RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 5 sourcesMay 1, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Malachi Lawrence (57) goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images
The Dallas Cowboys have done some good things to start training camp. The stars of camp have been the usual suspects, but others have been breaking into the spotlight, especially some of the rookies. When players that you aren’t counting on to contribute immediately start showing up, it’s like finding hidden money. Yet, there are questions that have come up that may worry some fans and possibly even make the team break the piggy bank. Here are three questions that have cropped up so far in training camp.
Do they have enough pass rush?
While the back seven has made plays, especially defending the pass at training camp, the pass rush has been slow to develop. Dallas’ interior defensive line is built to stop the run, but for where the Cowboys were last year, they aren’t showing consistent ability to pressure the passer outside of blitzes. Donovan Ezeiruaku and Malachi Lawrence are young but the hope was they would ignite the pass rush.
Ezeiruaku was sent out of practice today for his role in a scuffle, perhaps also some frustration on his part. Rashan Gary is a veteran in the edge rusher group, but his calling card is more akin to stopping the run. The front office has teased about getting more veteran help, but do they stoke the embers on reigniting talks regarding Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby?
The Cowboys know that Crosby isn’t happy with the Raiders, and what would be the point of prolonging hanging on to a disgruntled player? The Cowboys and the Raiders have an excellent working relationship, so the two sides coming together isn’t far-fetched.
Or, maybe the Cowboys stay the course, and Christian Parker finds ways to generate more pressure ahead of the preseason and joint practices with the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints. It’s not time to panic, but you couldn’t fault fans for being somewhat antsy about the defense getting to the quarterback so far.
Does Dallas still need a veteran linebacker?
For weeks, if not longer, the Cowboys have been connected to veteran linebackers on the market, whether that be via trade or free agency. The names Jordyn Brooks and Bobby Wagner have been thrown around. At one point, that felt like a need, but in the weeks that have passed, it seems like adding another linebacker to the mix may be more of a luxury than anything else. Everyone is raving about rookie Jaishawn Barham and justifiably so. He has been outstanding. When you look beyond him, you have DeMarvion Overshown, who seems like he is on the cusp of greatness if he can stay healthy.
DeMarvion Overshown with the first big pad pop of training camp. Hits Hunter Luepke and forces a cut back from Jaydon Blue. pic.twitter.com/Zx7erQSxm0
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 3, 2026
Luke Schoonmaker likely thought this was a walk-in TD, but Shemar James hawks him down to stop him short of the goal line. #Cowboys defense is flying around. pic.twitter.com/yam8jTpFo9
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 3, 2026
Dee Winters is a great fit with the team and should command a starting spot to open the season. Plus, you have Shemar James in his second season. Also, don’t lose track of Justin Barron. The Cowboys have a good chunk of change tied up in the former undrafted Syracuse linebacker and have flashed the last few days. When you further assess the inside linebacker room, the need at linebacker doesn’t feel as strong as it did during the offseason.
Has Jaydon Blue already taken the RB2 two job, and if so, what does that also mean?
Talk about getting off to a fast start. Now in his sophomore season, Jaydon Blue looks hungry to carve out a bigger role for himself. In the early portion of training camp, he has shown to be electric with his speed and agility in the open field, breaking one big run after another.
Jaydon Blue pic.twitter.com/eDJ5Iq1mG5
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 4, 2026
On Tuesday, he made another explosive play as he took a short screen pass for a big gain. It’s hard to ignore just how good he has looked, which makes you think: Is the RB2 spot his to lose? Phil Mafah is doing his best to challenge for the spot, and Malik Davis hasn’t popped. While for Blue, it would be great if he, in fact, had lapped the other runners for the primary spot behind Javonte Williams, what does that also mean for the rest of the running backs on the roster?
Assuming Blue is the second option, where does that leave Mafah? Has he done enough to be in serious consideration of pushing Davis, who made a few big plays himself last year? The first preseason game in less than two weeks against the Arizona Cardinals will be very telling with how much or little Blue plays and who gets the majority of the work between Mafah, Davis, and Israel Abanikanda.
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