By Blessing 
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to head out to Oxnard, California, for training camp on July 21, the team is entering a new chapter under offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. With less than a month to go, the excitement is building — and so is the pressure. As part of an in-depth look at the Cowboys’ roster, let’s dive into the safety position — a spot that could see significant changes before the 53-man roster is finalized in late August.
Over the past few years, the Cowboys have enjoyed relative stability at safety. But that consistency might soon face a shake-up, thanks to emerging young talent and looming contract decisions. With a blend of proven veterans and ambitious newcomers, the safety room may soon look very different.
Locked In: The Safe Safeties
- Malik Hooker, Juanyeh Thomas, Markquese Bell
With Matt Eberflus stepping in as the new defensive coordinator, Malik Hooker finds himself in familiar territory. Eberflus and Hooker worked together during their time in Indianapolis from 2018 to 2020, and it was Eberflus who helped solidify Hooker’s place as a starting safety in the NFL. Now, reunited in Dallas, Hooker is virtually a lock for the free safety role — his spot on the roster is as secure as it gets with two years left on his current contract.
The strong safety position, however, is a bit more open. Both Juanyeh Thomas and Markquese Bell have earned their stripes, not just as defenders, but as special teams standouts. That hard work could pay off in a big way during camp. Thomas, now entering a contract year, has extra motivation to shine, while Bell recently secured his place in Dallas with a fresh three-year deal. If either player excels during camp, a starting role could be theirs.
Fighting for a Spot: On the Bubble
- Donovan Wilson, Alijah Clark
Veteran safety Donovan Wilson finds himself in an unfamiliar position — on the bubble. A six-year mainstay in the Cowboys’ secondary, Wilson is entering a contract year, and younger players are creeping up fast. The Cowboys could save a hefty $7 million in cap space by moving on from Wilson before the season. And with offseason knee surgery sidelining him for much of OTAs and minicamp, he’ll need to make a strong, immediate impression when camp begins to fend off the competition.
One of those competitors is rookie Alijah Clark, who joined the Cowboys after making a name for himself as a fierce tackler at Syracuse. Clark, an undrafted free agent, already flashed potential during minicamp while Wilson was out. He’s also part of a growing trend: in each of the past three seasons, the undrafted rookie who received the highest guarantee at signing made the final roster — a group that includes names like Markquese Bell and Hunter Luepke. Clark could very well be next.
Long Shots: Work to Do
- Mike Smith, Zion Childress
No other position group on the Cowboys saw as much undrafted free agent activity as the safety room. Among the newcomers hoping to carve out a future in Dallas are Mike Smith and Zion Childress.
Childress, who played college ball at Kentucky, was known for his versatility in the secondary and could even get looks at cornerback during camp. His ability to adapt may be key to sticking around. Meanwhile, Smith brings a hard-nosed tackling style from Eastern Kentucky and hopes that will be enough to earn a spot — even if it’s on the practice squad to start.
With so much movement and uncertainty at the safety position, training camp could be the stage for a surprise roster shake-up. Whether it’s a veteran holding on or a rookie making waves, the safety battle in Oxnard is one to watch closely.