Sometimes a change in coaching regime is bad for carryover talent, and sometimes it opens up new opportunities. Justin Barron, a returning prospect from last year’s practice squad, is hoping for the latter as the Cowboys’ defensive coaches and scheme will look very different in 2026.
Background
Years in NFL: 1
Acquired by: UDFA (2025)
After playing mostly safety for four years at Syracuse, Barron switched to linebacker in his senior season. He led the Orange with 93 tackles, adding two sacks and an interception
as well. But despite his DB background, Barron’s Pro Day numbers only showed average athleticism as a linebacker prospect. He went undrafted in 2025 and, along with college teammate Alijah Clark, found his way to Dallas as an undrafted free agent.
In training camp, Barron’s mental quickness and leadership showed up quickly. While he was briefly slowed by an early-August leg injury, Barron recovered and served as a “green dot” player during preseason games. He did enough to earn a spot on the practice squad and spent most of the season developing there. Barron got called up for the Cowboys’ final two games last year, only playing on special teams.
For more on Barron’s college career and profile, check out Mike Poland’s scouting report from last year.
Contract Status
Years Left: 2
2026 Cap Hit: $885k
While Barron’s original UDFA contract was voided when he went to the practice squad, Dallas essentially resurrected that same deal when they signed him to the roster for Week 17. He’s under contract through 2027 for minimal money.
2026 Projections
Role: Backup ILB
Roster Chance: 30%
There’s a top-four at linebacker that feels fairly certain: DeMarvion Overshown, Dee Winters, Jaishawn Barham, and Shemar James. But the next few spots, depending on how many inside LBs Dallas keeps, feel up for grabs. This is where Barron hopes his year of development pays off, and that the Cowboys leave room for him.
In terms of competition, Barron’s has two big concerns. One is Curtis Robinson, a fifth-year veteran who has spent the last three seasons with San Francisco. He appeared in 14 games last year and started three, playing alongside Winters at times. It’s also interesting to note that Robinson’s rookie year, spent mostly with Denver, coincided with Christian Parker’s first year as the Broncos’ DB coach.
Even scarier for Barron is if the Cowboys add another veteran LB before camp. The Bobby Wagner chatter never stops, and Bobby Okereke is also mentioned at times. It could even be a guy with a different first name. Suffice to say, the idea of Dallas finding another significant player at the position hasn’t died down since the draft.
But if we’re talking about the fifth or sixth spot at LB, special teams is going to be an important part of the job. Barron has a lot to offer there, and his 6’4” frame is intriguing for continued development. If he builds on last year’s camp, Barron has real potential to not only make the roster but even push Shemar James for snaps. Football intelligence and communication are going to be key in Parker’s scheme. Barron was known for these traits coming out of college, and impressed the last coaching staff with them a year ago.
Check out our previous player profiles from this series:
RB Israel Abanikanda | C Cooper Beebe | G Tyler Booker | S Alijah Clark | DT Tommy Dunn | CB Cobie Durant |
OLB Donovan Ezeiruaku | TE Princeton Fant | TE Jake Ferguson | WR Ryan Flournoy | C Matt Hennessy | S Malik Hooker |
OLB James Houston | WR Jordan Hudson | LB Shemar James | G Trevor Keegan | CB Derion Kendrick |
OLB Isaiah Land | S P.J. Locke | FB Hunter Luepke | RB Phil Mafah | QB Joe Milton III | WR Jonathan Mingo |
CB Devin Moore | LB DeMarvion Overshown | TE DJ Rogers | TE Luke Schoonmaker | LS Trent Sieg |
WR Anthony Smith | OT Terence Steele | CB Reddy Steward | OT Nate Thomas | DT Jay Toia | WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling | OLB Tyrus Wheat | RB Javonte Williams | OLB Sam Williams | DT D.J. Withers | S Julius Wood
