Cowboys' Linebacker Search Intensifies

0:00On March 20, the Dallas Cowboys headed into the offseason needing a solid middle linebacker, but they have not filled that gap yet. They chased after a few top free agents early on, including the Kobe Dean, Quay Walker, and Devon Lloyd. Unfortunately, Dean and Walker landed with the Raiders on three-year deals worth between $36 million and $42 million each, wow. Lloyd signed with the Panthers for similar money. Options on the open market are thinning out fast. A couple of veteran standouts, like Bobby Wagner, from the Commanders and LeBonte David, who spent his career with the Buccaneers, remain available. Reports say the Cowboys have shown no interest in those guys, or others like Bobby Okareki and Shaq Thompson. Last season's defense struggled badly, giving up the most points and third most yards in the league. Kenneth Murray saw the most snaps among their linebackers at nearly 79%. But Dallas does not plan to bring him back. They also traded for Logan Wilson midseason, and waved him soon after.

1:02He retired at age 29. Right now, new defensive coordinator Christian Parker has to work with Demarbe and Overshone, Shamar James, and Justin Baron inside. Overshone should start if he stays healthy, despite missing most games due to injuries over three years. James, a fifth-round rookie, led the team with 91 tackles but graded low. Baron saw zero defensive snaps as an undrafted rookie. With picks at number 12 and number 20 in the draft, plus free agency and tray possibilities still open, the Cowboys look set to add a starter level linebacker soon to shore up that defense.