The Dallas Cowboys were always going to prioritize defense in both free agency and the draft as they look to improve that side of the ball from being the 30th ranked unit in the NFL in 2025.
Additions came pouring in with the likes of veterans Rashan Gary and Jalen Thompson, along with first rounders, edge rusher Malachi Lawrence and safety Caleb Downs. And even so it would appear that the cornerback room is still potentially in need of new additions.
As a result, the Dallas has bought in former first round cornerback and 10th year pro Adoree’ Jackson for a free agent visit on Tuesday May 5, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
“Sources: The #Cowboys are hosting veteran CB Adoreeâ Jackson on a free agent visit today.” Schultz reported on X. “Jackson was with the Eagles last year, where he started 10 games â recording 55 tackles, 11 PBUs, and 1 INT. His DBs coach there was Christian Parker, who is now the Cowboys’ DC.”Â
Adoree’ Jackson remains available after the expiry of his one year, $5 million deal signed with the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason.
Adoree’ Jackson Had a Difficult Season in 2025
Jackson signed with the Eagles to compete with Kelee Ringo for the CB2 spot opposite All-Pros Quinyon Mitchell and slot Cooper DeJean.
Jackson ended up winning the role after a close training camp battle with Ringo, and subsequently struggled for much of the early parts of the season. Despite improving as the year went on, the former 18th overall pick was still ranked as one of the worst perimeter corners in football last season, according to Pro Football Focus’ Nic Bodiford.
“Jackson served as a defensive weak point for Philadelphiaâs vaunted defense. His 53.6 PFF defense grade ranked 67th among 71 NFL cornerbacks with at least 600 defensive snaps and 10th among 11 Eagles defenders with at least 600 defensive snaps.” Bodiford wrote back on February 26.
“Opposing quarterbacks aggressively threw passes into Jacksonâs primary coverage. Despite benefiting from 14 off-target incompletions and/or drops, he forced incompletions neither efficiently nor voluminously.”
Could Adoree’ Jackson Improve the Cowboys’ Secondary?
Despite having a tough year, and having been broadly susceptible to injury over the course of his now almost decade-long career, Jackson still started 10 games in the National Football League less than a year ago.
DaRon Bland will no doubt be the lead man on the outside come September, and it is expected – at least to start the year – that Downs will man the slot. Between second year Shavon Revel Jr., former Rams cornerback Cobie Durant – who signed a one year, $4 million deal back in March – and even rookie fourth round pick Devin Moore, the Cowboys are unlikely to see the USC alum as a realistic starting option.
But for a team that has little proven depth beyond those four names on the outside, he could be a valuable insurance asset if he is willing to play on something close to the veteran’s minimum.
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