The Dallas Cowboys are going to be in the market for free agent defenders in a few weeks. And while everyone would like to see them chase the big-names on the market like Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips, that probably isn’t that realistic given the historical trends of this front office.
However, we should expect them to be more active than in previous years. So, who are some under-the-radar free agents that Christian Parker might be interested in this offseason? And who could be had during the third and fourth waves of free agency that could drastically change the outlook of the defense for Dallas?
Here are several free-agent options to keep an eye on over the next month:
4 affordable free agents the Dallas Cowboys could pursue
Kyle Van Noy, EDGE, Baltimore Ravens
Van Noy will turn 35 this offseason, and he’s at the stage of his career where he needs to be a part-time player. However, he’s at his best as a 3-4 EDGE rusher who can drop into coverage and be stout against the run. He’s still one of the better run defenders in the league, and even at his advanced age, can provide value to the right defense.
The Cowboys need more pass rushers who can affect the quarterback, but they also need players who can play in space and can drop into zones. Van Noy should be a No. 4 or No. 5 EDGE rusher at this stage of his career, and he could provide value on a cheap one-year deal.
Projected contract via PFF: 1 year, $3.5 million
Ar’Darius Washington, S, Baltimore Ravens
Washington tore his Achilles during the 2025 offseason, but he somehow made it back to the field late in the season for the Ravens. An undersized safety, Washington’s best snaps came as a slot defender in 2024, but he has played all over the field for the Ravens.
He can also be utilized as a deep free safety and should be close to 100 percent healthy by the 2026 season. He’s only 26 years old and might be a tad overmatched as a starter, but he’s a functional defensive back who can provide versatility and playmaking at a small price. And for a defense that needs more quality players, Washington could prove to be a big value.
Projected contract via PFF: 1 year, $4 million
Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Cincinnati Bengals
If the Cowboys are looking to buy low on a cornerback, Cam Taylor-Britt might be the best value option on the market. He was a good starting cornerback during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, but was benched for the majority of the 2025 season in Cincinnati.
Taylor-Britt has the arm length (31.5 inches) that the Cowboys want in an outside cornerback, and while he’s not someone who is expected to be a Day 1 starter, he could provide some insurance on Shavon Revel in case he doesn’t take a step forward in 2026. A change of scenery might do Taylor-Britt well.
Projected contract via PFF: 1 year, $3.5 million
Leo Chenal, LB, Kansas City Chiefs
The expectation is that the Cowboys will add a veteran linebacker at some point in free agency, and Nakobe Dean seems like an easy fit. But his market might be too expensive, and that could force Dallas to look elsewhere.
Chenal has been a part-time player in Kansas City over the last three seasons and has played well anytime that he’s on the field. While he’s more of a downhill player than a coverage linebacker, there are some similarities to Zack Baun, who turned out to be an All-Pro player in Vic Fangio’s defense. Chenal is only 25 years old and will want a starting job this year, and the Cowboys could be the perfect landing spot.
Projected contract via PFF: 2 years, $6 million