Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson. Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys re-sign safety Donovan Wilson to three-year deal

The Cowboys finally made a move in free agency, and it keeps their defensive foundation intact. 

Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Dallas agreed to re-sign safety Donovan Wilson to a three-year deal worth up to $24M with the first two years fully guaranteed ($13.5M). 

Wilson led Dallas in tackles last season with 101. Also, according to ESPN's Todd Archer, he  led NFL defensive backs in sacks with five.  

Retaining the 28-year-old was crucial because the defense relied on depth at safety provided by Wilson, Malik Hooker and Jayron Kearse. 

Former Cowboy safety Darren Woodson, a three-time Super Bowl champ with Dallas, recently praised the group. 

"This is the best safety group I've seen this team have," Woodson said.

The signing is a big win for Dallas, which led the NFL in takeaways (33) for a second consecutive season and ranked sixth in points allowed in 2022.

It could signal the Cowboys plan to retain players they have drafted and developed, including free-agent linebacker Leighton Vander Esch.

The former Pro Bowler has not agreed to re-sign and could have other offers. Vander Esch was second in tackles (90) on the team last season --production Dallas needs in 2023.

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