James Houston Needs to be Set Free for the Cowboys in 2026

James Houston needs a real shot to start for the Dallas Cowboys in Christian Parker’s new 3-4 defense.

I’m not saying James Houston is some perfect every-down linebacker, or that he needs to cover tight ends down the field because that isn’t what he is. But, a pass-rushing outside linebacker is what he needs to be.

The Cowboys moving into more of a 3-4 look should change how we view James Houston. He doesn’t need to be stuck with his hand in the dirt every snap. Let him stand up, get wide, and go hunting.

Christian Parker’s Defense Could Unlock James Houston

James Houston’s 2025 season will make you stop and take a second look. Because his numbers show someone who could have wreaked havoc.

He only played 307 defensive snaps, which came out to 27.73% of the Cowboys’ defensive snaps. That isn’t starter volume, not even close.

Even with the limited workload, James Houston still had 5.5 sacks and 25 total pressures. Those are numbers that don’t jump out until you realize he only played a quarter of the snaps.

Dallas didn’t treat him like a main piece, but he still produced like somebody who deserved more work. In a defense that needs pressure, those types of numbers matter.

What James Houston’s Stats Could Look Like

If 307 snaps equals 27.73%, then a full Cowboys defensive snap season comes out to roughly 1,107 total defensive snaps.

If James Houston played around 45% of the snaps, he would have been close to 498 snaps. At his 2025 production rate, that would have put him near 10 sacks and 41 pressures.

After some more calculations, I found that if he have had starter snaps at around 60%, that would have been around 664 snaps. At the same rate, his production would have landed near 13 sacks and 54 pressures.

I’m not saying you just copy and paste those numbers and guarantee Houston would have had 13 sacks. Football doesn’t work that cleanly, because there is more attention, more run-game responsibility, and more chances for offenses to adjust.

But even if I water it down, my point still stands.

James Houston produced 5.5 sacks and 25 pressures while playing 27.73% of the time. Give him real a starter-type role in Christian Parker’s defense, and 8 to 10 sacks is not some wild number.

The Cowboys Can Use More Juice Off the Edge

Dallas needs more pass rushers that have proven ability.

Donovan Ezeiruaku is one of the main pieces in this defense, Sam Williams still has a role, and Malachi Lawrence can develop without having to carry the whole load right away.

James Houston has already shown he can get to the quarterback.

This new Cowboys defense cannot be built on hopes and dreams, it needs to be built on production. James Houston checks that box.