In a development that everybody saw coming, the Dallas Cowboys' linebackers are already an issue just one game into the 2026 NFL season. DeMarvion Overshown struggled before getting hurt again, Dee Winters got picked on all game in Week 1, and Jaishawn Barham may be in the poor-effort doghouse.
With Overshown expected to miss at least a game or two, Cowboys fans' spidey senses are tingling that Jerry Jones may make one of his famous moves. Like, say, signing a legend such as Bobby Wagner, who we have clamored for all offseason, to stabilize the unit and give them a true MIKE.
That should absolutely be on the table for Dallas, but on such short notice, they need to lean on a familiar face in practice squadder Justin Barron, who had more than his share of moments during the summer program. But the leash can't be too long in what is unequivocally a Super Bowl window.
Barron should get a game, maybe two. If he doesn't answer the call, though, Wagner should be in navy, white, royal blue and silver by next week.
What Bobby Wagner could bring to the Dallas Cowboys' defense
If you've mentally recovered from the primetime loss in Week 1 to the New York Giants and have subjected yourself to the media availability of the Cowboys' players and coaches, one big, glaring message is being sent out with neon signs: the communication was lacking on Sunday.
Who better to throw into the heart of the Dallas defense, then, than Wagner, who will be wearing a gold jacket exactly five years after he retires from the NFL? For all that Wagner brings with his play on the field, a veteran of that stature would command respect and say exactly what he sees going on.
And nobody in the current NFL landscape has seen more from the MIKE linebacker spot than Wagner.
Speaking of which, Wagner isn't the same kind of player as Overshown or Winters, who are suited to play WILL. Even when Overshown comes back from injury, he could benefit more from playing on the weak side and using his speed and athleticism in open space while Wagner does the dirty work.
Overshown and Winters can't really mix it up and fend through traffic on the interior and take on guards and centers to make plays. Wagner can. While Barham may eventually develop into that, he just isn't there yet, and the 2026 Cowboys aren't in a position to wait around for that to happen.
Development is nice, but not the priority. This isn't a rebuild; this is a contending window, and Dallas can pry it back open more with the addition of a surefire veteran who was still playing good football last year and was a Pro Bowler as recently as 2024. Nobody would blame Jones for making the call.
Why Justin Barron deserves a chance to prove himself (with a short leash)
Maybe before the Cowboys go adding a player from outside the building, though, they should promote Barron to the active roster on game day and give him a chance to contribute. He may not be a true MIKE, but at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, he certainly has the size to play inside.
Plus, as a former college wide receiver and defensive back, he may actually have the ability to cover in the middle of the field, and a residual effect of that may be that Winters and Barham get to pin their ears back more and fly downhill, especially if Christian Parker moves Caleb Downs into the box more.
Barron showed what he was capable of during joint practices and the preseason, and truthfully, he just narrowly missed the 53-man roster in Dallas. Perhaps he's worth a shot before adding someone like Wagner and having to cut another player just because Overshown is out for a week or two.
That said, the leash needs to be short here. If Barron doesn't play this week, or if he does and he struggles, then the Cowboys shouldn't wait long to call Wagner. Starting 0-2 is bad enough, but to be 0-2 in the division before the crux of the schedule is even worse. Dallas can't let that happen.
So, give Barron a chance. He's earned it. But don't let Wagner get buried too deeply in your mind, Jerry Jones.
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