Cowboys Make $36 Million Decision Hours After Rashan Gary News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Mohammad Asif Ansari | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 9:06 PM ET

Dallas and its defense embrace a spectacular aspect of change to excel in the upcoming season. The franchise, valued at $13 billion (per Forbes), procured Rashan Gary and signed Jalen Thompson to a three-year, $36 million contract. Thompson is the first prominent free agent to procure over $6 million annually since 2020.

Coach Ryan Smith and Thompson share an amiable history from Arizona. NFL Network reporter Jane Slater said the team considered Thompson a sophisticated asset for a long time.

“They get a 27-year-old who I was told a lot of people in the building have enjoyed his tape when they were doing some of the crossover studies, saying that they thought he was under-evaluated,” said Slater. “I was told he's single, high off the hash, he doesn't get fooled, tackles well, he can play underneath as a robber.”

What’s to like about new Dallas #Cowboys S Jalen Thompson?

A lot when I reached out to a number of people in the building. pic.twitter.com/ZflSiyJPDb
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) March 9, 2026

Pass rush consultant Brandon Jordan will provide assistance to Gary to excel as he strives to set the edge and propel the rush. Gary joins a line that features Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams. At the same time, Coach Christian Parker devised a multiple-tactic to trigger a jolt against the offense. His 3-4 scheme will consolidate power to ensure the defense can prevail against the run and affect the quarterback.

“If you look at last year, they went into this thing with a vision, but they didn't have a lot of guys that were readily available,” Slater added. “I mean, look at [Trevon] Diggs and some of the other guys they had to wait for. So, that was tricky. That's why I think they're staying away from guys that they have concerns with as it relates to injury.”

Dallas retained its elite draft picks, 12th and 20th overall. The team also procured Javonte Williams to replenish the offense at a reasonable cost.

On the whole, the Dallas Cowboys view these changes as a spectacular opportunity to prevail.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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