During the final cuts for the 53-man roster, Cowboys safety Darian Thompson was released and moved to the practice squad. For a former third-round pick and starter when safety Donovan Wilson went down last year, it’s going to be a change of pace.
Thompson, a Boise State standout, spent his rookie season with the New York Giants battling injuries, but burst onto the scene in his sophomore breakout, totaling a career-high 75 tackles in 2017. In a complete flip, Thompson didn’t make the New York roster for 2018 and found his way to Dallas.
With little opportunity, Thompson earned some playing time as mainly a special teamer in his first season for the Cowboys. After seeing the field in ten games, he signed a two-year extension with Dallas.
Taking over the backup strong safety spot, Thompson represented the “next man up” mantra and become a serviceable safety in a defense that struggled, especially in 2020. Thompson saw his fair share of mistakes and will have to battle his way back to the active roster after the additions of safeties Damontae Kazee, Malik Hooker, Jayron Kearse and Israel Mukuamu.
The player profile series countdown continues with No. 23, safety Darian Thompson.