The Cowboys’ poor linebacker play was a core part of their defensive struggles last season, but the team is hoping a full season from DeMarvion Overshown will lead to marked improvements in 2026.
However, Overshown needs a running mate in the middle of Dallas’ defense. The other linebackers on the roster are Shemar James and Justin Barron, neither of whom profile as starters in what will be their second NFL season.
The Cowboys “made a run” at a few linebackers in free agency, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said this week (via Jon Machota of The Athletic). We heard about pursuits of Devin Lloyd, Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean along with an attempted trade for Patrick Queen. They were not able to land any, leaving them with a sizable void with many of the league’s top free agents already signed.
“We recognize that we need to fill some holes there,” Schottenheimer added. Executive vice president Stephen Jones concurred.
“The plan is to add skill at that position,” Jones said, “whether it’s the draft, whether it’s free agency, whether it’s a trade, or a combination of all of the above, we’ll look at all avenues.”
The Cowboys could certainly find a starting-caliber linebacker in a strong draft class, especially with an extra first-round pick from the Micah Parsons trade. Veterans like Bobby Okereke, Bobby Wagner, and Devin White are still available in free agency.
Dallas is also among the teams with interest in Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks, per Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald. No other suitors are known for the 28-year-old, who is entering the final year of his contract.
Miami is interested in signing Brooks to an extension, which would position him as the long-term leader of their defense. However, the rebuilding team — which recently unloaded Jaylen Waddle in a blockbuster trade — could try to sell high after his first-team All-Pro selection last year, to a team that has a clear need at the position.