The Dallas Cowboys‘ front office is once again facing questions about a defensive philosophy that has left the team vulnerable for years. For a team that prides itself on star power, the Cowboys have ignored the defensive position for over two decades. The last time Dallas used a first-round pick on a safety, the iPod was just a few months old. And now, a Dallas insider is coming forward with an answer that fans have wanted for a long time.

“To me, a safety must be highly regarded to draft that high unless capable of moving into the slot on the nickel to not only cover but be a willing run stopper,” said Mickey Spagnola while answering some fan questions.

Tommy Yarrish shared the same view, but added a few elements of his own. “I think it’s because a lot of teams can get away with having ‘average’ safeties and still win games.”

He further added, “So while some teams may say to themselves, ‘Hey, I think we’re good at safety, let’s use our picks/free agency money elsewhere,’ if you can find a guy at the very back of your defense that fits what you do on defense, you can be in business.”

Yarrish’s comments appear to be a direct critique of the Cowboys’ current safety duo, Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker. The duo has not been impressive this season. Injuries and inconsistent performances led to the Cowboys finishing second-last defensively. With the defense not being at its best, the franchise could use its draft picks on safeties. However, they have barely ever used top draft picks on safeties.

Roy Williams was the most recent safety the Cowboys spent their first draft pick on. Surprisingly, “most recent” indicates the 2002 NFL Draft. He was regarded as the “Superman,” an Oklahoma product. Williams instantly became a standout and run-stopping safety with a deadly combination of speed, strength, and playmaking abilities.

As a result, the Cowboys were willing to spend their draft pick on him, following consecutive 5-11 seasons. The Cowboys’ owner, Jerry Jones, paired him up with veteran safety Darren Woodson, who was also a draft pick from 1992. Although undersized, Woodson’s 4.38-4.4 second 40-yard dash and hard-hitting play style made him a pillar of the defense. He became a genuine star in Dallas, winning three Super Bowls, three All-Pro honors, and becoming the franchise’s all-time tackles leader with 1,350.

A similar situation is taking place in Dallas. It could make Jones use that draft pick on a safety, hoping to bring them back to the playoffs. The Seahawks drafted Nick Emmanwori with their second-round pick in 2025. He proved to be a great investment, as he played a crucial role in bringing the Super Bowl back to Seattle. While safety seems to be a real concern for the Cowboys, they are now eyeing an All-Pro edge rusher to rejuvenate the defense.

Dallas could be Maxx Crosby’s next destination

The Cowboys’ ending the 2025 season with a poor defensive performance doesn’t come as a surprise, considering they let go of Micah Parsons last season. Parsons was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. And now, former NFL player Jason McCourty has shared a potential trade deal between the Raiders and Cowboys.

“If I’m the Raiders, why not go out and trade Maxx Crosby to the Dallas Cowboys?” asked Jason McCourty. “You franchise tag George Pickens, you don’t work on a long-term deal. You trade him to the Raiders, get Crosby in exchange.

“Now you just beefed up your defensive line. New coordinator coming over. Maxx Crosby is going to make everybody on the defensive side of the ball better, and of top of that, have you watched the way Maxx Crosby plays the game of football? He plays every single play of the game.”

Top Stories

Cowboys Lose Defensive Player to Bears as Jerry Jones’ Defensive Woes Continue

Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift’s Wedding Plans Reportedly Confirmed Amid Chiefs TE Returns for 14th Season

NFL Looking to Address Troy Aikman’s Role With Dolphins Amid ESPN Conflict of Interest – Report

Mark Davis Clarifies Position on Selling Raiders as NFL Prepares to Vote on Succession Contingency Plan

ESPN Relieves Troy Aikman’s Colleague From Hosting Duties After 9 Years, Makes Decision on Her Future

The interesting thing about the trade is that Crosby is unhappy with the Raiders. They sat him out during the last two games of the season. Reportedly, the pass rusher, even told Tom Brady that he would leave Las Vegas.

“He told Tom Brady he will never play for the Raiders again. That’s a fact. He told them he’ll retire before he ever plays for them again.”

While there is also a possibility that George Pickens could demand a $140 million contract. His deal expires on March 11, 2026. He has been exceptional, recording 9 touchdowns and 1,429 yards in 98 receptions. However, the contract negotiations could be a problem, considering the Cowboys are already $30 million over the cap. Letting go of Pickens can hurt them offensively. But the likes of KaVontae Turpin and CeeDee Lamb can potentially fill up that gap. But defense is an area where Jones cannot afford to make a gamble.

Free agency is a month away, while the draft is two months away. It will be interesting to see how the franchise uses them to its benefit.