The Dallas Cowboys have undergone several changes this offseason, mainly bringing in a new coaching staff. In addition to the new players added to the roster, Dallas is hoping to contend in 2025. Unfortunately, something that has plagued the Cowboys for a few years still appears to be a concern entering next season: the linebacker room.
One of the biggest issues in recent years for Dallas has been it’s underwhelming linebacker unit. Without consistently good, healthy off-ball linebackers, the Cowboys defense has struggled to contain opponents. That’s why the franchise acquired Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn this offseason. Unfortunately, analysts aren’t sure they will make much of a difference for the group.
In a recent PFF ranking of all 32 linebacker units in the league, Dallas was ranked near the bottom at No. 27. PFF’s Dalton Wasserman explained why it could be another tough year in the middle of the Cowboys defense.
"While Dallas’ linebacker unit is filled with familiar names, it doesn’t offer a track record of elite production. DeMarvion Overshown is likely to be sidelined for a large portion of the season due to a knee injury. Former first-rounder Kenneth Murray Jr. has posted sub-55.0 PFF overall grades in each of his five NFL seasons. Jack Sanborn projects as a rotational player who is familiar with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Damone Clark and Marist Liufau also project as serviceable depth, albeit with low production ceilings."Dalton Wasserman (PFF)
Cowboys’ linebacker unit ranked 27th in NFL
DeMarvion Overshown, who has the potential to be a really good linebacker, has already suffered two significant knee injuries on each leg through his first two seasons. With the most recent injury coming in Week 14 of last season, his availability for 2025 is in question.
That leaves Murray and Sanborn. As Wasserman highlighted, neither young linebacker has really stood out in their career, so their names aren’t going to move the needle. However, Murray is only 26 and Sanborn will be 25 when the season starts, so a breakout season is possible for both in a new location.
If that doesn’t happen, and none of the linebackers step up, Dallas could have another season where the team is weak against the run. Not being able to stop opposing teams from running the ball opens up a world of issues, so the Cowboys desperately need a couple of guys to emerge at linebacker.