Posted on Mar 09

Cowboys acquire S Thompson from Cardinals, trade for LB Gary from Packers

Posted Mar 9, 2026

#trade #cardinals #packers #cowboys #jalen-thompson

The Dallas Cowboys have bolstered their defense by acquiring safety Jalen Thompson from the Arizona Cardinals and linebacker Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers.

Why it matters: This trade is a significant step for the Cowboys as they look to enhance their defensive secondary and pass rush ahead of the upcoming season.

Both players bring depth and talent, addressing critical areas where the Cowboys needed improvement.
With Thompson signing a three-year, $33 million contract, the Cowboys are investing in a player who has shown promise since entering the league.

What’s new: The Cowboys have made strategic moves in acquiring Thompson and Gary, both of whom have demonstrated their capabilities in prior seasons.

Thompson was drafted in the 2019 supplemental draft and has spent his entire career with the Cardinals, showcasing consistency and adaptability.
In the 2022 season alone, he recorded 95 tackles and achieved a defensive completion percentage of 62.3%, indicating his ability to impact the game despite some challenges.

By the numbers: Analyzing Thompson's performance reveals both strengths and areas for growth.

In 15 games last season, he allowed 38 catches on 61 targets, giving up three touchdowns but also recording one interception.
Over his career, he has accumulated nine interceptions and defended 37 passes, highlighting his playmaking ability in the defensive backfield.

Yes, but: While these acquisitions strengthen the Cowboys’ roster, questions remain regarding overall performance expectations.

Thompson's defensive completion percentage in 2022 was his lowest, suggesting room for improvement in coverage.
Similarly, while Rashan Gary is expected to add pressure to opposing quarterbacks, his own injury history raises concerns about consistency and durability.

What to watch: As the Cowboys integrate Thompson and Gary into their defensive schemes, fans should pay attention to how these additions affect team dynamics and strategies.

Look for defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to utilize Thompson in various roles, given his versatility as a safety.
Gary's impact on the pass rush will be closely monitored, especially considering the Cowboys' reliance on a strong front seven in their 4-3 defensive scheme.

The bottom line: The Cowboys are making calculated efforts to enhance their defensive lineup as they prepare for the next NFL season.

These trades reflect their commitment to competing at a high level while continuing to cultivate a robust roster capable of challenging for playoff contention.
If Thompson can improve his coverage and Gary remains healthy, Dallas could see a notable shift in its defensive efficacy.

Cowboys acquire S Thompson from Cardinals, trade for LB Gary from Packers

Alex Parker

Posted Mar 9, 2026

Why it matters: This trade is a significant step for the Cowboys as they look to enhance their defensive secondary and pass rush ahead of the upcoming season.

Both players bring depth and talent, addressing critical areas where the Cowboys needed improvement.

With Thompson signing a three-year, $33 million contract, the Cowboys are investing in a player who has shown promise since entering the league.

What’s new: The Cowboys have made strategic moves in acquiring Thompson and Gary, both of whom have demonstrated their capabilities in prior seasons.

Thompson was drafted in the 2019 supplemental draft and has spent his entire career with the Cardinals, showcasing consistency and adaptability.

In the 2022 season alone, he recorded 95 tackles and achieved a defensive completion percentage of 62.3%, indicating his ability to impact the game despite some challenges.

By the numbers: Analyzing Thompson's performance reveals both strengths and areas for growth.

In 15 games last season, he allowed 38 catches on 61 targets, giving up three touchdowns but also recording one interception.

Over his career, he has accumulated nine interceptions and defended 37 passes, highlighting his playmaking ability in the defensive backfield.

Yes, but: While these acquisitions strengthen the Cowboys’ roster, questions remain regarding overall performance expectations.

Thompson's defensive completion percentage in 2022 was his lowest, suggesting room for improvement in coverage.

Similarly, while Rashan Gary is expected to add pressure to opposing quarterbacks, his own injury history raises concerns about consistency and durability.

What to watch: As the Cowboys integrate Thompson and Gary into their defensive schemes, fans should pay attention to how these additions affect team dynamics and strategies.

Look for defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to utilize Thompson in various roles, given his versatility as a safety.

Gary's impact on the pass rush will be closely monitored, especially considering the Cowboys' reliance on a strong front seven in their 4-3 defensive scheme.

The bottom line: The Cowboys are making calculated efforts to enhance their defensive lineup as they prepare for the next NFL season.

These trades reflect their commitment to competing at a high level while continuing to cultivate a robust roster capable of challenging for playoff contention.

If Thompson can improve his coverage and Gary remains healthy, Dallas could see a notable shift in its defensive efficacy.