Ironically, as we conclude our 2025 roster bubble series, we might not even have one at the end. Perhaps the simplest position to forecast who will and won’t make the roster for the Dallas Cowboys this season is safety. This does not imply that surprises are impossible, but it does imply that one of our veterans could have to take a significant hit in order to create way for one of the prospects.
We are certain that Markquese Bell, Juanyeh Thomas, and Malik Hooker will make the squad. As a bridge player to assist his teammates in adjusting to their new defensive coordinator, Hooker has not only emerged as one of the Cowboys’ most underappreciated players. From 2018 until 2020, Hooker played for Matt Eberflus, despite having numerous injury problems throughout that time. Despite not being a superstar, Hooker is a reliable starter, and his presence this season might be more important than ever.
Thomas, who has been an intriguing backup for the past two years, could soon be starting for Dallas. Due to his ineligibility for unrestricted free agency until 2027, he is also inexpensive. He has a genuine chance to compete for the starting position, but he would provide outstanding depth this season, securing his spot on the squad. Compared to Donovan Wilson, Thomas is more athletic and capable of providing coverage, which is significant for Eberflus’s two-high safety philosophy.
The franchise probably has a plan for Bell at least through 2025, as he recently signed a new three-year contract to stay in Dallas. Bell could have been retained by the Cowboys with a one-year restricted free agent contract. Bell is a versatile player with experience on defense and special teams, as well as some favorable flex from his one season at linebacker.
Wilson and Israel Mukuamu will undoubtedly be in the team as well, but these are the only players we’re willing to proclaim locks. Dallas would likely only carry five safeties, so that would give you that many. However, given the predictable likelihood that one or both of these veterans will not survive, let’s take a closer look at them and some of the men who might steal their jobs.
Donovan Wilson
Wilson might find it difficult to defeat Thomas for the starting position, as was previously suggested. He could do more work near the line of scrimmage, where his hard-hitting approach was most effective, and was a better fit in Mike Zimmer’s and Dan Quinn’s defenses. Playmaking has always been Wilson’s approach of compensating for coverage liability, and with Eberflus, that might be more difficult. By selling him or releasing him, the Cowboys may also free up almost $7 million in cap space. Some people were surprised that he wasn’t a cap casualty in March of last year, so this wouldn’t be an unexpected development.
Israel Mukuamu
Although Mukuamu is still officially designated as a safety, his adaptability as a cornerback option may be more important to his job security. Since Josh Butler, Shavon Revel, and Trevon Diggs are all at best doubtful for Week 1, the fact that he has been getting work there thus far this offseason may prove crucial. Despite signing a very meager one-year contract to return to Dallas this season, Mukuamu’s flexibility and experience will make him difficult to replace.
Alijah Clark
Clark is currently the front-runner to sneak into the roster after Dallas made him their highest-paid UDFA. Given Jourdan Lewis’ departure and other CB injury concerns, Clark provides position versatility as a safety and slot corner, the latter of which is crucial at the moment. To get past one of the veterans, he will need to do much more than just make noise in the spring camps thus far. He probably has the best chance if Mukuamu becomes a full-time cornerback.
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