Former New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard during an NFL game.
The Dallas Cowboys are adding a former New Orleans Saints starter to their defensive front.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on March 28 that Dallas is signing veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard to a one-year deal worth up to $2.5 million. For the Saints, this is not the loss of a centerpiece defender, but it does remove a veteran interior option who handled meaningful snaps and started six games in 2025.
Mike Garafolo
The #Cowboys are signing veteran DL Jonathan Bullard, per his agent Jon Perzley of @SPORTSTARSNYC.
Bullard is signing a one-year, $2.5M max deal on the day of his late grandmother Joyce’s birthday, which is fitting because he’s said she was a “hollering at the TV” Cowboys fan.
That distinction matters. Bullard was never brought to New Orleans to headline the pass rush. He was a depth addition who wound up giving the Saints a steady early-down presence, appearing in 15 games and finishing with 26 combined tackles, no sacks and two pass breakups. His exit is more about losing reliable trench depth than losing difference-making production.
Jonathan Bullard Was a Real Part of the Saints’ 2025 Rotation
The contract itself is modest, which tells the story. Dallas is not paying for a breakout disruptor here. The Cowboys are buying experience, durability and a player who has now started 59 games across his NFL career. Before arriving in New Orleans, Bullard had already logged 53 starts with the Bears, Cardinals, Seahawks, Falcons and Vikings; his six starts with the Saints pushed that total to 59.
Bullard’s 2025 box-score production with New Orleans was straightforward: 15 games, six starts, 26 combined tackles, zero sacks, two passes defended and no forced fumbles. Those numbers are not flashy, but they do reflect a player the Saints trusted to play a specific role inside.