The Dallas Cowboys face a difficult reality heading into the 2026 season: they cannot fully rely on inside linebacker DeMarvion Overshown — at least not yet.

Overshown’s talent has never been in question. When healthy, he flashes the range, explosiveness, and coverage instincts of a potential elite NFL linebacker. However, through his first three professional seasons, the defining statistic of his career hasn’t been tackles or impact plays — it’s availability. Overshown has missed 32 of a possible 51 regular-season games, a staggering number for a young defender still trying to establish himself as a foundational piece of the Cowboys’ defense.

As Dallas evaluates its defensive priorities this offseason, Overshown represents both immense upside and considerable risk.

DeMarvion Overshown: Breakout Candidate — If Healthy

Despite suffering catastrophic knee injuries in consecutive seasons (2023 and 2024), Overshown has shown remarkable resilience. When he returned to action in 2025 following a torn ACL suffered in Week 14 of the 2024 campaign, his impact was immediately noticeable.

According to analysis from Pro Football Focus (PFF), Overshown was named the Cowboys’ 2026 “Breakout Candidate.” That designation speaks volumes about his on-field potential. The caveat, however, is obvious: health.

Overshown appeared in six games in 2025 after his return, finishing with 28 tackles. He later missed an additional contest due to a concussion — though by that point, Dallas had already been eliminated from postseason contention.

Statistically, his performance graded out respectably. Across 218 snaps in 2025, Overshown posted a 67.4 overall defensive grade from PFF. That figure may not jump off the page, but context matters. Returning from a major knee injury and immediately playing meaningful defensive snaps in the NFL is no small feat.

Even more encouraging for Dallas is that across his first two seasons, Overshown has logged nearly 1,000 snaps of solid defensive play. The tools are there. The instincts are there. The explosiveness is still visible.

What’s missing is sustained durability.

Cowboys Defense Transformed With Overshown’s Return

The 2025 Cowboys defense tells a clear story. Before Overshown’s return, Dallas ranked among the NFL’s worst defensive units. Following his activation from the PUP list and the addition of high-impact defenders, the unit stabilized and climbed toward the middle of the league rankings.

His activation marked a turning point.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport described Overshown’s return as “a potentially significant addition.” That assessment proved accurate. The Cowboys defense played faster, communicated better, and improved in pursuit angles once he was back on the field.

Dallas also bolstered the front seven via trades for Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson, two established defenders who elevated the physicality of the unit.

However, Overshown’s return arguably provided just as much of a lift. His sideline-to-sideline range and coverage versatility allowed the defensive scheme to expand. He can match tight ends in coverage, close quickly on screen passes, and serve as a spy against mobile quarterbacks.

Overshown also embraced a symbolic fresh start in 2025, switching his jersey from No. 13 to No. 0 — a fitting number for a player aiming to reset his career trajectory.

Contract Year Adds Pressure in 2026

Another layer of intrigue surrounds Overshown’s future: 2026 will be the final season of his four-year, $5.39 million rookie contract.

That timing complicates Dallas’ evaluation. If Overshown stays healthy and delivers on his breakout potential, his market value could rise significantly. Conversely, another injury-plagued season would force the Cowboys to reconsider his long-term role.

For a player with elite physical traits, this contract year represents both opportunity and urgency.

Dallas must determine whether to invest long-term or treat Overshown as a year-to-year contributor. Much of that decision hinges not on production, but availability.

Cowboys’ Defensive Offseason Priorities Remain Unclear

Beyond the interior defensive line, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what the Cowboys should prioritize defensively this offseason.

Offensively, the roster appears relatively stable outside of the contract situation involving wide receiver George Pickens. That stability frees Dallas to potentially allocate premium draft capital toward reinforcing the defense.

The Cowboys hold two first-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft — a valuable opportunity to reshape the defensive identity.

In an early mock draft projection, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. predicted Dallas could select Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 12 overall and Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor at No. 20.

Styles, a former safety, brings rare speed and coverage ability at the linebacker position — traits that mirror Overshown’s skill set. Over the past two seasons, Styles recorded 174 tackles and has drawn top-10 prospect consideration from some evaluators.

If Dallas invests a high first-round pick at linebacker, it could signal uncertainty about Overshown’s long-term durability. Alternatively, it could reflect a desire to create depth and competition at a position where injuries have already proven costly.

The Overshown Dilemma: Ceiling vs. Certainty

At its core, the Cowboys’ decision-making around Overshown comes down to one question:

Do you bet on elite upside, or do you prioritize dependability?

When healthy, Overshown has demonstrated traits consistent with top-tier NFL linebackers:

• Explosive lateral speed

• Strong coverage instincts

• Ability to blitz effectively

• Range in pursuit

• Emotional energy and leadership presence

But 32 missed games in three seasons cannot be ignored.

In today’s NFL, defensive consistency requires stability at linebacker. Missed time disrupts communication, chemistry, and schematic continuity. For a Cowboys defense striving to climb from middle-of-the-pack back into elite territory, reliability is critical.

What 2026 Means for Dallas

The 2026 season could define not only Overshown’s career but the broader trajectory of the Cowboys’ defense.

If he stays healthy and fulfills his breakout projection, Dallas could have a foundational defensive centerpiece entering his prime. If injuries resurface, the Cowboys may need to pivot quickly — possibly leaning on draft investments or external acquisitions to solidify the position.

For now, the Cowboys must prepare as though Overshown will play a significant role — while also building contingency plans.

That dual-track strategy reflects the delicate balance between optimism and realism.

Final Outlook

The Dallas Cowboys don’t lack talent on defense. What they need is continuity.

DeMarvion Overshown represents both the promise of a dynamic, modern linebacker and the uncertainty that injuries bring. His return in 2025 revitalized the unit. His health in 2026 could determine whether Dallas fields a championship-caliber defense or continues searching for answers.

The upside is undeniable. The risk is equally real.

For the Cowboys, the challenge isn’t evaluating his talent — it’s determining how much they can truly count on it.