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Cowboys position preview: Linebacker remains a position of strength despite its multiple question marks

When the free agent market settles, Dallas could invest in a veteran to add to its depth.

Editor’s note: Fourth in a 10-part series assessing each position group.

This is a position with question marks about the future health of linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, and whether veteran Sean Lee returns for an 11th season with the Cowboys.

Vander Esch, the weakside linebacker, played in just nine games due to health problems and underwent neck surgery to alleviate the potential of long-term issues.

Jaylon Smith, the middle linebacker, led the team with 142 tackles and earned his first Pro Bowl berth. Smith struggled at times just making basic plays, such as tackling, and was credited with 12 missed tackles in 2019.

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The Cowboys value Lee, who played a full season for the first time in his career, but it’s uncertain if he’ll return. And Joe Thomas proved a valuable asset and could return because of his ability to play all three linebacker positions.

There isn’t much depth at the position, but Luke Gifford performed well in training camp until he suffered a high-ankle sprain in the first preseason game. Gifford could move into a special team’s role in 2020 if he remains healthy.

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There’s a possibility Vander Esch changes positions, moving to middle linebacker, to build off his strengths as a physical tackler. Health and whether Smith is open to changing positions is a factor with that, as well.

Position strength

7 of 10

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Free agency

The Cowboys will not be active at this position. The price is too high for some of the better inside linebackers such as the Bears’ Nick Kwiatkoski, the Rams’ Cory Littleton and the Browns’ Joe Schobert.

When the market settles, the Cowboys could invest in a veteran to play one of the linebacker spots.

Three names to watch

  • Nigel Bradham: The Eagles released him to clear $4.5 million in cap space, and he played through some ankle issues last year. He’s a quality player who might be worth looking at, plus he’s familiar with the NFC East and that’s always a plus.
  • Danny Trevathan: The Bears have two linebackers, Trevathan and Kwiatkoski, who are free agents. It appears the Bears will stick with Kwiatkoski long-term. This leaves Trevathan, who played just nine games last season due to an elbow injury, on the market. Trevathan says he’s healthy now, and might take an incentive laden deal.
  • Wesley Woodyard: A veteran who became a part-time player in 2019 but still makes plays. Woodyard participated in just 29.2% of the defensive snaps last season in Tennessee. Age will be a factor for him, he will be 34 when the 2020 season starts, but he’s another vet on the market that could help Dallas.

The draft

The Cowboys have such a young group at this position that using a draft pick on another linebacker, with Smith locked up for six more seasons and Vander Esch due for a long-term extension — if he proves he can be healthy — doesn’t seem prudent.

If anything, finding a linebacker in the late rounds or as an undrafted player, like they did with Gifford, is the probably the best decision.

Three names to watch

  • Isaiah Simmons, Clemson: Named the Butkus Award winner as the best linebacker in the country. Simmons was also the ACC’s Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts. In 2019, Simmons led the Tigers with 107 tackles and added 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks and 10 pass breakups in 818 snaps.
  • Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma: The Houston native was an All-Big 12 first-team selection after gathering 102 tackles and 17 tackles for loss last season. He made 42 starts in a three-year career. Along with Simmons, he’s an expected first-round pick.
  • Patrick Queen, LSU: He had 77 tackles with 9 tackles for loss with 2.5 sacks for the national champions. NFL draft experts have raved about Queen during the offseason. “He’s a three-down guy, had a phenomenal year, great tackler,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper said of Queen.
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Bottom line

There is youth at this position, but some uncertainty with Vander Esch’s health. The Cowboys have done an excellent job of building this group through the draft and if all goes well, there shouldn’t be much worry about long-term.

A need to replace Lee is important, and finding a veteran should help with the youth. If the Cowboys keep Lee it’s not a bad thing, but the new coaching staff might look elsewhere.

On the roster

PlayerAgeYears left
Ray-Ray Armstrong28UFA
Chris Covington242
Sean Lee33UFA
Justin March26UFA
Jaylon Smith246
Malcolm Smith30UFA
Luke Gifford242
Leighton Vander Esch243
Joe Thomas28UFA
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Cowboys position previews

Feb. 17: Specialists

Feb. 18: Cornerback

Feb. 19: Safety

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Feb. 20: Linebacker

Feb. 21: Defensive line

Feb. 22: Offensive line

Feb. 23: Running back

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Feb. 24: Tight end

Feb. 25: Wide receiver

Feb. 26: Quarterback

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