Despite a massive contract and "bust" predictions, Jalen Thompson’s elite tackling and positional versatility could finally stabilize a Dallas secondary long criticized for its inconsistent fundamentals.
When Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys inked free-agent safety Jalen Thompson to a three-year, $33 million contract back in March, the 27-year-old became the franchise's most expensive external free-agent signing since Brandon Carr.
For context ... Carr arrived in Dallas in 2012, meaning the Cowboys hadn't invested that kind of money in a player from outside the organization in nearly a decade and a half.
Thompson will go from playing opposite star safety Budda Baker in Arizona to sharing the field with Malik Hooker and (occasionally) versatile rookie Caleb Downs on the back end.
For a Dallas fanbase that watched a 2025 secondary featuring Donovan Wilson, Markquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas — Thompson's arrival is a welcome one. ... Especially given the Cowboys' lack of a desire to invest in the safety position over the years.
The seven-year veteran has the opportunity to be a legitimate difference-maker for rookie defensive coordinator Christian Parker's group in 2026, but not everyone is sold on that premise.
Bleacher Report's Moe Molton predicted Thompson would be Dallas' "biggest bust" next season, citing his lack of "playmaking consistency" and noting that the DB hasn't recorded an interception since the 2023 campaign.
But the Cowboys didn't target Thompson to be just a takeaway machine. Nor did they do so because he stuffed the stat sheet.
It was his versatility in Arizona that attracted Parker. While Baker made the flashy plays, Thompson was moved all around the field, covering tight ends, playing in the slot and was even frequently utilized as a blitzer.
But there is one statistical category Molton failed to mention — and it may be more important than interceptions in Parker's defense.
Ironically, it's also the category in which Thompson excelled.
As any avid Dallas watcher knows, tackling has been an issue in the secondary for years.
In 2025, Thompson recorded a career-high 95 tackles, which, unsurprisingly, would've led all Cowboys defenders last season.
But that's not the only flawed aspect of the argument.
Molton also highlighted the 102.3 passer rating Thompson allowed as a cause for concern.
The problem with that justification?
Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, widely considered the best at his position in the NFL, surrendered a 98.6 passer rating last season.
So a difference of 3.7 is enough to differentiate between a two-time First-Team All-Pro and a "bust?"
Not likely.
Jerry didn't sign Thompson to be Ed Reed. That's what he drafted Caleb Downs for.
Jerry signed him to stabilize the backend of its defense, tackle reliably in space and give Parker the flexibility to move pieces around the formation.
If he does those things, the Cowboys won't care how many interceptions he records.
