Next Man Up: Marist Liufau on the EDGE of a breakthrough

With a potentially transformative position change on the menu for Marist Liufau, what might he be for the Cowboys and Christian Parker in 2026 and beyond?

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:26pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the aggressive movements of a football player in a pass rushing stance, with sharp planes of navy blue, silver, and white representing the Dallas Cowboys.A cubist interpretation of a Cowboys EDGE rusher poised to disrupt the offense, hinting at Marist Liufau's potential position change and impact.Frisco Today

Marist Liufau, a third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, is set to undergo a position change from inside linebacker to outside linebacker/EDGE rusher under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. After a promising rookie season, Liufau struggled to find consistent playing time in 2025 under former defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Now with the change to a 3-4 defense, the Cowboys are hoping Liufau can unlock his potential as a pass rusher and make an impact opposite Donovan Ezeiruaku and in rotation with Rashan Gary and Sam Williams.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' defense struggled in 2025, finishing 7-9-1 and missing the playoffs. With the change to a 3-4 defense under new coordinator Christian Parker, the team is looking for players like Liufau to step up and provide a boost to the pass rush. If Liufau can successfully transition to the EDGE position, it could be a game-changer for the Cowboys' defense in 2026 and beyond.

The details

Liufau was a third-round pick by the Cowboys in 2024 out of Notre Dame, where he played both inside and outside linebacker. As a rookie, he took over the defensive green dot role due to injury, but struggled to find consistent playing time in 2025 under former coordinator Matt Eberflus. Now with the switch to a 3-4 defense, the Cowboys are moving Liufau to outside linebacker/EDGE rusher, a role he is familiar with from his college days. The team is hoping he can put on muscle mass and learn the nuances of rushing the passer from Uzo-Diribe, the new outside linebackers coach.

  • Liufau was a third-round pick by the Cowboys in the 2024 NFL Draft.
  • In his rookie season of 2024, Liufau took over the defensive green dot role due to injury.
  • In 2025, Liufau struggled to find consistent playing time under former defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
  • In 2026, the Cowboys are moving Liufau to outside linebacker/EDGE rusher under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

The players

Marist Liufau

A third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 out of Notre Dame, where he played both inside and outside linebacker. After a promising rookie season, he struggled to find consistent playing time in 2025 but is now set to undergo a position change to outside linebacker/EDGE rusher under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

Christian Parker

The new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, who is implementing a 3-4 defense and moving Marist Liufau to the EDGE position.

Matt Eberflus

The former defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, under whom Liufau struggled to find consistent playing time in 2025.

Donovan Ezeiruaku

An outside linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, who Liufau will be expected to complement and rotate with at the EDGE position.

Rashan Gary

An outside linebacker/EDGE rusher for the Dallas Cowboys, who Liufau will be expected to rotate with at the EDGE position.

Sam Williams

An outside linebacker/EDGE rusher for the Dallas Cowboys, who Liufau will be expected to rotate with at the EDGE position.

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What they’re saying

“If Liufau can effectively make the move to the edge, he'll kick open the door for all manner of opportunity to make an impact in games opposite Donovan Ezeiruaku, and in rotation with Rashan Gary, Sam Williams and any other edge rushers the Cowboys add to the roster before OTAs and minicamp.”

— Patrik Walker, Reporter

What’s next

Liufau will need to work closely with new outside linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe this offseason to learn the nuances of rushing the passer from the EDGE position. He'll also need to put on additional muscle mass to remain durable throughout the transition.

The takeaway

The Cowboys are banking on Liufau's position change to EDGE rusher being a game-changer for their defense in 2026. If he can successfully make the transition, it could provide a much-needed boost to their pass rush and help the team bounce back from a disappointing 7-9-1 season in 2025.