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Cowboys' Young Linebackers Aim to Take Next Step in 2026
DeMarvion Overshown and Shemar James lead a young linebacker corps looking to bounce back after an injury-plagued 2025 season.
Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:15pm
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The Dallas Cowboys' linebacker unit has dealt with injuries in recent years, but with DeMarvion Overshown healthy and a promising rookie in Shemar James, the team is hoping their young players can take a big step forward in 2026. The Cowboys will also have decisions to make on free agents Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn this offseason as they look to build around their young core.
Why it matters
The Cowboys' linebacker play has been a strength of the team historically, but injuries have held them back in recent seasons. If Overshown and the young linebackers can stay healthy and develop, it could be a major boost for the Cowboys' defense as they look to return to the playoffs.
The details
Overshown, a former second-round pick, has dealt with knee injuries in his first three NFL seasons but was able to return for six games in 2025. Rookie fifth-round pick Shemar James led the team in tackles in 2025, while veteran Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn will be free agents this offseason. The Cowboys will need their young linebackers to step up, especially with potential roster turnover at the position.
- Overshown will have his first full healthy offseason in 2026 after dealing with injuries early in his career.
- Murray and Sanborn are set to become free agents this offseason.
The players
DeMarvion Overshown
A former second-round pick by the Cowboys who has dealt with knee injuries in his first three NFL seasons, but is now healthy heading into a contract year in 2026.
Shemar James
A fifth-round rookie in 2025 who led the Cowboys in tackles that season, emerging as a promising young linebacker.
Kenneth Murray
A veteran linebacker who is set to become a free agent this offseason after starting 81 games for the Cowboys over the past four seasons.
Jack Sanborn
A linebacker who played in six games for the Cowboys in 2025 and is also set to become a free agent this offseason.
What’s next
The Cowboys will need to decide whether to re-sign free agent linebackers Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn this offseason, while also looking to build around their young core of DeMarvion Overshown and Shemar James.
The takeaway
The Cowboys' linebacker unit has been a strength of the team historically, but injuries have held them back in recent seasons. If Overshown can stay healthy and the young players like James can continue to develop, it could be a major boost for the Cowboys' defense as they look to return to the playoffs.
