As training camps continue to reshape rosters across the league, a former Dallas Cowboys safety is getting another opportunity. After remaining unsigned through the offseason, the veteran has reportedly landed a workout with the Seattle Seahawks.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that former Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson is set to work out for the Seahawks, who are without Nick Emmanwori after he was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

“Former Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson is working out today for the Seahawks,” Adam Schefter’s X post read. “Seattle’s defensive coordinator Aden Durde [2021-2023] coached Wilson in Dallas.” 

The former Texas A&M Aggies safety was drafted by the Cowboys in the sixth round (No. 213) in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Cowboys let him go in free agency in March 2026, following the expiration of his three-year, $21M contract.

Wilson posted 444 tackles (281 solo), 18 QB hits, 13 sacks and 19 passes defended across 98 games played over seven seasons with the Cowboys.

In 2025, he started all 15 games played, recording 5 passes defended, 71 tackles (39 solo), and three tackles for loss. 

ESPN’s Matt Bowen ranked Wilson at No. 14 in his article, where he listed the best players available in 2026 NFL free agency, noting that the veteran will enter the 2026 season at 31 years old.

“Wilson is a box/split-field safety who plays with a tone-setting mentality,” Bowen wrote. “He can also mix it up in the run front or match up with tight ends in coverage. Wilson had 71 tackles and two interceptions last season.” 

However, he was ranked at No. 88 among 98 qualified safeties in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Cowboys waived Wilson due to his inconsistent production in the 2025 season, after he allowed a 119.2 passer rating when targeted by opposing quarterbacks.

Even though the Cowboys have moved on by signing veteran Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke, Wilson now has an opportunity to revive his career with the Seahawks, who are looking for experienced depth while Nick Emmanwori recovers.

Wilson's versatility gives Seahawks another option in the secondary

Kole Musgrove of Seahawks Wire believes that Wilson could be "veteran insurance" for the safety position, after his career-best two interceptions last season.

"Wilson appears to be the versatile type of safety Mike Macdonald [Seahawks head coach] covets, and would have no problem finding a way to utilize," Kole Musgrove of Seahawks Wire wrote in his article. "With Nick Emmanwori on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, it might be a good idea to get a veteran in the system as insurance, even if he is expected to be back for the regular season opener."

While Emmanwori excels in slot coverage, Wilson is better suited as a run defender and box safety, offering versatility as a starter in the safety depth chart of Emmanwori, Ty Okada, and Julian Love.

Although Wilson has struggled with the Cowboys' secondary, his physicality and proven experience provide insurance for the Seahawks' safety unit.

Can Donovan Wilson earn a spot on Seattle's roster? Let us know if you think he's the right veteran fit for the Seahawks' secondary.

Read more at Dallas Cowboys Community.

Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit