Cowboys Defender’s Job is in Jeopardy Heading into the NFL Draft

Cowboys Defender’s Job is in Jeopardy Heading into the NFL Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft rapidly approaches, whispers of change are growing louder inside the Dallas Cowboys’ camp. Among the stories swirling around the star-studded franchise, one stands out: a prominent Cowboys defender may be on the brink of losing his job. With Dallas reportedly eyeing defensive talent in the early rounds, speculation is mounting that a current starter could be replaced as the team seeks to overhaul a defense that faltered at critical moments last season.

A Defense in Need of Reinforcement

The 2024 season left a bitter taste in the mouths of Cowboys fans. After a promising start, the team’s postseason aspirations were once again crushed prematurely, with defensive lapses playing a significant role in their playoff exit. Although the Cowboys boast stars like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs, the unit was inconsistent down the stretch — particularly against high-powered offenses.

Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, known for his hard-nosed approach, returned to the NFL determined to toughen up the Cowboys’ D. Yet even under his direction, certain players did not meet expectations. Now, with the draft looming, Zimmer and head coach Mike McCarthy could be preparing to make major adjustments — beginning with key positions on defense.

The Player Under Fire

While the team hasn’t publicly identified any player on the chopping block, insiders point toward veteran defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa as a possible casualty. Though Odighizuwa has been a solid contributor since being drafted in the third round in 2021, his production plateaued in 2024. He struggled at times against the run and failed to generate consistent pressure up the middle — something Dallas desperately needs if it hopes to compete against elite quarterbacks in the NFC.

Another name that has come up is safety Jayron Kearse. At 30, Kearse brings leadership and physicality to the secondary, but the Cowboys may be seeking a younger, faster option at the position. Kearse is also a free agent, and while a short-term deal could bring him back, the Cowboys may be signaling a shift in philosophy by looking at top safeties in the draft.

Draft Clues Pointing to Change

All signs suggest the Cowboys are poised to target defense early in the draft. Multiple reports confirm that Dallas has hosted several defensive linemen and safeties during their pre-draft visits, including highly-rated prospects like Jer’Zhan Newton (Illinois), Byron Murphy II (Texas), and Kamren Kinchens (Miami). The presence of these players at The Star isn’t by chance — it reflects a potential desire to bring in immediate impact players.

Newton and Murphy, in particular, would be upgrades on the interior defensive line. Both are explosive athletes with strong motors and the ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. Adding either of them would likely push Odighizuwa down the depth chart or out of the rotation entirely.

At the safety position, Kinchens and others like Tyler Nubin (Minnesota) have been linked to Dallas. These prospects not only bring strong tackling and coverage skills but also youthful energy and long-term upside — the kind of traits that make teams rethink keeping older veterans around.

A Message to the Locker Room

Drafting a player at your position is always a clear message in the NFL — no job is safe. For a team like the Cowboys, whose window for Super Bowl contention is wide open yet fragile, that message is even louder. Dallas knows that complacency can be fatal, and they’ve shown a willingness in recent years to move on from long-time contributors when better options arise.

This shift is not just about stats; it’s about tone and culture. Zimmer wants toughness, speed, and execution — and if he doesn’t see that on film from current starters, he’ll demand new personnel. That mindset is influencing the front office as they prepare their draft board and weigh potential trades or cuts.

Financial Motivation

Salary cap concerns also loom over the team’s decisions. The Cowboys are heading into a critical offseason where they must make long-term decisions about contracts for CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, and Dak Prescott. Cutting or replacing veterans who carry significant cap hits could help create space for these deals.

Jayron Kearse, for example, would likely command $5–7 million per year on a new deal — money that could be better spent elsewhere if a rookie safety can provide similar output for a fraction of the cost. Even players like Dorance Armstrong, another defender whose role could be at risk, may be viewed as expendable if Dallas finds value on Day 2 or Day 3 of the draft.

The Bigger Picture

Dallas isn’t just tweaking the roster — they’re aiming for a defensive identity transformation. With the departure of former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to the Washington Commanders, the Cowboys are ushering in a more disciplined, aggressive scheme under Zimmer. That change could mean big roles for new rookies and reduced snaps or outright departures for those who don’t fit the mold.

This strategy isn’t without risk. Rookies, even top picks, take time to develop, and replacing experienced veterans can backfire if the young talent doesn’t translate quickly. However, the Cowboys appear willing to bet on the long game, trusting that new blood will inject life into a unit that has underperformed when it mattered most.

What’s Next?

All eyes will be on the Cowboys during the first two rounds of the draft. If they select a defensive lineman or safety with their first pick, the message will be clear: competition is coming, and current starters are on notice.

In particular, fans and analysts will be watching to see how Odighizuwa and Kearse respond. Will they embrace the challenge and elevate their play? Or will they become cap casualties or trade bait in the weeks following the draft?

Either way, one thing is certain — no one on this Dallas defense can afford to get comfortable. The team is hungry, the front office is active, and the NFL Draft may be the spark that ignites a major shakeup.

Final Thoughts

For years, the Cowboys have flirted with championship potential, only to fall short. This offseason, they appear more aggressive than ever in addressing their weaknesses — particularly on defense. The looming NFL Draft offers them a golden opportunity to reset the tone and lay the groundwork for a dominant unit.

And for at least one Cowboys defender, it could also signal the end of the line.