The Cowboys defense could stand to upgrade several positions during the offseason.
It’s no secret the Dallas Cowboys have a lot of work to do coming off of one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory. But before they can set their sights on free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft, they have to have a good understanding about their roster “needs” and how best to try to address them.
With that in mind, we thought we would take a look at the Cowboys current depth chart on the defensive side of the ball to help determine which positions are the most concerning right now prior to free agency and the draft and which ones could possibly be okay heading into next season. The depth chart does not list players who will be free agents in March.
Defensive end
Micah Parsons, Marshawn Kneeland, Sam Williams, Tyrus Wheat
As things stand right now Micah Parsons and Marshawn Kneeland are the Cowboys projected starters at defensive end for next year. Other than No. 11, the concerns about who starts opposite him and the depth overall at DE is something the Cowboys need to address in the offseason, possibly both via free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft. Upgrading and adding much-needed depth to this position could sit atop the priority list for the Cowboys.
Defensive tackle
Mazi Smith
If defensive end isn’t the top priority for the Dallas Cowboys heading into the offseason, defensive tackle might just be. Entering his third season with the Cowboys, Mazi Smith hasn’t played up to his first-round billing. The Cowboys brass hasn’t been successful in upgrading and adding depth the DT position in quite some time. Maybe this year will be different and we see them finally see some success in adding to the position.
Linebacker
DeMarvion Overshown, Marist Liufau, Damone Clark, Buddy Johnson
Not to sound like a broken record here, but the current depth at linebacker is another significant concern for the Cowboys defense this offseason. There’s no way of knowing right now if DeMarvion Overshown will be able to play next year after sustaining another season-ending knee injury. Even if he does, this is another position on the defensive side of the ball the Cowboys need to address via free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft.
Cornerback
Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, Caelen Carson, Josh Butler
Trevon Diggs’ timeline to return from his season-ending knee injury is up in the air right now, which seriously depletes Dallas’ starting options at cornerback for next season. Not only that, but DaRon Bland will be entering the final year of his rookie contract and missed nearly half the season last year with a foot injury. Because of all that, look for the CB position to sit atop the priority list the Cowboys to upgrade this offseason as well.
Safety
Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, Markquese Bell (RFA), Jaunyeh Thomas (ERFA)
The Cowboys could potentially consider making both Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson salary-cap casualties, but that would deplete the depth at safety even more than it already is. That’s especially true considering Markquese Bell is a restricted free agent and Jaunyeh Thomas is an exclusive rights free agent this offseason. With so many other “needs” on the defensive side of the ball, Dallas may have no choice to let things lie at safety.
