Because of George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys Say Farewell to a Loyal 7-Year Veteran

The Dallas Cowboys have made one of the most emotional roster moves in recent memory, officially parting ways with Donovan Wilson, the veteran safety who has spent seven seasons as one of the team’s most loyal and hard-nosed defenders. The difficult reality: Wilson isn’t leaving because of declining play — he’s leaving because George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb have become impossible to overlook.

Jerry Jones: “Pickens and Lamb are performing at a level that forces tough choices”

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones didn’t hide the challenge behind this decision:
“Donovan Wilson is a true warrior. But with George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb playing at such an elite level, we have to make roster adjustments. This is incredibly difficult… but ultimately, we have no choice.”

The meteoric rise of Pickens and Lamb has compelled Dallas to redirect long-term resources toward its offensive stars — leaving limited room for a veteran safety in the twilight of his career.

Donovan Wilson — The Heartbeat of the Dallas Defense

Over seven seasons, Wilson defined what it meant to be a Cowboy:

• A key member of the feared “three-headed monster” safety trio.

He may not have always been the flashiest name on the roster, but inside the building, Wilson’s presence commanded respect.

Seven Years of Grit and Production

Wilson’s career numbers tell the story:

• 400+ total tackles

For years, he was the engine of Dallas’ run defense and one of the league’s most aggressive blitzing safeties.

Why Wilson Had to Go

This move isn’t about performance — it’s about priorities:

• CeeDee Lamb is performing at an All-Pro level.

At 31 and nearing the final stretch of his current deal, Wilson is the veteran caught in the crossfire of a financial and strategic reshuffle.

A Heartbreaking Farewell for a True Warrior

After seven seasons of fearless, physical football, Donovan Wilson is all but certain to leave the Dallas Cowboys after the 2025 season.

It’s a bitter pill — for fans, the organization, and most of all, Wilson himself.

But the NFL is unforgiving.

Dallas must move forward with George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb as the cornerstone of its future — and in doing so, it must say goodbye to one of its most loyal and battle-tested defenders.