DeMarvion Overshown offers very exciting insight into his new role on Cowboys defense, drops hint of Eberflus frustration
DeMarvion Overshown is one of the biggest reasons to buy into the hype surrounding the 2026 Dallas Cowboys defense. And per his own words, he’s going to be used the right way by new DC Christian Parker.
One of the biggest reasons to buy into the Dallas Cowboys defense is that we may be about to witness DeMarvion Overshown’s best football yet. The fourth-year linebacker has shown glimpses of his football brilliance but now, the stars are aligning for him to have a monster year.
Firstly, Overshown is entering the offseason healthy. He’s out of a brace and unlike last year, he’s focusing on football instead of healing up. Secondly, new defensive coordinator Christian Parker is set to use his skills the way they should be used.
And Overshown knows it.
Overshown on new role with Cowboys
When Overshown broke out in 2024, then Cowboys defensive coordinator allowed him to be a true run-and-hit linebacker while also blitzing him often—almost six times per game.
Overshown’s blazing speed and range made him a threat rushing the passer in addition to his work in coverage and versus the run. Under Matt Eberflus, however, Overshown’s style of play changed. He was barely used as a blitzer and wasn’t able to tap into his dynamic style of play.
Going into 2026, Overshown is excited about no longer having to be “parked” on one side of the field thanks to the new scheme in town.
“I get to showcase what I do best,” Overshown told reporters Friday. “I’m not just parked somewhere expecting to make a play on the other side of the field. There’s some stuff schemed up for me, I’m supposed to be on the field every play. I’m excited about that, I love football and I love being involved in the play.”
That may not be a direct shot at Eberflus but Overshown clearly wasn’t a fan of his role last year. But he is excited about the Parker-led defense.
“You’re excited for football already when you’re in the meeting rooms and going through certain stuff on the field, and you see the scheme actually playing out in real time,” Overshown said about the defensive changes. “And just knowing, okay, this is what’s going to help us win the Super Bowl.”
“(Coach Parker) is quizzing us in the room, making sure we’re ready and stuff like that, that’s the type of leadership you need,” Overshown added. “So I’m very excited about him and (inside linebackers coach Scott Symons).”
DeMarvion Overshown can be a serious threat as a blitzer
In 2024, Overshown was used as a pass rusher in 17.6% of his snaps played, per PFF. He was successful getting after the quarterback. That year:
- He logged the seventh-highest pass rush grade among inside linebackers.
- He finished seventh in total pressures (20).
- He finished the year with five sacks (fourth-most among linebackers).
Overshown not worried about a contract year
Though this will only be his third regular season playing, Overshown is a fourth-year player, which means this is a big year for him financially. But he’s not worried about the business side of things.
“Contract year or not, I have to come out here and play my best,” Overshown added. “I’m always going to go out there and ball, regardless. That’s for other people to figure out.”
One of those “other people” is his recently-hired agent David Mulugheta, who currently represents George Pickens and Micah Parsons.