The NFL offseason is a period of uncertainty for many veteran players. And after the Dallas Cowboys’ 7-10 season, there are many who likely feel insecure about their roster spots.
As one Cowboys writer explains, a certain free-agent signing that Dallas made on Monday could spell doom for one seventh-year veteran.
Safety Donovan Wilson has been a reasonably productive player for the Cowboys over the last six seasons, totaling 13 sacks and six interceptions in 83 career games. But entering his age-30 season, Wilson might not be long for the Cowboys’ roster.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys re-signed 26-year-old safety Markquese Bell, who filled in at linebacker for several of Dallas’ games this past season, on a three-year, $9 million contract on Monday.
All of this prompted a strong reaction from Cowboys Wire’s Reid D. Hanson to speculate Monday that Wilson’s roster spot could be in jeopardy, thanks to the return of Bell and the possibility of adding another safety in the draft.
“Wilson is scheduled to count $8,650,000 against the salary cap in 2025. It’s a rather significant amount for an inconsistent performer,” wrote. “Releasing the 30-year-old safety will save $5,350,000 in cap space.”
“The retention of Bell on multiyear contract casts doubt on Wilson’s future with the Cowboys. The 2025 NFL draft is deep at the safety position so the stage might be set for Wilson’s departure.”
In the NFL, you have to make your case to keep your roster spot seemingly every day. Wilson may have strong career numbers, but the fact that he allowed a 130.0 passer rating in coverage this past season may already have the Cowboys looking elsewhere.
And if Dallas adds any other safety talent while the free-agent window remains open? That could be the final sign that Wilson’s time with Dallas is nearing a close.
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