Quick Read
- The Dallas Cowboys signed defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard to a one-year, $2.5 million contract.
- Bullard brings 59 games of starting experience, focusing primarily on run defense rather than pass rushing.
- The move reunites Bullard with coach Brian Schottenheimer, while the Saints aim to prioritize younger personnel.
DALLAS (Azat TV) – The Dallas Cowboys have moved to reinforce their defensive rotation by signing veteran lineman Jonathan Bullard to a one-year contract. The deal, reported on March 28, 2026, is valued at up to $2.5 million and provides the team with a seasoned interior defender capable of contributing immediately on early downs.
Strategic Depth for the Dallas Defensive Line
Bullard, 32, arrives in Dallas following a 2025 campaign with the New Orleans Saints, where he appeared in 15 games and recorded six starts. Throughout his tenure in New Orleans, Bullard served as a reliable, if understated, presence in the trenches, finishing the season with 26 combined tackles. The acquisition brings a wealth of experience to the Cowboys, as Bullard has now logged 59 career starts across his time with the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and the Saints.
The Role of a Run-Stopping Specialist
While the signing is not expected to shift the team’s pass-rush production, it addresses a specific need for run-defense durability. According to data from PFF, Bullard’s profile is heavily skewed toward run-stopping; during the 2025 season, he ranked 29th among qualified interior defenders in run-defense grade. His role in Dallas is anticipated to center on absorbing snaps during early-down situations, allowing the team to manage the workload of its primary pass-rushers.
Reuniting with Familiar Coaching Staff
The move also marks a reunion for Bullard and Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer. The two previously worked together in 2020 during their time with the Seattle Seahawks, a connection that likely influenced the front office’s decision to bring the veteran into the fold. For the Saints, the departure represents a shift in strategy as the team looks to move toward a younger interior defensive line, having relied heavily on veterans over the age of 30 throughout the previous season.
The signing of Bullard underscores a pragmatic approach by the Dallas front office, prioritizing veteran consistency and run-defense stability over high-cost, high-risk acquisitions, as the team attempts to stabilize a defensive unit that struggled significantly during the 2025 season.