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Bully Ball? Cowboys invest in $11M former Bears pick to add toughness
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- Bully Ball? Cowboys invest in $11M former Bears pick to add toughness
The Dallas Cowboys worked to reshape their defensive line this offseason to better fit the scheme of new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Parker is bringing a 3-4 front back to Texas with a twist, and centering his attack around two premiere tackles in Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark . From there, they've taken great lengths to augment the personnel in the front seven.
One of those acquisitions was free agent Jonathan Bullard , the newest No. 98, most recently of the Minnesota Vikings . Bullard signed on for a year as the veteran replacement for Osa Odighizuwa as a potential starter on the defensive line next to Williams and Clark. He's a rotational run stopper who has played for six different franchises across his 10-year career.
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Rundown
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (90) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Position:Defensive Tackle
Age:32
Height:6-foot-3
Weight:290 pounds
Hometown:Shelby, NC
High School:Crest
College:Florida ( Film Study Video )
Draft:2016 3rd-round pick (No. 72)
Acquired:2026 Free Agency
Contract:One-year contract (2026), $2 million
2025 Base Salary:$1.5 million, guaranteed
Career Earnings: $1.2million ( per Over The Cap )
Profile
Bullard is a run stopper through and through, and is not bringing much to the table in terms of pass rush. He has just 6.5 sacks across his 10-year career. After dealing with a rash of injuries throughout the middle of his career — he played in just 36 games from 2019 through 2022 — he's only missed two contests over the last three seasons combined.
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Bullard is a rotational player, averaging around 21 snaps a contest last year with the Vikings, and Dallas will likely use him on run downs in 2026. His primary competition is fourth-round pick LT Overton . The club will also likely bring Rashan Gary down to the line when they go with a four-man front.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Dallas Cowboys player profile: No. 98 DT Jonathan Bullard
