Cowboys News
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The Cowboys love seeing the Eagles lose players.
The Dallas Cowboys were unable to poach a rival pass rusher as all signs pointed to the Philadelphia Eagles re-signing one of their stars. While Dallas was unable to land Jaelan Phillips, the star defender spurned the Eagles to agree to terms on a massive new $120 million contract with the Carolina Panthers in a surprising move.
Dallas had been linked to Phillips prior to the veteran joining Carolina. The Athletic’s Jon Machota reported that Phillips’ market surpassed what the Cowboys were willing to spend while adding that the pass rusher leaving the division is a nice consolation prize for Dallas.
“The Cowboys were never paying that,” Machota said of Phillips’ new deal in a March 9, 2026, message on X. “But they have to be pleased that he’s not re-signing with the Eagles.”
All this comes as The Athletic’s Dianna Russini revealed one of the more surprising moves to start NFL free agency.
“The Carolina Panthers are signing former Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Jaelan Phillips, sources tell The Athletic,” Russini noted in a March 9, message on X. “It’s a four-year, $120 million deal.Dan Morgan makes a splash at a position of need for Carolina.”
Let’s dive into the latest Cowboys rumors.
Cowboys Rumors: Dallas Linked to More Trades Amid NFL Free Agency
Free agency began on Monday, March 9, but the Cowboys are proving that signing veteran players is not the only way to improve the roster. On the first day of free agency, Dallas surprised by striking another trade with the Green Bay Packers for Rashan Gary.
Additional moves could be on the way, but the Cowboys struck out on landing either Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. Dean leaving Philly was another blow for the Eagles, even if he did not land in Big D.
The Cowboys could explore a deal for Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen, per Machota.
“Expect the trading to continue,” Machota wrote in a March 10, story titled, “Cowboys fill 2 important defensive needs, but more work remains.” “Inside linebacker is another top need. The Cowboys had interest in free agents Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, but both agreed to deals with the Las Vegas Raiders.
“Rumors have been swirling about Dallas potentially having interest in a veteran linebacker such as Pittsburgh’s Patrick Queen. The cornerback position also needs to be addressed.”
The Cowboys Traded for Rashan Gary & Signed Jalen Thompson
The Cowboys have traditionally been quiet at the start of NFL free agency. Dallas appears to be taking a new approach to building the team’s roster this offseason.
Lost in the move for Gary was the signing of former Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson. It is no surprise that the Cowboys are beginning the offseason with a heavy focus on defense given the unit’s struggles in 2025.
“The Cowboys made their first splash free agent agreement since adding cornerback Brandon Carr on a five-year, $50 million deal in 2012,” ESPN’s Todd Archer detailed in a March 10, article titled, “Cowboys 2026 free agency tracker: Offseason moves, signings.” “Thompson fills a major need in the secondary for the Cowboys. He has been a full-time starter the past five seasons with Arizona with nine career interceptions.
“He can fill multiple roles for new coordinator Christian Parker and has familiarity on the coaching staff with new corners coach Ryan Smith. The Cowboys need a communicator in the secondary, and Thompson can make sure everybody is on the same page. He is young — turning 28 in July — but has the experience to help a secondary grow.”