needs to cover themselves before the draft.

Simmons clearly appreciates Parker as a coach, and thrived under him, so the possibility of making a comeback with the Cowboys is something to watch for this offseason.

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