Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Red Flags

The Cowboys enter training camp with an unusual air of calm—no public drama from owner Jerry Jones and a rare shortage of off‑field distractions. Yet the quiet does not erase the on‑field worries that linger beneath the surface. Here are three key areas where the roster still feels thin and could cause headaches if not addressed.

Linebacker Depth Raises Questions

Christian Parker’s defense will rely heavily on veterans Rashan Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku, both recovering from hip surgery, but their roles remain uncertain. Rookie DeMarvion Overshown and veteran Dee Winters are slated as the primary inside backers, offering solid coverage when healthy. Overshown has shown he can be a force when fully fit, while Winters adds depth as a smart free‑agent pick. Nevertheless, the unit lacks a classic “thumper” who can dominate in traffic and stop the run; adding a proven interior presence like Miami Dolphins’ All‑Pro Jordyn Brooks or signing former Seattle star Bobby Wagner would shore up the middle. Beyond them, second‑year Shemar James, Justin Barron (more of a special‑teams guard) and rookie Jaishawn Barham round out the depth, but the Cowboys would welcome another reliable option.

The defending NFC champions have talent at the second level, but the linebacker corps still feels under‑stocked and could be vulnerable against power running attacks. A mismatch in size and experience at the middle linebacker spot leaves Dallas with valid concerns heading into camp.

Pass‑Rush Production in Flux

Gary finished the previous season with 7.5 sacks, yet he did not record a single sack in the second half, raising doubts about his late‑season effectiveness. Rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku struggled to finish defensive plays as a 2025 rookie, while returning sack leader James Houston posted only 5.5 sacks last year. The Cowboys added first‑round talent Malachi Lawrence and re‑signed Sam Williams, hoping both will provide edge pressure in Parker’s scheme. The plan hinges on Gary reaching double‑digit totals, Ezeiruaku making a significant leap, and Lawrence contributing as a rookie.

Right now, the Cowboys are banking on a collection of pieces to generate enough pass rush rather than a single dominant edge defender. This “collective effort” approach feels like wishful thinking and could leave the defense exposed if none of the expected improvements materialize.

Starting Offensive Tackle Concerns

Tyler Guyton showed improvement in his second season but missed significant time due to injuries, preventing him from establishing consistency. Left tackle also needs Guyton to stay healthy and produce at a high level, while right tackle Terence Steele has been inconsistent, especially as a pass protector. Steele’s ability to block on the ground becomes crucial, given his vulnerability against edge rushers.

Depth at the tackle spots is limited; veteran swing tackle Nathan Thomas is still learning the system and struggled when called upon last year. Rookie Drew Shelton is the other top contender, but relying on two untested players as backups is risky. If either Guyton or Steele regresses, the Cowboys lack a reliable swing option to protect the quarterback or open running lanes. These well‑known holes have not been addressed yet, and the organization appears to be waiting until camp to search for solutions.