With the Dallas Cowboys opting not to bring back Eric Kendricks for a second season and DeMarvion Overshown expected to miss a big chunk of the upcoming 2025 season as he continues to recover from multiple right knee tears, the team added several linebackers during the offseason for new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus to pair alongside rising star Marist Liufau.
The most notable name was 2020 first-round pick Kenneth Murray Jr., who was acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans. The Cowboys also used a fifth-round draft pick on Florida's Shemar James and then brought in Syracuse standout Justin Barron as an undrafted free agent.
However, the new addition that could have the most significant impact for America's Team and may end up being one of the biggest steals of the offseason is Jack Sanborn, who left the Chicago Bears after three seasons to sign a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Cowboys.
Sanborn is clearly already making an impact, as he was spotted wearing the all-important green dot on his helmet during the second day of training camp. For those unaware, this signifies that he has a communication device, allowing him to receive play calls directly from coaches during a game. So, it's a big deal.
IDP ALERT
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) July 23, 2025
I spy a green dot on Jack Sanborn’s helmet! https://t.co/7DlMUCYpNi
For those familiar with Sanborn, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Eberflus has put his trust in the 24-year-old. Eberflus, of course, took over as head coach of the Bears ahead of the 2022 season and played a big part in bringing the Wisconsin alum to the Windy City as an undrafted free agent.
And with Eberflus' specialty being the linebacker position—don't forget that he was the Cowboys' linebackers coach for seven seasons—he helped develop Sanborn into a solid player.
After earning a spot on Chicago's 53-man roster as a rookie with an impressive training camp, Sanborn made his presence known during that 2022 campaign, starting in six of his 14 appearances and racking up 64 total tackles and a pair of sacks.
He was rewarded for his play with the coveted Brian Piccolo Award, which is presented annually to one Bears rookie and one Bears veteran who exemplify the late Chicago legend's courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication, and sense of humor.
In 2023, Sanborn started 10 games and appeared in all 17 contests, amassing another 65 tackles and a sack while also recording his first career interception.
He was used more as a rotational player in 2024 after the Bears added some new faces to the linebacker room, but he once again played all 17 games, tallying 35 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three passes defended.
What also shouldn't be forgotten is that the Cowboys' new linebackers coach is Dave Borgonzi, who was a defensive assistant alongside Eberflus for two years (2011-12) in Dallas and served as Eberflus' linebackers coach in Chicago. So, he's familiar with what Sanborn brings to the table as well.
We'll obviously have to wait and see how this situation progresses, but Sanborn clearly has the trust of his coaching staff, which is always a good thing.