Hooker's restructure locks up safety position?
11:08 a.m. -- Most of the position on defense, aside from defensive tackle, have been up in the air as we enter free agency and safety was right at the top.
After one full day of free agency, the safety spot looks more clear now. Not only did the Cowboys agree on a deal with veteran Jalen Thompson on Monday, but they also made another surprising move and reworked the deal of Malik Hooker.
Some thought Hooker could be a cap-casualty and get released to save more on the cap. Instead, the two sides worked out an agreement to keep Hooker on the roster and still save about $2 million on the cap. He's still counting about $6.5 million on the cap this year, which is the final year of his current deal.
For the Cowboys, they have a pair of veterans in Hooker, who turns 30 next months and Thompson, who will be 28 at the start of the season. Other safeties on the roster include Markquese Bell and Alijah Clark. The Cowboys have a pair of unrestricted free agents at safety in Donovan Wilson and Juanyeh Thomas, who have yet to sign or agree with any team.
With 4 UFA defensive ends, Williams first to agree
9:16 a.m. -- The Cowboys closed the first day of free agency much like it started - agreeing to land a pass rusher. Sam Williams will return to the Cowboys on a 1-year deal after agreeing to a contract late Monday night. He'll join Rashan Gary, who was traded to Dallas from Green Bay as one of the first moves Monday.
Williams, who will be 27 at the beginning of the 2026 season, was at the end of his rookie contract and now sticks with the Cowboys after playing in all 17 games for Dallas in 2025, starting five, and tallying 37 tackles, 7 tackles for loss and a sack.
He now gives the Cowboys five defensive end/pass rushers on the roster, along with Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, James Houston and Marist Liufau, who is being converted from inside linebacker to outside linebacker by Parker.
The Cowboys entered free agency with four defensive ends as UFA (unrestricted free agents) in Williams, Jadeveon Clowney, Peyton Turner and Dante Fowler.
