FRISCO, TX – The Dallas Cowboys continued their active offseason reshaping of the roster on Wednesday, completing a trade with the Tennessee Titans involving defensive lineman Solomon Thomas. The move signals a broader strategy to overhaul the defensive front ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
According to reports, Dallas sent Thomas and a seventh-round draft pick to Tennessee in exchange for another seventh-round pick. While seemingly a minor transaction on the surface, the trade represents an intriguing decision for both teams as they fine-tune their rosters. This move comes on the heels of another defensive line adjustment for the Cowboys, who too traded defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers for a third-round pick earlier the same day, demonstrating a clear intent to retool the defensive line.
A Brief Stint in Dallas for Solomon Thomas
Solomon Thomas’s time with the Cowboys was relatively short-lived. He joined the organization in 2025 and appeared in 16 games during the 2025 campaign, recording 27 tackles and one pass deflection. Despite his contributions, the Cowboys’ front office apparently didn’t view Thomas as a long-term cornerstone of the defense. However, the 30-year-old brings significant NFL experience to the Titans, having played in over 130 career games and accumulating 18.5 sacks.
Thomas’s journey through the league has included stops with the San Francisco 49ers (2017-2020), Las Vegas Raiders (2021), New York Jets (2022-2024), and now the Tennessee Titans. He was originally selected third overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the 49ers, a testament to his early promise as a disruptive force on the defensive line.
Titans Seek Reinforcements, Reunite Thomas with Familiar Faces
For the Titans, the acquisition of Thomas represents a calculated gamble. The team is hoping he can rediscover a more dominant form within their defensive system. Notably, this trade reunites Thomas with Titans head coach Robert Saleh, who previously served as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers from 2017-2020 – the first four seasons of Thomas’s NFL career. Thomas also played under Titans defensive run game coordinator/defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton during his time with the New York Jets.
The Titans have been aggressively adding to their defense this offseason. Prior to acquiring Thomas, they traded for pass rusher Jermaine Johnson II and agreed to terms with defensive linemen John Franklin-Myers and Jordan Elliott. These moves signal a clear commitment to bolstering their defensive line and creating a more formidable front seven.
Cowboys’ Active Offseason Continues
The Cowboys have been busy throughout the offseason, making several moves to strengthen their roster. Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones indicated the team would be aggressive in the free agency market, and they have largely followed through on that promise. Beyond the trades involving Thomas and Odighizuwa, Dallas acquired defensive finish Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2027 draft. They also signed several free agents, including safety Jalen Thompson to a three-year contract.
Other additions include quarterback Sam Howell, safety P.J. Locke, and defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia. The organization also extended the contract of defensive end Sam Williams. These moves demonstrate a concerted effort to address needs across the defense and add depth to key positions.
Despite these additions, some fans believe the Cowboys haven’t yet made the blockbuster trade that could truly transform them into a serious Super Bowl contender. The team continues to evaluate potential opportunities and remains open to further moves as the offseason progresses. It’s clear, however, that the Cowboys aren’t finished maneuvering.
The financial implications of the trade are relatively modest. Thomas is set to build $2.5 million in cash in 2026, according to Spotrac, a figure that fits within the Titans’ current salary cap structure. The seventh-round pick swap minimizes the immediate draft capital impact for both teams.
The Titans will be looking for Thomas to provide veteran leadership and rotational depth along the defensive line, complementing starters Jeffery Simmons and Jermaine Johnson II. His familiarity with Saleh’s defensive scheme could allow for a quicker integration into the team’s system.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, will look to utilize the draft capital gained from these trades to address other needs on their roster. The team is reportedly focused on adding depth at linebacker and cornerback, as well as finding a potential successor to Dak Prescott at quarterback.
The next key date for both teams is the start of the NFL Draft in April, where they will have the opportunity to add more talent to their rosters. The Cowboys currently hold the 28th overall pick, while the Titans hold the 7th.
Fans can follow updates on both teams’ offseason moves and draft preparations on their official websites: Titans Wire and Dallas Cowboys official site.
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