The Dallas Cowboys are nearly eliminated from the 2024 playoff picture and must begin to evaluate ways to improve this team, with two positions on defense standing out as the most important to address during the offseason.
The Dallas Express previously evaluated two positions of need for the Cowboys on offense, but now is the time to look at two positions the franchise can improve upon on the defensive side of the ball.
Linebacker
The Cowboys seemingly had one of the best young players in the league at linebacker before Demarvion Overshown went down with a knee injury, but that injury now creates a massive hole at the position entering the offseason.
Although Eric Kendricks has put together a solid season with 119 total tackles while forcing four turnovers, he is scheduled to be a free agent and could be on a different team in the 2025 season.
As a result, only Marist Liufau and Buddy Johnson are listed on the Cowboys depth chart as the linebackers expected to be on the team this season and next, though neither player has accumulated much experience in their careers.
Linebacker is one of the most important positions on the team that is in charge of protecting the middle of the field, calling out defensive coverages, and rushing the quarterback during specific defensive sets.
Dallas cannot afford to enter the 2025 season with a shortage of linebackers, as opposing quarterbacks will be able to target the weak part of the field and work their way down into scoring position.
While Dallas could look to select a linebacker in the upcoming draft, the most likely outcome is signing a veteran player to an inexpensive contract that will last just one season.
Potential options for the Cowboys to sign during the offseason include re-signing Kendricks for another season or signing players such as Anthony Walker Jr. and Bobby Wagner.
Other options for the Cowboys could arise during the draft, with players such as Jihaad Campbell, Harold Perkins Jr., and Chris Paul Jr. all having the potential to step in and play a role during their rookie seasons.
Defensive Tackle
The Cowboys will enter yet another offseason with a clear need for more impactful players along the defensive line. Very few members of the team demonstrate an ability to seriously slow down opposing players in the trenches.
Defensive tackle is one of the most important positions on the field in slowing down an opposing team’s rushing attack, as demonstrated by the Cowboys’ inability to stop the run over the past few seasons.
The Cowboys have allowed a league-high 21 rushing touchdowns this season while also giving up an average of 141.9 rushing yards per game, which sits ahead of just the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers for the most in the league.
Although defensive tackle Mazi Smith has shown massive improvement throughout the season, the Cowboys must look at options to add along the defensive line to help slow down opposing running backs.
Potential options to sign during free agency include Javon Kinlaw, B.J. Hill, or Johnathan Hankins, though Dallas could also choose to tackle this position of need through the draft.
The good news for the Cowboys is that multiple players in the upcoming draft class, including Derrick Harmon, Tyleik Williams, or Walter Nolen, could become immediate contributors to the team.
Adding another player through free agency or the draft, along with the eventual return of defensive tackle Sam Williams from a torn ACL, will help the Cowboys improve their rushing defense in the 2025 season.