NFL Free Agency Live Tracker: Cowboys continue to shake up defense

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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: Sam Williams #54 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on from the sideline during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.

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DALLAS - The NFL offseason began in earnest yesterday, with the legal tampering period opening and allowing players to choose new teams in free agency. The Dallas Cowboys made several moves on Monday; keep up with our live blog on all the signings and trades the team makes.

Tuesday updates

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 17: P.J. Locke #6 of the Denver Broncos celebrates during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty

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3 p.m.: Another new safety signed

The Cowboys continue to reshape their secondary, reportedly signing safety P.J. Locke on a 1-year, $5 million deal.

Locke played for new Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker in Denver. He played collegiately at the University of Texas.

Since 2019, Locke has amassed 174 tackles and 2 interceptions with the Broncos.

2 p.m.: Kenny Clark contract restructured

After restructuring Terence Steele's contract yesterday, ESPN reports the Cowboys have done the same with defensive tackle Kenny Clark.

Clark's contract restructure turns his $11 million roster bonus that was due next week into a signing bonus. The move opens up nearly $9 million in cap space for the team.

Monday: Cowboys put emphasis on defense

The Cowboys brought in several players to try and improve on a defense that was among the worst in the league in 2025.

Early Monday morning, the team traded a fourth-round pick for Packers defensive end Rashan Gregory, who posted 7.5 sacks with Green Bay last season.

Several hours later, the team signed free agent safety Jalen Thompson to a 3-year deal worth $32 million.

Cowboys secondary coach Ryan Smith coached Thompson when the duo were together in Arizona.

The team also re-signed defensive end Sam Williams to a 1-year deal. Williams was drafted by the Cowboys in 2022 but only posted 1 sack in 2025. He missed all of the 2024 season after tearing his ACL prior to the season.