Dallas Cowboys Pursue Defensive Revamp as Linebacker Gaps Prompt Wagner Interest

Veteran safety PJ Locke has been mentoring rookie defensive back Caleb Downs throughout offseason workouts, helping the young player navigate the "mental roller coaster" of an NFL debut. The Cowboys hope Downs, a first‑round pick praised for his intelligence and work ethic, will bolster a defense that struggled last season.

Dallas’ linebacker group remains a concern. DeMarvion Overshown has missed time with injuries, while Dee Winters offers an adequate but unspectacular option. Second‑year Shemar James and rookie Jaishawn Barham are still unproven. The team has been linked to veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner, a future Hall of Famer, whose recent 162 tackles and high pass‑rush grades could fill the leadership void. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer, a long‑time admirer of Wagner, says the veteran could complete the unit’s rebuild if a deal materialises before training camp ends. The Cowboys aim to lift their defense from league‑worst to average and return to the playoffs after two consecutive seven‑win seasons.