The safety position, like every year with the Dallas Cowboys, had a lot of eyes on it during the offseason and training camp. They added Damontae Kazee, Jayron Kearse, and Malik Hooker to the roster in an attempt to sure up the third level of the defense.

Kearse along with rookie Israel Mukuamu and veteran Darian Thompson looked to secure reserve roles as Kazee and Hooker would compete for who would start opposite Donovan Wilson. On Tuesday, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys released Thompson but may entertain his return to the team at some point.

Cowboys have released S Darian Thompson, source said. Valuable special teamer has starting experience on defense. There is interest in having him return later to team.

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 31, 2021

Thompson is a former third-round pick of the New York Giants in 2016. After only appearing in two games (one start) and producing just seven tackles as a rookie, Thompson started all 16 games in 2017. He registered 75 tackles, an interception, and six pass breakups.

After being waived by the Giants and spending a week on the Arizona Cardinals practice squad Thompson was signed by the Cowboys on October 9, 2018. In 10 games, he only logged one defensive snap while getting 54 on special teams. The next two seasons would see Thompson get much more work on defense as he registered 903 snaps and 11 starts. He amassed 88 tackles, an interception, four pass breakups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and 1.5 sacks. Also, he continued to contribute on special teams with 483 snaps over that span.

Thompson’s value is as a special teams ace and solid backup safety. Will that get him back on the Cowboys roster? Only time will tell.