The Cowboys entered the offseason with a need at middle linebacker, but they have done nothing to address it so far. It hasn’t been for lack of effort. Along with the previously reported pursuits of Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, the Cowboys “made a push” to sign Devin Lloyd at the outset of free agency, per Todd Archer of ESPN.
The Cowboys lost out on Dean and Walker to the Raiders, who pulled in the duo as part of their big-money shopping spree in the first wave of free agency. Meanwhile, Lloyd left the Jaguars for the Panthers. All three players secured three-year deals worth between $36MM and $42MM.
With Dean, Walker, Lloyd and several other free agent possibilities off the board, inside linebacker options have dwindled. But the open market still features at least a few notable veterans. To name two prominent examples, Commanders free agent Bobby Wagner and career-long Buccaneer Lavonte David remain unsigned. However, the Cowboys have not gone after either member of the grizled duo, according to Archer. Bobby Okereke, Germaine Pratt and Shaq Thompson are a few others without teams, but it is unclear if the Cowboys have interest.
In 2025, a year in which the Cowboys’ defense allowed the most points and third-most yards in the NFL, Kenneth Murray recorded the highest snap share (78.86%) among their linebackers. Murray is also among current free agents, but the Cowboys are not expected to re-sign him, Archer reports. He and in-season trade pickup Logan Wilson will go down as one-and-done additions for Dallas.
The Cowboys acquired Murray from the Titans in a late-round pick swap last March, but Pro Football Focus wound up ranking him a ghastly 86th among 88 off-ball LBs in 2025. While Wilson only cost the Cowboys a seventh-rounder, they were so unimpressed with the former Bengal’s work that they waived him last month. Although Wilson is just 29, he retired earlier this week.
As things stand, DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James and Justin Barron are new defensive coordinator Christian Parker‘s in-house choices as he transitions the Cowboys to a 3-4 base. Overshown is a shoo-in to start if healthy, but injuries have undermined him throughout his three-year career. He has played in just 19 of a possible 51 games. James posted a 49.14% snap share and made a team-high 91 tackles as a fifth-round rookie, though PFF placed him just two spots higher than Murray in its rankings. Meanwhile, as an undrafted rookie last year, Barron did not play a defensive snap in either of his two appearances.
Considering what they have on hand, Dallas seems likely to pick up another starting-caliber off-ball linebacker in either free agency, a trade or the draft. With the Cowboys owning two first-round picks (No. 12 and 20), they could be waiting until late April to land an impact player at the position.
Should have already signed Wagner and still need alot of help. Doesnt seem like they will re-sign Clowney. Will Gary actually help them after seven games?
They are looking at the trade-market for a lb atm. They absolutely need to have a starting level type player at the position. I would say it is critical to get a deal done.
They could see if Sneed could help their secondary if the Chiefs dont try to retain him, though he and Durant could compete against each other? Team needs all the corners they can get.