The Dallas Cowboys saw Jourdan Lewis depart in NFL free agency, as the seasoned defensive back inked a contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. This departure creates a void in the slot, potentially to be filled by safety Israel Mukuamu, a 2021 sixth-round draftee from South Carolina.

Mukuamu, who played cornerback for the Gamecocks, transitioned to safety upon joining the NFL with Dallas. He has matured into a reliable depth player, a fact underscored in 2022 when Lewis was sidelined for 11 games, and Mukuamu took over as the nickel back.

Despite being significantly taller than typical slot corners, Mukuamu excelled in this position, offering the Cowboys a trustworthy option should they not secure a replacement in the draft. He also expressed his enthusiasm about staying with the Cowboys in a social media post.

Now entering his fifth year in the league, Mukuamu, a free agent, promptly re-signed with Dallas on a one-year contract. The Cowboys also re-signed Markquese Bell, thus maintaining a robust safety roster with Bell, Mukuamu, and Juanyeh Thomas supporting starters Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson.

Throughout his four seasons, Mukuamu has appeared in 50 games, starting in three, and has recorded 42 tackles, four passes defended, three interceptions, and one fumble recovery.