Cowboys Signing Donovan Wilson? Big Talk, Low Offer for Free Agent
With much of the offseason attention focused on a potential “big move” on offense, the Dallas Cowboys do have some business to address on defense.
Despite finishing the 2022 campaign ranking sixth in overall defense, the Cowboys have a chance to field an even better unit for the upcoming season.
To do so, they may have to fill a potential vacancy at free safety.
Though he is set to enter free agency for the first time in his career, defensive back Donovan Wilson appears to be a long shot to remain with the team in 2023.
Wilson was among Dallas’ top defenders last season, finishing with 77 solo tackles and a career-high five sacks. His presence in the defensive backfield was a key element in making the Cowboys front seven one of the most fearsome in the NFL.
Yet, reports from the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine earlier this week indicate a lack of “optimism” on the two sides reaching an extension.
Since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft (no. 213 overall), Wilson has developed into a valuable component of Dallas’ secondary. The Texas A&M product is at his best when deployed as a downhill safety , uniting his physical style to stop opposing defenders — primarily inside the box. Throughout his four years with the club, Wilson has compiled 203 total tackles (nine of which went for-loss), 8.5 sacks, six passes-defensed, forced five fumbles and recovered three.
Unsurprisingly, he has become a favorite of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn — woh turned down head coaching overtures last month to take care of “unfinished business” with the Cowboys in 2023.
Still, the decision to retain Wilson’s services is likely to be a monetary one. As Dallas is currently estimated at being approximately $7 million over the salary cap, several corresponding moves are certain to be forthcoming to put the team back in proper financial standing.
Market projections place any potential deal for Wilson at, or exceeding, $6 million annually. Though the Cowboys may value his services, they may also find his asking price a bit too lofty, especially when considering their more pressing needs.
Alternatively, Wilson is still a candidate for the franchise tag. However, with Tuesday’s deadline looming, the Cowboys may have already tipped their hand in their intention for applying it to running back Tony Pollard. If they place the tag on Wilson, it would be worth $14.5 million. Pollard’s tag hit is set at a more-palatable $10.1 million.
As Dallas looks to build its team for 2023, things may get just as interesting on defense, as on offense — even if the fanfare tells a different story.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL.
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