Unlike many teams in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys are an open book. It starts with owner Jerry Jones saying whatever is on his mind, more often than not, which sometimes leads to leaking information. A few months ago, Jones let the cat out of the bag about the Cowboys’ 2026 schedule starting on the road against the New York Giants.
Perhaps some of that candidness has worn off on the rest of the organization because new defensive coordinator Christian Parker may have let it slip about who could be wearing the green dot for his defense this season. During his minicamp press conference, Parker was asked if simplifying his play calls would lead to improved communication. His answer may have given fans a clue.
Oh it’s very important. I mean because there’s so many things from when the linebacker or safety, whoever has the green dot, is communicating that, you break the huddle…
For most teams in the league, the green dot guy is usually a LB. Recently, LB DeMarvion Overshown was tabbed as the guy who might have the job, but the newly acquired Dee Winters could be an option as well with the Cowboys being impressed with his play.
However, Parker’s answer included safety as a possible option, which leads to interesting possibilities. It’s been a talking point from the staff for much of the offseason.
The options for the Cowboys at safety would be Jalen Thompson, whom the team has given their biggest free agent contract to in the last 14 years, veteran Malik Hooker, or rookie Caleb Downs. Of that group, Downs is the most intriguing choice and the likeliest option, despite his status.
Having a safety as the green dot guy is rare, but having a rookie safety as that player would be an incredible feat. The learning curve for any rookie is steep, but safety is one of the more difficult positions to adjust to in the NFL. Downs is already making an impression with the Cowboys, so wearing the green dot would be a glowing endorsement of his play.
If Downs was the play caller on defense it would reinforce all the positive things said about him. He was praised as a Top-5 talent in the draft and lauded as one of the smartest prospects to enter the NFL in a long time.
Thompson is the other possibility; he was one of the Cowboys’ top targets in free agency and will be a key part of the defense, a veteran who would make sense. It’s harder to see Hooker having the gig as he appears to be the third safety option right now.
There’s a long way to go before the season starts and Parker is running through his options. The first-time DC may have tipped his hand, and no one should be surprised if Downs ends up with the job.
All the signs appear to be heading in Downs’ direction, sooner rather than later.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Christian Parker hints at who will wear green dot on Cowboys defense
Reporting by Ben Grimaldi, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ben Grimaldi, Cowboys Wire | USA TODAY Network
