The Dallas Cowboys are on the move this off-season, making strategic additions to their roster with the goal of closing the talent gap with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Super Bowl LIX champions. New defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has been vocal about the need for more talent on the team's defensive line. "It's about getting the depth there we need," stated Eberflus earlier this offseason. "We've had some free agents leave us over the last couple of years, but there are really some good pieces there to work from. It's exciting to look at the future in terms of drafting and acquiring special talent guys, and we're excited to get it done."
Prior to the legal tampering period commencing on March 10, 2025, the Cowboys re-signed defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and undrafted free agent Tyrus Wheat. The big news came just one day later, on March 11, when the Cowboys agreed to terms with former New York Jets defensive tackle Solomon Thomas. The deal is structured as a two-year contract with a maximum value of $8 million, providing Dallas with the high-end talent it desperately needs on the defensive front.
At 29 years old, Thomas was the third overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. He brings considerable experience to the Cowboys, having amassed 8.5 sacks since 2023, making him fourth on the Jets' defensive front. Only Will McDonald IV, All-Pro Quinnen Williams, and Bryce Huff surpassed him during the same timeframe. Thomas, who attended Coppell High School—located just over 15 miles from the Cowboys' practice facility—returns to his roots and is expected to provide reliable depth alongside Odighizuwa and 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith.
Thomas's signing signals the first significant move by Dallas to address their defensive concerns through external free agency. The team recognized the need to shore up their interior defensive line, where they’ve been deemed thin. Thomas played the last three seasons with the Jets and had been quite successful, showcasing his prowess with minimal absences—missing just one game during his tenure there.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Cowboys are also making headlines by re-signing standout kick returner KaVontae Turpin to a lucrative contract. Turpin, who showed his skills by returning both a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns last season, has lands himself an $18 million, three-year deal. This substantial agreement designates Turpin as the highest-paid special teams player in NFL history.
The official announcement about Turpin’s contract came on March 11, the same day as the Thomas signing. Having joined the Cowboys in 2022 after turning heads in the USFL, Turpin's dynamic playing style has earned him steady involvement within Dallas's receiving corps. He had three touchdown receptions and even contributed with rushing plays, tallying up to 420 receiving yards with two TDs last season. His explosive skill set makes him an invaluable asset to the team's special teams and offense.
Turning back to the defensive side, Solomon Thomas becomes the first significant external addition aimed at fortifying the Cowboys' defensive lineup. Odighizuwa, who has been with the team since being drafted as the 2021 third-round pick, has also been retained, signing to an $80 million, four-year contract. This retention highlights the Cowboys' confidence in his abilities to anchor their defense. Alongside Thomas and Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith stands as the only other returning interior defensive lineman with NFL experience, adding to the sense of urgency the Cowboys face as they aim for greater competitiveness.
Dallas's proactive approach to team-building this offseason indicates strong determination to rebound and mount serious challenges for the 2025 NFL season. With Eberflus at the helm, the Cowboys are not only focused on enhancing their existing talent pool but also on strategically selecting new players who can make immediate impacts. The team is expected to continue bolstering its roster through both the draft and free agency.
These offseason moves reflect the Cowboys’ confidence and ambition, positioning them closer to rivaling elite teams such as the reigning champions, Philadelphia Eagles. With significant signings like Solomon Thomas and the retention of explosive talents like KaVontae Turpin, Dallas firmly establishes its intentions as it approaches the new season. The combination of fresh faces and familiar talent may finally turn the tides for the Cowboys, providing fans with renewed hope for success on the gridiron.