There have been very few bright spots for the Dallas Cowboys in 2026. With the defense struggling for the second-straight year and the Cowboys offense having more bumps than we’re used to seeing, Dallas fans are gearing up for yet another disappointing season.
One of the few unheralded bright spots for the Cowboys defense this season has been second-year linebacker Shemar James.
James played quite a bit as a rookie under Matt Eberflus, but was viewed as more of a role-player and special teamer, but since
being named a starter and given the green-dot two weeks ago, James has been one of the better players on defense for the 2026 Dallas Cowboys.
With Dee Winters and DeMarvion Overshown battling injuries in the first part of the season, James was thrown into a heavier role in Christian Parker’s defense. After performing well during his uptick in snaps, Parker handed James the green-dot role for the Cowboys defense and through two weeks he’s handled that responsibility well for a young player.
In the last two weeks, James has registered 14 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception. James, a smaller-built linebacker, is not quite the force against the run as a player like Jaishawn Barham, but his ability to play on all three-downs and his understanding in coverage has been a nice boost for the Cowboys defense that has struggled mightily through their first nine games.
James is by no means on his way to making the Pro Bowl or receiving All Pro votes, but the Cowboys have really struggled to hit on day three picks in recent drafts. With James proving to be a solid player on defense, and his play earning him more playing time and responsibility on defense, the Cowboys may have found an impactful player on day three of the draft.
It’s still early and it’s been limited action, but the early returns in year two for James is one of the rare bright spots for the Cowboys defense in recent memory. James will have his hands full this Sunday with a difficult San Francisco 49ers offense coming to town, but his impact was felt on the field against the Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts, and we will see if he can carry the momentum into Week 10.
