Cowboys Free Agency Watch: 3 Safeties Who Can Step In Today

Safeties Inconsistencies

The Dallas Cowboys’ safeties have been one of the most inconsistent units in football this season.

Missed tackles, late rotations, and blown coverages have repeatedly cost Dallas in critical moments — an unsettling trend for a defense that once prided itself on speed and discipline.

As the playoff push approaches, the Cowboys may need outside help to stabilize the back end, and the free-agent market offers several proven options.

Three veteran safeties — George Odum, Marcus Maye, and John Johnson III — all remain unsigned and could make an immediate impact in Dallas.

Each brings unique value: Odum offers toughness and special-teams leadership, Maye provides steady starting experience, and Johnson combines intelligence with a history of top-tier playmaking.

George Odum: The Special-Teams Leader With Defensive Value

A former All-Pro special-teams standout, George Odum built his reputation through effort and adaptability — two traits the Cowboys could use immediately.

According to Sharp Football Analysis, Odum ranks among the best remaining free agents on the market, and his 69.8 run-defense grade from PFF proves he can still contribute defensively as well.

During his stint with San Francisco, Odum emerged as a locker-room leader and reliable role player.

He’s not a coverage specialist, but his range, communication skills, and physicality make him a valuable rotational safety. His special-teams excellence also fills an underrated need for Dallas, whose coverage units have lacked consistency all year.

If the Cowboys want a veteran who brings energy, leadership, and versatility, Odum would be a low-risk signing with high culture value.

Even coming off an elbow injury that ended his 2024 season, his toughness and mentality fit perfectly with what Dallas preaches on defense.

Marcus Maye: The Smart, Experienced Starter

Once a second-round pick by the Jets, Marcus Maye has long been one of the most reliable veteran safeties in the league when healthy.

In his peak seasons, Maye showcased excellent range in coverage and strong tackling ability in run support. He’s a physical, intelligent defender who rarely finds himself out of position.

According to PFF, Maye earned a 72.9 overall grade in his last full season, showing solid balance between coverage and physicality.

Recently, he worked out for the Los Angeles Chargers — proof that teams still view him as a starter-caliber safety (CBS Sports).

His football IQ and ability to read quarterbacks could be a stabilizing force for a Dallas defense that’s struggled with communication breakdowns in zone coverage.

If signed, Maye could step in immediately as a veteran leader on the back end. He has enough range to play deep safety but is also capable of sliding into the box against heavier formations.

While age and durability are mild concerns, his experience would give the Cowboys an instant upgrade in reliability and awareness.

John Johnson III: The Veteran Playmaker With Leadership Qualities

Among all available safeties, John Johnson III might offer the most complete package of leadership, intelligence, and production.

Over the course of his career with the Rams and Browns, Johnson has recorded more than 560 tackles and 15 interceptions, establishing himself as a cerebral, high-IQ defensive back capable of anchoring a secondary.

A recent Sports Illustrated feature emphasized Johnson’s “coach-on-the-field” presence — a quality that could transform a Cowboys defense currently lacking a vocal leader in the secondary.

In multiple seasons, he’s graded above 80.0 overall by PFF, showing he can deliver both consistency and big-play ability when healthy.

For Dallas, Johnson would be more than a stopgap; he’d be a tone-setter. His ability to line up teammates, diagnose plays pre-snap, and communicate effectively would bring much-needed cohesion to a defense that’s occasionally looked disjointed.

At 29 years old, he still has enough athleticism to play either safety spot, and his experience in both man and zone coverage would give defensive coaches flexibility to disguise looks.

Which of these Safeties Makes the Most Sense for Dallas?

Each of these free agent safeties fills a different need.

• Odum represents a dependable veteran who elevates special-teams play while offering spot-start potential.
• Maye is a battle-tested starter with proven range and instincts.
• Johnson provides leadership and a complete skill set that could solidify the defense long-term.

If the Cowboys prioritize immediate impact and locker-room leadership, John Johnson III should top the list.

If they prefer a cost-efficient, rotational player who can contribute on special teams, George Odum is the logical fit.

If Dallas wants a veteran starter capable of steady play across all downs, Marcus Maye provides the safest middle ground.

For a franchise built to win now, ignoring the available experience in free agency would be a mistake. Signing one of these veteran safeties could be the spark the Cowboys need to tighten their defense and stay competitive down the stretch.