Why DeMarvion Overshown Could Be the Cowboys’ Breakout Star in 2026
The Dallas Cowboys are heading into a pivotal offseason with more questions than answers on the defensive side of the ball-especially at linebacker. But one name is starting to rise above the noise: DeMarvion Overshown.
Pro Football Focus recently spotlighted one potential breakout player for each NFL team in 2026, and for Dallas, Overshown got the nod. It’s not a surprising pick when you look at the full picture.
The third-year linebacker has flashed the kind of upside that makes you pause and think, *“If he can stay healthy, this guy could be special.” *
A Glimpse of What Could Be
Overshown came into the league as a third-round pick (90th overall) in 2023, and while his rookie season never got off the ground due to a torn ACL in the preseason, he’s made the most of his time on the field since then. Across his first two seasons, Overshown started 17 games and stacked up 118 total tackles. That includes nine tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, four passes defended, and a smattering of impact plays-one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception.
Those numbers don’t just happen by accident. They tell the story of a player who has the instincts, range, and versatility to be a difference-maker in today’s NFL.
Battling Back-Twice
The road hasn’t been smooth. After missing all of 2023, Overshown returned in 2024 and showed real promise-only to suffer another major knee injury in December of that year.
That setback forced him to miss the first 10 weeks of the 2025 season. Two major knee injuries in two years would derail a lot of careers before they even get started.
But Overshown didn’t fold. He worked his way back and logged 218 snaps in 2025, earning a 67.4 overall grade from PFF. That’s not elite, but considering the circumstances, it’s a strong sign that he’s trending in the right direction.
Add that to the nearly 1,000 career snaps he's now played, and the Cowboys have a growing sample size of solid, dependable play from a linebacker who’s still just scratching the surface.
Why 2026 Could Be the Year
The opportunity is there. Dallas needs help at linebacker-badly.
The unit struggled with consistency and depth last season, and Overshown is one of the few players on the roster who combines athleticism with real upside. If he can stay on the field, there's a clear path for him to become a central figure in Dan Quinn’s (or whoever takes over, depending on coaching changes) defensive scheme.
Overshown’s versatility also fits the modern mold. He can cover in space, shoot gaps in the run game, and bring pressure off the edge when needed. He’s not just a plug-and-play guy-he’s a chess piece the Cowboys can move around to create mismatches.
And let’s not ignore the contract-year factor. Players tend to elevate their game when the stakes are tied to future earnings. Overshown is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and with his NFL future on the line, don’t be surprised if he plays with a little extra fire.
Final Thoughts
There’s no question that Overshown’s journey has been anything but linear. But that’s what makes his potential breakout in 2026 all the more compelling. He’s battled through adversity, shown flashes of high-level play, and now finds himself in a situation where the Cowboys need him to take the next step.
If he stays healthy-and that’s the big “if”-Overshown has the tools, the opportunity, and the motivation to become one of the standout linebackers not just in Dallas, but across the NFC.
The Cowboys may have found a gem. Now it’s time to see if Overshown can shine.