The Dallas Cowboys could lose free agent safety Donovan Wilson this offseason despite the team bargain shopping in free agency. According to a few sources, there’s reason to believe the Cowboys aren’t bringing back Wilson after giving Markquese Bell a new contract. Originally selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Texas A&M product made $24 million across his six years with the Cowboys but he’s coming off a down season. Wilson hasn’t been the same since stepping into the safety position as the starter alongside Malik Hooker so this could be the offseason that will likely see the veteran head elsewhere.
Bell is signing a three-year, $9 million dollar deal which is surprising given that he’s been more of a backup for the secondary unit. It seems like the Cowboys are going to emerge him as the starter but he’s been establishing himself as an important piece for the team even though Bell is more of a special-teams player. Wilson will count more than $8 million against the cap and that number is significant when he hasn’t been producing as much as the defense was expecting. After the hiring of Matt Eberflus for defensive coordinator, it shouldn’t be surprising if the Cowboys decide to part ways with Wilson and these five teams could take a chance as a backup depth.
Breaking: Cowboys Could Lose Free Agent Donovan Wilson Despite Bargain Spending
Possible Next Teams
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are on a bargain hunt as well despite finding a way to sign safety Justin Reid. He now pairs with Tyrann Mathieu who restructured his deal to make the signing happen but they could use some solid depth. Donovan Wilson won’t start but he could register a few tackles to keep the safety intact.
Kansas City Chiefs
For the Chiefs, the team needs any type of safety after losing Reid to pair with Bryan Cook. Last offseason was a brutal one for the secondary unit after trading away L’Jarius Sneed but the Chiefs don’t have big-time money to spend. Perhaps, they could bring in Wilson on a one-year and see how he performs as a backup.
Baltimore Ravens
Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington will likely become the new starters for the Ravens’ safety unit. Free Agent Marcus Williams lost his job to Washington last season but the Ravens could use the depth themselves too. Baltimore may cut or restructure Marlon Humphrey’s contract so that should give them room to sign a guy like Wilson.
Washington Commanders
The same case can be said about the Washington Commanders. Safety Quan Martin is a durable athlete who has plenty of years ahead of him and with signing Will Harris, they could use some depth in Donovan Wilson. Head Coach Dan Quinn is no stranger to getting former Cowboys on the team. Quinn could sign Wilson as a reliable depth piece if Noah Igbinoghene doesn’t return.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have been playing it smartly by ear signing a few free agents on a bargain this offseason. However, they need a replacement for Derwin James Jr. if they don’t plan to bring him back. Alohi Gilman needs a solid opposite of him and even though Wilson won’t start, he could have some bright spots.