FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys entered their voluntary offseason program hopeful that linebacker DeMarvion Overshown can take a significant step forward in 2026 after a string of knee injuries. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said on Jan. 1, “I hope it’s big,” and praised Overshown’s play style, leadership and work ethic following December 2024 surgery to repair the ACL, MCL and PCL in his right knee.
Overshown is enjoying his first healthy offseason after also rehabbing a torn ACL in his other knee during the 2024 offseason. Organized team activities do not begin until June 1 and the mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 16, but Overshown said being able to train for football rather than rehabilitation already feels different. “When I’m healthy and I’m getting the same work as everybody else … can’t nobody outwork me,” he said, adding, “Everybody haven’t even seen me.”
Limited to six games last season while recovering from surgery, Overshown played 218 snaps and was credited with 35 tackles, one tackle for loss and two quarterback pressures. In 2024, when he appeared in 13 games, he totaled 95 tackles, five sacks, three tackles for loss, 16 quarterback pressures, four pass breakups, one forced fumble and a 23-yard interception returned for a touchdown.
Former defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus said late last season that he believes Overshown can be “outstanding,” praising his quickness, instincts and coverage ability. The defensive present now belongs to new coordinator Christian Parker and linebackers coach Scott Symons; on-field work is only two weeks old, and Overshown said the staff has schematic plans for him. “I’m not just parked somewhere expected to make a play on the other side of the field,” he said.
Overshown is entering his fourth season and a contract year while trying to stay on the field; knee injuries have limited him to 19 of a possible 51 regular-season games. The linebacker room has been reshaped in the offseason — only Overshown, Shemar James and Justin Barron return from last year as Marist Liufau moved to the edge, the Cowboys traded for veteran Dee Winters and added Jaishawn Barham in the third round — and Overshown said the group is setting a new standard and energy level. He also noted the brace he wore last year is gone.
