The Cowboys have been active this offseason, but have yet to add a linebacker despite that group’s struggles last year.
The Cowboys have been active this offseason, but have yet to add a linebacker despite that group’s struggles last year.Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles prepares for a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb.
26, 2026, in Indianapolis. Looking back on it, in fact, we probably owe Matt Eberflus an apology. Maybe his zone scheme wasn’t the problem after all. He’d probably like a do-over with the guys Jerry Jones has Just the same, even with the Cowboys’ flurry of transactions, it’s instructive to note there isn’t a single linebacker in the bunch. And it’s not like it was a position of strength. Not like in the good ol’ days.did when he roamed the field with malevolence in mind. Middle linebackers, in particular, have been devalued. They don’t even call them that anymore. Now it’s “Mike” linebacker.wore the position’s “green dot” most of last season, and the color didn’t suit him. Looked no better in a brief audition by Logan Wilson, whoNot to harp on history here, but, from 1960-95, the Cowboys employed a half-dozen starters at middle linebacker. You can probably name all six. Jerry Tubbs, Lee Roy Jordan, Bob Breunig, Eugene Lockhart, Ken Norton Jr. and Robert Jones. They accumulated 10 Pro Bowl appearances, half by Jordan.Since 1995, a dozen potential heirs to Jordan have occupied the position. They’ve got three Pro Bowls to show for it. Sean Lee, who has two, would rank with Lee Roy and Breunig if his body hadn’t betrayed him. But that’s the problem. The Cowboys knew his injury history and risk when they drafted him. Same with Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. Hard, then, to call it bad luck later.As for the rest over the last 30 years, Dat Nguyen and Bradie James were solid, and when Rolando McClain hit you, you felt it. Otherwise, it’s not what you’d call a distinguished list. A couple even escaped my admittedly faulty recall. Here’s the thing about the list: The Cowboys have made the same mistake at middle linebacker that they’ve committed at safety, another “devalued” position. Also another lost cause around here. Remember my love letters for Earl Thomas? The lovely wife was starting to get ideas.? He’s earned it, if you were wondering. According to Pro Football Focus, Thompson was the league’s fourth-most valuable safety in 2023. His low missed-tackle rate over the last two seasons ranked fifth among qualifying safeties.Now it’s time to do the same at middle linebacker. He doesn’t necessarily have to be a Pro Bowler. Frankly, I’d settle for a guy who could get everyone lined up. By all accounts, they’ve tried this offseason. Talked toand Quay Walker, both of whom signed with the Raiders. Other veterans are reportedly available by trade, but the Cowboys have yet to move on any. Which makes you think maybe they’re targeting a linebacker in the first round next month. I’ve already vouched for Sonny Styles, Ohio State’s Superman. A home run pick. But his numbers were so spectacular at the combine, he’s apparently worked his way into the top 10 and out of the Cowboys’ reach.For that matter, the 12th pick might be a little rich for the Cowboys at linebacker, as much as it pains me to type that. They need a cornerback, too. If’s Jacob Rodriguez could also bear the responsibility of the green dot. Just a question of whether he’s worthy of a first-day pick or if he’d still be around in the third. Bottom line: The Cowboys might yet find a fine middle linebacker in the draft, but it shouldn’t come to that. Once it became clear Vander Esch could no longer play, they tried the last two seasons to patch the position, with predictable results. Eric Kendricks and Murray were busts. Unless they make a deal in the next few weeks, they may have to draft from a position of need instead of taking the best talent available. Never the way to go into a draft if you can help it.But, if they do come up with a linebacker worthy of what was once a great legacy, well, all’s forgiven. Some, anyway.NFC East free agency tracker: See what the Cowboys' rivals have been up to so far The Commanders and Giants were busy on day one, while the Eagles are yet to add anyone in free agency.Employed since 1985 by The Dallas Morning News, my fifth and final newspaper. Texas born, raised and steeped. Father of four children, husband of one wife.Dallas County wants to borrow $350M for slew of projects, including land for new jail
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