DeMarvion Overshown has become one of the all-time “when he’s healthy” players in modern Cowboys history. His fourth season in Dallas comes with big expectations and the same big risk. Can Overshown finally stay on the field enough to become one of the league’s impact defenders?
Background
Years in NFL: 3
Acquired by: 2023 3rd-round pick
There was a lot of excitement when Dallas drafted Overshown out of Texas, and not just because the former Longhorn got to stay in state. As a former safety, he had rare athleticism
for a linebacker that seemed a perfect fit for Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme. The buzz continued into the summer as Overshown lit up training camp and shined in the Cowboys’ first preseason game. But in the second game, a torn ACL ended Overshown’s rookie season before it really began.
Overshown returned in 2024, now playing for Mike Zimmer, and put the NFL on notice. In 13 games, 12 of which he started, he was arguably Dallas’ second-best defensive player after Micah Parsons. In addition to shutting down run plays with his speed and penetration, Overshown logged five sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception. But again, a major injury, this time to the opposite knee, cut his year short. And with this one being far more severe than in 2023, it would have a longer impact.
Rehabilitation continued far into the 2025 season. Overshown missed the first 10 weeks, then returned to the Cowboys’ defensive debacle under Matt Eberflus. Playing limited snaps early, and only getting ramped up once the season was officially over, Overshown’s impact was minimal. He also suffered a mild concussion late into the year, keeping him out for one week.
Back for the final year of his original contract, Overshown is certainly looking to get back to his 2024 form. He will be playing for his fourth defensive coordinator in as many years, but “if healthy,” his talent should come through in any scheme.
Contract Status
Years Left: 1
2026 Cap Hit: $1.72 million
Whether he’s a starter or even a key role player, Overshown’s contract remains cap-friendly. Obviously, this is a huge year for him ahead of free agency. If he does deserve a significant raise in 2027, that’s a good problem for Dallas to have. It means they’ll have finally gotten the kind of year out of Overshown that they’ve been longing for, both in how he played and how much he was able to stay on the field.
2026 Projections
Role: Starting ILB
Roster Chance: 100%
There’s no doubt that Overshown will make the team, and he’ll likely be one of the two starters along with veteran addition Dee Winters. They would be on the small side for a starting duo, particularly in the base 3-4 scheme, so you’ll probably see a fair bit of Jaishawn Barham, Shemar James, and others in the rotation. And there’s always the possibility that the Cowboys will add another veteran LB between now and Oxnard.
But if he can hold up physically, Overshown could easily finish the year with the most snaps of any inside linebacker. Again, if he’s back to playing like he did in 2024, he could be Dallas’ best defender. Quinnen Williams may have something to say about that, but we’d love to be able to have that debate.
Cowboys fans have been on this roller coaster too many times with talented linebackers. Overshown’s first three seasons have put him in company with the likes of Sean Lee, Jaylon Smith, and Leighton Vander Esch, whose careers were held back by health issues. Not only do we want to see Overshown finally put the injuries behind him, but this defense desperately needs him to be a consistently catalytic presence on the field. He’ll get every opportunity to make this fourth season special, and how it goes may decide if he gets any more in Dallas.
Check out our previous player profiles from this series:
C Cooper Beebe
G Tyler Booker
S Alijah Clark
EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku
TE Jake Ferguson
S Malik Hooker
LB Shemar James
G Trevor Keegan
FB Hunter Luepke
RB Phil Mafah
QB Joe Milton III
WR Jonathan Mingo
CB Devin Moore
LS Trent Sieg
WR Anthony Smith
OT Terence Steele
CB Reddy Steward
DT Jay Toia
EDGE Tyrus Wheat
EDGE Sam Williams
