FRISCO, Texas — Little to no time was wasted by the Dallas Cowboys once legal tampering got underway to begin the 2026 NFL free agency spree. Their trade to acquire pass rusher Rashan Gary was followed by the signing of veteran safety Jalen Thompson, the latter move flying under the radar, contextually speaking.
Granted, Thompson was awarded a three-year deal that instantly makes him the starter opposite Malik Hooker, but there are layers to the signing that don't immediately meet the eye — a super-versatile defensive back that will likely play different roles depending on the called play.
"I see myself playing slot, deep, strong, free — wherever they need me," Thompson said of his abilities and the Cowboys' expectations of him. "I've got tape that shows it and I'm ready to get it going, bro."
It's something the 27-year-old mentioned previously, after signing his sparkling new contract his Dallas, and he's hellbent on following through on that promise for Christian Parker, but also for Derrick Ansley, Robert Muschamp and, of course, Ryan Smith, whom Thompson spent several seasons with the Arizona Cardinals learning from.
"[Smith being in Dallas] played a big role in my decision," said Thompson. "Smitty is definitely a player's coach. He's a coach that puts the team and the players before himself. He knows how to coach really well. Knowing that a guy like that is over here with an organization like this, it made the decision that much easier for me.
"… He is excited for me. The past three years were down years for us, so we're ready to step it up and hopefully get to that Super Bowl."
That is a tall task for a new-look Cowboys' defense looking to exorcise the demons of its predecessors that, as recently as the historically bad showing in 2025, struggled with everything from quality of play to scheme to communication issues that cost them almost quarterly in every game.
Revered as one of the more cerebral and high IQ players in the league, Thompson hangs his helmet on his ability to be a field general — something the Cowboys failed to identify last season.
"Coming into the league, that was the biggest thing for me: being vocal as a safety, making sure everyone knew where to go and where to be aligned," Thompson said. "My job, as a safety, is to know everybody's job on the football field. With me bringing that to the team, we can only elevate and go up from there."
And up is exactly where the Cowboys must go, and quickly, as they look to capitalize on the open window being afforded by All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott and one of the best offenses in the league, but Thompson is optimistic about the outlook.
He believes the free agency moves already made and the draft moves to come will "make our team so much better" by way of the position versatility being acquired by Parker and his staff, amongst other things — namely, family.
"I got a chance to go meet the coaches and see the facility. It gave me that family feel," he said. "That's kinda what I feel like I've been missing the past seven years of my NFL career."
Looking to make his eighth year the best one so far, Thompson has already hit the ground running in picking Parker's brain with the assistance of Smith, and the rest of his story in Dallas will be told in due time.
