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2024 could be Juanyeh Thomas’ year to breakout for the Cowboys

May 21, 2024
Washington Commanders v Dallas Cowboys
Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images

This could be a big season for Juanyeh Thomas.

It wasn’t too long ago when Dallas Cowboys fans were hoping for the likes of Earl Thomas, or any safety with notoriety, for that matter. Fast forward to the current day and Cowboys fans have been spoiled with a safety room that has been great at their best, and consistent at their worst. A far cry from where they once were a mere few years ago.

As they head towards the start of the 2024 season, there has been a bit of change at the position creating the opportunity for Juanyeh Thomas to finally make a true difference for this Cowboys defense.

2024 represents a year of opportunity for Juanyeh Thomas

NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas has slowly but surely become a fan favorite around Cowboys Nation. With his down-to-earth and approachable personality online, to his hard nose and gritty play on the field, Thomas has been a great piece for this team in all aspect's in his first two seasons. While he is liked and boasts exciting potential, 2024 provides him with something he surely wants more than anything else - a real opportunity to make an impact.

With Jayron Kearse remaining unsigned, and no safety pieces added via a draft pick, Thomas enters his third year with the team looking to fill a pivotal role in this new Mike Zimmer defense. He comes into training camp as safety No. 3 behind Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson and is in line to see his playing time and responsibilities grow.

Despite signing as an UDFA in 2022, he has only logged game action in 2023 where he played in all 16 games, starting one. He has tallied 22 tackles and four passes defensed during that time, and to this point his statistical impact has been minimal. However, that looks to be changing this season.

Thomas possesses the ability to carry tight ends and running backs down the field, showcasing his athleticism, while also being a willing and ready presence in the running game. He is a true do-it-all safety who has the ability to increase his ball production, while also being a sub-package presence in the second level as well.

With Hooker being a true center field-type of safety and Wilson being much more of an in the box, physical presence, Thomas offers the unique ability to do both roles well for the Cowboys secondary.

With Zimmer coming to town it is assumed that most non-established players will be coming in with a slate wiped clean, setting Thomas up with a chance to wow his new defensive coordinator and fit more into the defensive gameplan each week.

Add in the fact that the Cowboys are clearly going with a youth movement in a lot of spots, and him being a homegrown success story from the 2022 UDFA class, having Thomas rise to the occasion in 2024 would have Will McClay and his staff smiling ear to ear.

Thomas has slowly but surely gained the trust of Cowboys Nation, and now with the stars aligning for the former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket, 2024 may be the year of Juanyeh.


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