Donovan Wilson’s tenure with the Dallas Cowboys is poised to conclude after the 2025 NFL season, and due to financial and strategic factors this could be his final year playing with the star on his helmet.
Washington Commanders v Dallas Cowboys Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
In 2023, Wilson inked a three-year contract extension worth $21 million, that contract is set to conclude at the end of the 2025 season. The deal included a $6.5 million base salary for 2025, but nearly all his guaranteed funds have already been disbursed, allowing the team to release him with only $3 million in dead money penalties. But to release him this season wouldn’t be a smart move since Wilson does have something still to offer as a good box safety. Given the Cowboys’ efforts to manage their salary cap effectively with Micah Parsons and a number of other key players set for free agency in 2026, Wilson’s potential contract extension cost makes him more of a candidate for non-renewal in 2026 as opposed to early release.
Potential #Cowboys Contract Extension Candidates
CB DaRon Bland
TE Jake Ferguson
DE Micah Parsons
WR George Pickens
G Tyler Smith
WR Jalen Tolbert
S Donovan Wilson
— Spotrac (@spotrac) May 7, 2025
The Cowboys are focusing a lot on nurturing younger safeties like Markquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas, both of whom have demonstrated potential and may soon step into more prominent positions within the secondary. Bell recently signed a three-year contract extension which is a huge indication the organization has confidence in his abilities and potential as a long-term solution at the safety position. As for Thomas, the Cowboys picked up his contract option, he was an exclusive rights free agent this offseason. Both moves are telling in what the front office are thinking for the future at the safety position.
The Cowboys appear to be embracing a strategy focused on youth and cost-effectiveness, aiming to build a roster that balances talent with financial sustainability. While Wilson has been a valuable contributor to the Cowboys’ defense, his performance has seen wild fluctuations, and he has dealt with injuries that has limited his availability in recent time. These factors will lean heavily in Jerry Jones’ valuation for Wilson’s future role relative to cost. For now, based on everything we’ve seen from the front office, they seem to be transitioning from the veteran safeties to younger, more affordable options who can develop within the team’s system. That means Wilson’s end with Dallas could be coming after the conclusion of the 2025 season.