<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n
After a disappointing finish to the 2025 season, the Dallas Cowboys<\/a> are looking ahead to the new campaign.<\/p>\n Much of the focus this offseason has centered around the team’s defense, which could get a boost from new\u00a0coordinator Christian Parker<\/a>. The team also picked up some new names for the defensive unit, led by first-round draftees Christian Parker and Malachi Lawrence.<\/a><\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 2026 Dallas Cowboys linebackers<\/p>\n DeMarvion Overshown<\/p>\n Age: 25 NFL experience: 4 years<\/p>\n Contract:\u00a0Entering the final year of his four-year, $5.3 million rookie deal.<\/p>\n Summary:\u00a0Dallas’ 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. <\/a>He’s finally getting the opportunity to work through a healthy offseason.<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Dee Winters<\/p>\n Age: 25 NFL experience: 4 years<\/p>\n Contract:\u00a0Entering the final year of his four-year, $3.9 million rookie deal.<\/p>\n Summary:\u00a0The 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.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Parker has already praised Winters’ intensity<\/a>. Can that translate to game day?<\/p>\n Shemar James<\/p>\n Age: 22 NFL experience: 2 years<\/p>\n Contract:\u00a0Entering Year 2 of his four-year, $4.6 million rookie deal.<\/p>\n Summary:\u00a0When 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.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n James could look to make a Year 2 leap <\/a>in a new defensive system.<\/p>\n Jaishawn Barham<\/p>\n Age: 22 NFL experience: Rookie<\/p>\n Contract:\u00a0Signed a four-year, $6.8 million rookie deal this offseason.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n