It was hardly unexpected given how the unit performed in 2025, but the Dallas Cowboys have let numerous defensive players leave this offseason. Former second-round pick Sam Williams is the only player to re-sign thus far, and his contract details suggest he'll be a rotational player who may play more snaps on special teams than on defense.
Free agents still unsigned include safety Donovan Wilson, edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney and Dante Fowler, and linebacker Kenneth Murray.
By signing safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke, the Cowboys have subtly signaled that Donovan Wilson won’t be back, but the door isn't fully closed until he signs elsewhere.
Or maybe not, as Donovan Ezeiruaku revealed on Instagram that he's switching to No. 6 -- Wilson's old number -- after donning the No. 41 as a rookie (h/t Brandon Loree, Blogging The Boys).
The Dallas Cowboys have all but announced that Donovan Wilson won't be back
Cowboys fans can rejoice that Ezeiruaku has ditched No. 41, which is a wonky number for a pass rusher. No. 6 isn’t exactly natural either, but more edge defenders have embraced single-digit numbers since the NFL loosened its jersey rules. As long as Ezeiruaku produces, his No. 6 jersey will sell out at the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop inside AT&T Stadium.
As for Wilson, this news strongly hints that his Dallas tenure is over.
A sixth-round pick in 2019, Wilson is one of the team's longest-tenured players. In seven seasons, he started 75 games and made 98 total appearances. He's far from a perfect player, but Cowboys fans always appreciate his tone-setting physicality and the edge he brought from the safety position.
That aggression often got him into trouble, and he was often exposed in coverage, but during his prime, few safeties were better at dropping into the box to play the run or rush opposing quarterbacks.
Unfortunately, Wilson's effectiveness declined with age, and last season was one to forget. According to Pro Football Focus, Wilson allowed a 119.2 passer rating when targeted, and his eight allowed touchdowns were the most of any player (subscription required).
While some of his poor play can be attributed to Matt Eberflus playing him out of position as a deep-lying safety, Wilson didn’t do himself many favors in other roles, either.
You can never rule out anything in the NFL, but Ezeiruaku's number change may have slammed the door shut on Wilson's Cowboys career.