The Dallas Cowboys head into the 2026 offseason with one clear mission: fix the defense. And while there are multiple areas that could use reinforcements, linebacker stands out as a position in need of serious attention.
Yes, there’s optimism around DeMarvion Overshown. The 2023 third-round pick has flashed potential, and after missing his rookie year with an ACL tear, he’s begun carving out a role as a rangy, athletic presence in the middle of the field.
But who lines up next to him in 2026? That’s still very much up in the air.
Let’s start with the recent additions. Logan Wilson came over at the trade deadline, but the move didn’t quite pan out the way Dallas hoped. Wilson didn’t deliver the impact the Cowboys were banking on, and with a new defensive coordinator coming in and a contract that carries no dead-cap penalty if he’s cut, his future in Dallas looks shaky at best.
Then there’s Kenneth Murray. The former first-rounder signed a one-year "prove-it" deal last offseason, but the results were underwhelming. Murray struggled to find his footing in Dan Quinn’s system, and with free agency looming, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Dallas let him walk.
That brings us to one of the more intriguing possibilities on the market: Devin Bush.
Once labeled a bust after a rocky stint with the Steelers, Bush has completely turned his career around in Cleveland. After taking on a bigger role in 2025, he delivered his best season yet - earning an 87.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranked third among all qualifying linebackers.
What’s made Bush such an appealing option isn’t just one standout year - it’s the consistency he’s shown over the past two seasons. In 2024, he finished seventh in overall grade, 14th in pass rush, and eighth in run defense. In 2025, he improved to fourth overall, held steady at eighth in run defense, and took a major leap in coverage, earning an 80.4 grade - fourth-best at the position.
That kind of balance - strong against the run, solid in coverage, and capable of getting after the quarterback - is exactly what the Cowboys need. Dallas has finished 29th and 23rd in run defense over the past two seasons.
That’s not just a weakness - it’s a liability. Bush’s ability to plug gaps and shed blocks could go a long way toward fixing that.
But he’s not just a run-stopper. Bush showed off his playmaking chops in 2025 with three interceptions - all of which he returned for a combined 164 yards, the most in the league. Add in three sacks over his two years in Cleveland, and you’ve got a linebacker who can impact the game at every level.
Now, let’s talk price. Spotrac projects Bush to land a three-year, $26.6 million deal - roughly $8.9 million per year.
That’s not cheap, but it’s manageable, especially if Dallas moves on from Wilson. Cutting him would free up $6.5 million in 2026 and $7.2 million in 2027, per Over The Cap.
That’s a significant chunk of change that could go directly toward bringing in a linebacker who’s trending upward and still just 27 years old.
Pairing Bush with Overshown could give Dallas the kind of linebacker duo it hasn’t had in years - one that’s fast, physical, and versatile enough to stay on the field in all situations. And with a new defensive coordinator looking to put his stamp on the unit, Bush could be a tone-setter in the middle of the defense.
Bottom line: if the Cowboys have a shot at signing Devin Bush, it’s a move that makes too much sense to pass up. The defense needs a reliable anchor at linebacker, and Bush has shown he’s ready to be that guy.