The Dallas Cowboys are still trying to get rid of the stink from the thankfully short Matt Eberflus era. Christian Parker now holds the keys to the Dallas defense, and wholesale changes are expected in terms of both scheme and personnel. That is a good thing.
But what if the Cowboys dipped their toes into the Eberflus waters one last time?
It sounds disastrous, I know. But in his time with the Chicago Bears, he was at least somewhat responsible for developing a solid, young defensive nucleus. One of those players, safety Jaquan Brisker, is set to hit free agency this offseason.
Dallas should be interested in bringing in the former Eberflus standout in Chicago as the Cowboys' defense, led by a young, first-time coordinator, looks to rebuild the unit in the name of youth and versatility.
Dallas Cowboys named as free agency landing spot for Bears safety Jaquan Brisker
Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame and Gilberto Manzano went through and ranked each of the top 50 pending free agents and predicted both contracts and landing spots for them. The Cowboys were listed as a suitor for Brisker, who they believe will get a two-year, $26 million deal.
"Brisker seemed to be headed toward a decorated career after back-to-back stellar seasons in 2022 and ‘23. But the second-round pick had an injury plagued ’24 season and struggled early to find a rhythm under Dennis Allen’s new scheme. But Brisker finished the season strong, recording 93 total tackles, one sack and one interception."
Now, the first thing to consider when evaluating free agency for Dallas is cost. They are currently over $58 million in the red, according to Spotrac, and they need to restructure both Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb for a fighting chance to cooperate with the CBA rules.
But if the Cowboys are going to take a moderate swing for someone in free agency, it should be for a young safety talent. With Donovan Wilson hitting the open market and Malik Hooker almost 30, an influx of youthful skill is needed on the back half of the Dallas defense.
Brisker, still 26 years old, could be the perfect match for the Cowboys. Not only is he incredibly versatile, lining up at free safety, in the slot, in the box, on the defensive line, and occasionally as a wide corner, but he plays on special teams, too.
Yes, he had trouble adjusting to life under Dennis Allen. But he improved as the year went on and saved his best performance for last, as he put together a great showing in the divisional round against the Los Angeles Rams. He's a smart player who can adjust quickly to a new system.
A short injury history shouldn't be a red flag for Brisker, as he turned around from his injury-riddled 2024 campaign and played every one of the Bears' 1,072 defensive snaps in 2025. He's already played 3,216 defensive snaps in his four-year career, so he is experienced beyond his years.
Parker's exact deployment of Brisker would remain to be seen, but there's no denying that he is a young and talented safety who can be a chess piece. Threading the needle in terms of price will be paramount, but this former Eberflus standout could change the complexion of the Dallas secondary.