While we wait for Dan Quinn to either pack his bags for D.C. or get ready for next year as our defensive coordinator we look at the linebackers.
And we aren't liking what we're seeing. This cupboard is bare.
Right now there are five true linebackers on the roster.
One is about to get a big payday.
Another is likely heading for retirement at age 27. Another is coming off missing his entire rookie season to an injury.
Of the other two, one was a starter in 2023 and the other has played in just six games in the last three years.
This is a room in need of a serious remodel.
A Dilemma In The Middle
Leighton Vander Esch has been a solid middle linebacker for the Cowboys since being drafted in the first round in 2018.
But he has struggled with injuries in his six-year career. And when he's been out, the Cowboys' run defense leaves with him.
Vander Esch suffered what may turn out to be a career-ending neck injury five games into the 2023 season.
San Francisco's offensive tackle Trent Williams shoved Vander Esch from behind and into the knees of Micah Parsons.
It was a dirty play by Williams. One that needs to be firmly addressed by the Cowboys' defense when the teams play again this fall.
Vander Esch would not play another down in 2023.
While no final determination has been made it seems doubtful that Vander Esch will return. His long-term health is not worth the risk.
He would be an unrestricted free agent in 2025 anyway.
It's time to urge him to hang it up, as Carolina's Luke Kuechly did in 2019 after eight seasons.
As 2023 proved, Dallas had no one to replace Vander Esch in the middle. They will need to do so in the draft or in free agency this spring.
The Lion Will Prowl
Micah Parsons isn't going anywhere. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026 but look for his contract to be extended soon.
His play on the field commands a big payday.
The one thing I'd like to see less of from him is his social media footprint.
Let's focus on making the plays in every game. Let that do all the talking for you, Micah.
The Other Three In The Room
Damone Clark will also be an unrestricted free agent in 2026. A fifth round pick in 2022, Clark came into his own in 2023, starting in all 17 games.
Clark finished with 109 tackles last year and will look to be a solid contributor again in 2024.
The biggest unknown is DeMarvion Overshown.
Drafted in the third round last year the former Longhorns standout injured his knee in the preseason.
His surgery appeared to go well. He is reportedly on track to return for camp.
If he comes all the way back, and remains healthy, he will be a welcome addition.
The fifth man in the room is Buddy Johnson, who will be a restricted free agent in 2026.
Johnson was originally drafted by the Steelers in 2021 and played in four games with just two tackles.
He was not on any roster in 2022. In 2023 he signed with Dallas and saw two games, finishing with four tackles.
At 24, he still has a lot of football to play, assuming he can earn his way onto the field.
Waiting On Dan Quinn
How the draft and free agency plays out for the defense will be determined by Dan Quinn's future.
He'll either be the Commanders' new head coach or back with the Cowboys as the defensive coordinator this fall.
Quinn prefers to use safeties in areas usually patrolled by linebackers. Even if he stays though, Dallas cannot just have five linebackers on the roster.
Especially when as of this moment they have 16 defensive backs on the payroll.
Whether or not a new coordinator – Mike Vrabel would be nicer to have than Ron Rivera in my opinion – comes to town, that imbalance must change dramatically.
The Top Targets
There are several linebackers available in free agency this year. I have my eye on one.
Baltimore's Patrick Queen.
He's solid against the run and can rush the passer effectively too.
But I'm also looking at drafting a linebacker as well.
And I want Michigan's Junior Colson. At 6-3, 247 pounds he's going to be hard to block and harder to run over.
And to be honest, even if I get my top two targets, I may not be done shopping for linebackers to clog up the middle.
Dallas has been gashed up the middle by the run for several years.
We're plugging that hole, here and now, for good.
