With Christian Parker now in control, the Dallas Cowboys new-look defense will have several new faces starting for them this year or playing key backup roles. There’s not a single position that is not being made over or upgraded, but the one many believe still needs to be addressed the most is at inside linebacker.
Despite drafting Jaishawn Barham in the third-round this year and trading for Dee Winters, there are those, at least outside the organization, who believe more is needed to upgrade the MLB
position. Because of that, Dallas continuously is predicted to sign free agent Bobby Wagner or trade for Jordyn Brooks. So far though, those rumors are purely speculation.
As things stand right now, after voluntary and mandatory organized team activities (OTAs), it’s looking as if DeMarvion Overshown is being groomed to start at MIKE LB with Dee Winters starting next to him at WILL. Jaishawn Barham is in the mix as well, receiving some first-team reps at MIKE as well and anyone of the three could wear the green dot at points this season.
It’s going to be really interesting to see how this shakes out once we get further into the offseason and into training camp, but right now the present and future of the linebacker position remains unsettled. The Cowboys seem to to be open to Overshown and Winters locking down the starting off-ball linebacker jobs with Barham mixing into the rotation as well. That would take care of their present needs.
Let’s pretend this is how things play out. Of the three, only Barham is under contract past the 2026 season with the Cowboys. Both Overshown and Winters become free agents, once again making the linebacker position pay roster “need” for the Cowboys. And, that would likely be true even if they signed Bobby Wagner or trade for Jordyn Brooks as well.
The good news is the Cowboys seem to like their in-house options right now at linebacker and have vet players outside the organization they could potentially add to the roster to upgrade the position. That should provide some encouragement linebacker play will be much better this year then it was a season ago.
As far as the future of the position is concerned, they have an important decision to make their as well. With both Overshown and Winters set for free agency, Jerry Jones and Company will have to decide if either or both are part of their future plans at the position, and if they are, attempt to lock them up long-term via a contract extension.
All in all, Dallas’ linebacker position will be heavily scrutinized with both the present and future in mind. Tough decision will have to be made regardless. With Christian Parker at the helm steering the ship, it’s really going to be entertaining to see how much the linebacker play will improve this year in the new-look, versatile 3-4 defensive scheme.
How are you feeling about the inside linebacker position?
