In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys have reportedly decided to part ways with veteran safety Donovan Wilson, a key starter who has been with the team for six seasons. The decision, driven by the team’s need to address salary cap constraints, could free up significant financial resources as the Cowboys look to reshape their roster for the 2025 season.
A Tough Financial Decision
The Cowboys, projected to be $2.8 million over the salary cap heading into the offseason, have been forced to make difficult choices to create financial flexibility. Donovan Wilson, who signed a three-year, $21 million contract in 2023, emerged as a prime candidate for release. According to reports, cutting Wilson after June 1 would save the team over $8 million in cap space, though it would come with a $3.3 million dead cap hit. This move is seen as a strategic effort to allocate funds toward securing a long-term extension for superstar linebacker Micah Parsons, whose contract negotiations remain a top priority for the franchise.
Wilson, a sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has been a reliable presence in the Cowboys’ secondary, starting 47 games over the past three seasons. His physical, hard-hitting style and versatility as both a tackler and pass rusher made him a fan favorite and a critical part of the team’s defensive schemes under former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. However, his 2024 performance was underwhelming, with Pro Football Focus ranking him 97th among NFL safeties. Wilson allowed 31 receptions in coverage and posted a 141.6 passer rating against opposing quarterbacks, one of the worst marks among safeties league-wide.
A Crowded Secondary and Emerging Talent
The decision to cut Wilson is also influenced by the depth and youth in Dallas’ secondary. The Cowboys have recently signed extensions with younger, cost-effective safeties Markquese Bell, Juanyeh Thomas, and Israel Mukuamu, signaling a shift toward building around the next generation of defensive backs. These players, combined with veteran Malik Hooker, provide the team with a robust safety group that can absorb Wilson’s departure. Juanyeh Thomas, in particular, is expected to take on a larger role alongside Hooker, with additional depth likely to be added through the 2025 NFL Draft, which is noted for its strong safety class.
Wilson’s Legacy with the Cowboys
Wilson’s tenure with the Cowboys has been marked by notable highs. In 2022, he delivered a standout season, recording 101 tackles, five sacks, and an interception, earning him a three-year deal worth up to $24 million. His ability to generate pressure from the safety position was historic, as he became only the fourth defensive back since 1987 to record 100+ tackles and 5+ sacks in a single season. Despite injuries in 2021 and a calf strain that sidelined him for the start of the 2023 season, Wilson’s contributions on the field and his leadership in the locker room were undeniable.
However, the realities of the NFL’s salary cap era and the team’s strategic priorities have led to this unexpected move. Wilson’s release marks the end of a solid run for the 29-year-old, who now enters free agency with an opportunity to join a new team in need of his veteran presence and playmaking ability.
What’s Next for the Cowboys?
The Cowboys’ decision to cut Wilson underscores their focus on financial prudence and roster rejuvenation. With the savings from this move, the team is better positioned to negotiate a blockbuster extension for Micah Parsons, whose elite performance has made him one of the NFL’s premier defensive players. Additionally, the Cowboys are expected to explore other roster adjustments, including potential restructures or cuts involving players like Malik Hooker, whose $5.5 million base salary has also drawn scrutiny.
As the Cowboys prepare for training camp and the 2025 season, the secondary will be a focal point of interest. The combination of young talent and strategic draft additions could help Dallas maintain its defensive strength, even without Wilson. Meanwhile, the team’s front office will continue to navigate the delicate balance between financial constraints and on-field excellence, a challenge that defines the modern NFL.
A Bittersweet Farewell
For Cowboys fans, Wilson’s departure is a bittersweet moment. His hard-hitting style, memorable interceptions, and clutch plays—such as his diving interception against the Detroit Lions in 2023—will remain etched in the team’s history. As the Cowboys move forward, the focus will shift to how the team adapts to this change and whether the young safeties can fill the void left by Wilson’s exit.
The NFL offseason is never short on drama, and the Cowboys’ decision to cut Donovan Wilson is a reminder of the high-stakes decisions that shape the league. As the team looks to build a roster capable of contending for a championship, this move could prove to be a pivotal step in their journey.