One thing about the Dallas Cowboys is that they're certainly not short on stars. Jerry Jones would never allow that.
Yet despite having more than a few stars currently on the roster now, the Cowboys head into the first year of the Brian Schottenheimer era looking up towards at least one – realistically, two – teams in their own division. At least they'll (probably) beat the Giants?
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That's all to say that even with the inevitable Micah Parsons extension coming sometime between now and Labor Day weekend, they're going to need all the help they can get if they're going to stop (contain?) Philly and Washington.
Fortunately, one of their lesser-talked about free agent signings could go a long way in helping that: linebacker Jack Sanborn. Sanborn comes over from Chicago – with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus – and, as Fox Sports points out in a new article, could be a major difference maker on defense this season.
Jack Sanborn could quietly be a huge piece of the Cowboys' defense in 2025
"Connect the dots. Matt Eberflus has returned to Dallas to be Brian Schottenheimer’s defensive coordinator. One of the hallmarks of his system is quality linebacker play, and he’s brought an intriguing name with him from Chicago. Sanborn's three NFL seasons came with the Bears, where he served as a part-time starter under Eberflus. He’s tough, smart and instinctive, and he’s going to have an opportunity to earn major playing time. With no slam-dunk starters in the linebacker corps, I’m thinking Sanborn has a major leg up due to his familiarity in Eberflus’ system."
Through the first three years of his NFL career, Sanborn's been, generally, a good linebacker. He came out of nowhere in Chicago to start six of the 14 games he appeared in his rookie season, putting up two sacks and 50 solo tackles.
While with the Bears, he appeared in 48 games and started in 19 of them – his understanding and comfort in Eberflus' defense was apparent from the moment he stepped on the field. The stats aren't mind-boggling, but that's what Parsons is for.
That's great news, considering how Sanborn's probably going to be the Cowboys' starting middle linebacker this season. And if he doesn't start in the middle, he was solid at all three linebacker spots for the Bears.
Look for Sanborn to have a Dorance Armstrong-esque impact in Eberflus' defense. Not the most heralded player, but versatile and crucial to everything the unit does.