They leaned heavily on Kenneth Murray, who struggled mightily and had a 38.8 overall grade from PFF. They also had to start rookie fifth-round pick Shemar James, who showed flashes, but wasn’t ready for the role he had to take on.
Despite the issues at the position, the Cowboys haven’t made many moves this offseason. They did well in adding Dee Winters in a draft-day trade with the San Francisco 49ers, giving them a quality starter. They also have DeMarvion Overshown, who can be a game-changer, but comes with question marks due to health.
Cowboys expected to add another inside linebacker
That’s why Cowboys insider Jon Machota says he can see them adding someone either before training camp or right before the season begins. He does believe Overshown is forgotten at times, but the injuries are a concern.
“Overshown is a guy that I kind of think is a little forgotten sometimes because of the injuries, and if he can stay healthy, he would be a really interesting piece to all of this, because I still maintain that inside linebacker spot to me, I just don’t think it’s done there yet,” Machota said on Cowboys Collective. “I still think there’s another move to be made there, whether it be before training camp or right before the season starts.”
This approach isn’t a bad idea since it gives the Cowboys time to see what the players they currently have on their roster are capable of. It also keeps them from adding someone who could be a progress stopper should James come into camp and look significantly better than he did in 2025. The same could be true with Barham, who has the talent to surprise people during his rookie season.