Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (0) tries to punch the ball away from Shemar James (50) during a minicamp practice at The Star on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Frisco.
Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News
After a disappointing finish to the 2025 season, the Dallas Cowboys are looking ahead to the new campaign.
Much of the focus this offseason has centered around the team’s defense, which could get a boost from new coordinator Christian Parker. The team also picked up some new names for the defensive unit, led by first-round draftees Christian Parker and Malachi Lawrence.
As the offseason moves forward and NFL teams prepare for training camp, we’re breaking down the Cowboys’ 2026 roster by position groups. Today, let’s take a look at DeMarvion Overshown and the linebackers:
Article continues below this ad
2026 Dallas Cowboys linebackers
DeMarvion Overshown
Age: 25 NFL experience: 4 years
Contract: Entering the final year of his four-year, $5.3 million rookie deal.
Summary: Dallas’ linebacker group struggled throughout the 2025 season. To bounce back, the unit needs Overshown to shine. Overshown is looking to fill the Mike role in Parker’s 3-4 scheme. He’s finally getting the opportunity to work through a healthy offseason.
Article continues below this ad
Can Overshown step up and stay healthy throughout the campaign? It’s a contract year for Overshown, so he would benefit from a strong showing.
Dee Winters
Age: 25 NFL experience: 4 years
Contract: Entering the final year of his four-year, $3.9 million rookie deal.
Summary: The Cowboys swung a trade for the former TCU standout this offseason. Dallas could look at Winters to man one of its crucial inside linebacker roles. While he played in a backup role early in his NFL career, Winters started 17 games in San Francisco last season. He put up impressive numbers, notching 101 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, five pass deflections, three quarterback hits and a pick-six.
Article continues below this ad
Parker has already praised Winters’ intensity. Can that translate to game day?
Shemar James
Age: 22 NFL experience: 2 years
Contract: Entering Year 2 of his four-year, $4.6 million rookie deal.
Summary: When Dallas battled uncertainty in its linebacker roles last season, James picked up some valuable playing experience as a rookie. He struggled at certain points of the year, but he learned a lot about where he needs to improve.
Article continues below this ad
James could look to make a Year 2 leap in a new defensive system.
Jaishawn Barham
Age: 22 NFL experience: Rookie
Contract: Signed a four-year, $6.8 million rookie deal this offseason.
Summary: The Cowboys have high hopes for the 2026 third-round draft pick. Barham brings versatility, as he can line up at inside linebacker and edge rusher. For now, Dallas will look at him in a linebacker role.
Article continues below this ad
He has experience at inside linebacker, but he’ll face a new challenge in the NFL. Can he quickly become a rising star in Dallas’ defense?
Justin Barron
Age: 24 NFL experience: 1 year
Contract: Entering Year 2 of his three-year, $2.9 million deal.
Summary: Barron was another young player who found his way to the field in 2025. He was an undrafted rookie playing on special teams last year.
Article continues below this ad
Barron could once again earn snaps as a special teams weapon this season. He’ll also have a chance to earn a role in training camp. Could Barron climb the depth chart and make his mark on the field?
Curtis Robinson
Age: 28 NFL experience: 4 years
Contract: Signed a one-year, $1.2 million deal this offseason.
Summary: Robinson is an experienced linebacker who spent the last five seasons of his career in San Francisco. In Dallas’ OTAs, Robinson saw some snaps at middle linebacker. He joined the team on a one-year deal, so he would be a cost-effective option to play the pivotal role.
Robinson posted 42 total tackles and one tackle for loss last season with the 49ers.
Langston Patterson
Age: 25 NFL experience: Rookie
Contract: Signed a three-year, $3.1 million deal as an undrafted free agent.
Summary: Patterson landed in Dallas as an undrafted free agent this offseason. He’ll also have a chance to display his skillset in training camp.
Patterson posted 226 total tackles throughout his four-season stint at Vanderbilt, adding 14.5 tackles for loss.