The Dallas Cowboys’ glaring need at edge rusher, coupled with new defensive coordinator Christian Parker adjusting to a 3-4 front, has led to a position change for linebacker Marist Liufau.

Coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed Thursday that the club planned to move the third-year pro to OLB.

“Marist Liufau, we’re gonna move him to outside linebacker,” Schottenheimer said via the team’s official website. “That kind of fits his strengths, right? 
He’s got length, he’s got long arms and he’s really good at disrupting the ball.”

A third-round pick out of Notre Dame, Liufau started 14 of 34 games in two seasons as a middle linebacker in Dallas. In 720 snaps over the two campaigns, he generated 80 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 18 QB pressures, per Pro Football Focus. He was buried on the depth chart under Matt Eberflus, playing just 200 snaps last season.

Changing positions will be a challenge from a pass-rush perspective, but he could help solve some of the run-game issues as an early-down OLB who can set the edge against the run. The versatility on the edge under Parker could give both Liuafu and the Cowboys more options in 2026.

For the 6-foot-2, 239-pound linebacker, it won’t be a seamless transition. He’ll have to bulk up in the coming months to avoid getting smooshed by offensive tackles. However, the Cowboys believe the 25-year-old could thrive in the move.

“[We feel he’ll be] good,” Schottenheimer said. “He doesn’t have the great twitch, but he’s got the strength to knock guys back. And, again, the length is what just jumps off the film. He’s excited about it. We’ve talked to Marist about it. He was excited. He can eat a little bit more to get his weight back up a little bit.”

A position change is easier said than done. What sounds good in February and March doesn’t always pan out in August and September. However, moving Liufau underscores the Cowboys’ desperate need at outside linebacker, where Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams, and Payton Turner are all free agents. A position change could give Liufau a path to making the roster and having a role under Parker.