The Dallas Cowboys have rebuilt their linebackers corps on the fly. After having one of the worst units in the league last season, things have changed. The biggest difference seems to be the change in philosophy between defensive coordinators Dan Quinn and Mike Zimmer. The difference isn’t in how they want to play their linebackers, but more about the edict they give their defensive line. Quinn preferred to focus solely on pressuring the QB while Zimmer does pay attention to stopping the run.
Personnel makes a huge difference, too, and the decision to bring in Eric Kendricks to play middle linebacker has paid off in recent weeks. Kendricks leads the team in tackles through Week 13 with 104, and has been a great mentor for DeMarvion Overshown, who appears to be a star in the making.
Only, Kendricks is in Dallas thanks to his prior relationship with Zimmer and if the latter is gone in the expected coaching house cleaning, Kendricks’ free agency may not see him retained. So a new middle linebacker could be necessary for the next coaching regime.
At least, that’s the thought process of Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department, who collectively think that San Francisco’s Dre Greenlaw would make a perfect replacement.
Eric Kendricks will be a 33-year-old free agent in the offseason and was brought in because of his relationship with Mike Zimmer. However, Dallas’ defense entered this weekend 31st in the NFL for points allowed and there is speculation that the entire coaching staff could get fired at the end of the campaign.
In other words, the front office might be looking for a veteran linebacker this spring. Greenlaw is coming off a torn Achilles but returned to practice this week. At his best, the six-year veteran is a top-tier linebacker who is well-rounded—excelling in coverage and against the run.
Dallas has rookie Marist Liufau on deck. The Notre Dame product was drafted in the third round and has played throughout the season, though his snaps have decreased over the last five games or so. Depending on the next scheme put in place, he could be a consideration in the middle or he could be used as a strongside backer.
Greenlaw hasn’t played in 2024, but he’s been a plus coverage defender with the 49ers, earning coverage grades of 82.6 and 79.5 the previous two seasons.
