After the Dallas Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to the Inexperienced Bay Packers final season, they counted on linebacker DeMarvion Overshown changing the five-time Professional Bowl linebacker. However Overshown — drafted by the Cowboys within the third spherical with the ninetieth decide in 2023 — has played in only 19 out of 51 games with Dallas because of injuries.
On Monday at the NFL Scouting Combine, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones expressed confidence that Overshown will be a standout — if he’s available to play.
“[I]f he does, I think it’s going to be a great season,” Jones told reporters, per The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “I believe the largest factor is that [unavailability]. Definitely, nobody needs to play the sport greater than him. I can guarantee you of that.”
Added Jones: “I am fired up about what he brings to the desk.”
Overshown missed the 2023 season due to an ACL damage in his left knee. In Week 14 in 2024, he suffered a torn ACL, MCL and PCL in his proper knee, sidelining him for the remainder of that season and the primary 10 weeks of 2025.
In six video games in 2025, Overshown had 15 solo tackles, 28 whole tackles and no sacks after having 5 in 13 video games in 2024.
Cowboys want a wholesome DeMarvion Overshown for protection to enhance
The Cowboys had the NFL’s third-worst protection final season (thirtieth, 377 yards per recreation). The offense ranked second, averaging 391.9 yards per recreation.
In 2025, the Cowboys missed Parsons’ skill to strain the quarterback — he led Dallas in sacks in 2024 with 12. General, the Cowboys had 35 sacks last season, with defensive end Jadeveon Clowney leading the way with 8.5.
Dallas is hopeful of a defensive turnaround under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who served as Philadelphia Eagles passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach last season. The Eagles have two of the best young cornerbacks in the NFL in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
Coming back healthy and working with Parker, Overshown could find new life, and his presence in the middle of the field should help solidify the defense — if he can remain healthy.
