The Dallas Cowboys are making significant adjustments to their defensive lineup as they head into the 2025 NFL season. In a flurry of activity, the Cowboys recently re-signed defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, reinforcing their commitment to the interior defensive line. However, the team also faced a major shift when veteran leader DeMarcus Lawrence departed The Star, signing a contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
Lawrence’s exit marks a pivotal moment for the Cowboys’ defense, showcasing the leadership void left behind. Despite this change, the Cowboys still boast a roster filled with talent, notably featuring standout linebacker Micah Parsons, who is stepping up as a dominant presence on the field. Parsons, who has emerged as a vocal leader within the locker room, may find himself taking on additional responsibilities to fill the gap left by Lawrence.
The Cowboys are aware of the need to maintain seasoned veteran presence in their linebacker corps following Lawrence's departure. While Parsons is classified primarily as a linebacker, many argue that his versatility and talent exceed traditional roles within the team. Currently, the Cowboys have few options in the linebacker department; returning players include Marist Liufau and DeMarvion Overshown, who suffered a season-ending injury last year. This thin roster prompted the Cowboys to trade for Kenneth Murray Jr. from the Tennessee Titans.
Murray, who played with the Los Angeles Chargers before his stint with the Titans, expressed enthusiasm for his new role in Dallas, likening it to that of a "traffic cop." In his own words, he stated, "I kind of feel like I'll be like that traffic cop in the middle of the street, just trying to get everybody lined up, make sure everybody knows what's coming or making sure we're in the right check and stuff like that." With 95 tackles and 3.5 sacks in his last season, Murray's seasoned experience is poised to impact the defensive strategies immediately.
In addition to strengthening their current lineup, the Cowboys are also eyeing the upcoming NFL Draft, confirming their interest in bolstering their linebacker position further. Recently, they reunited linebacker Jack Sanborn with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, seeking a familiar tactical connection.
The Cowboys have also been proactive in scouting potential draft picks, including standout South Carolina linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. At his Pro Day, the Cowboys met with Knight, who is projected as a Top 50 selection. Moreover, they expressed interest in Eugene Asante from Auburn, who turned heads at the NFL Combine by clocking the second-fastest time for a linebacker at 4.48 seconds.
Asante's performance has garnered attention from various teams; he mentioned, "I had a great interview with the team" while discussing his one-on-one meetings at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. His final college season saw him record 45 tackles and 2.5 sacks, adding to his credentials as a fast and reliable linebacker.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches—set to take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with the first round on April 24—the Cowboys remain vigilant in their efforts to fill gaps in their defensive lineup. Rounds two and three will follow on April 25, with the final rounds concluding on April 26.
In summary, while the departure of DeMarcus Lawrence is a notable loss for the Dallas Cowboys, their commitment to reshaping their linebacker position through trades and the draft reflects a strong strategy to maintain a competitive defensive roster. The combination of Parsons’ leadership and the addition of seasoned players like Murray could bring a new era of performance on the field. With exciting draft prospects on the horizon, the franchise aims to build a defense that can not only compete but thrive in the upcoming season.
