The Cowboys won’t admit it, but LB Jaishawn Barham is forcing a big change on defense from which there’s no going back
The Dallas Cowboys have an extremely easy decision to make at linebacker if they want to secure a win-win-win scenario.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Wednesday that linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is closer to return to the field than safety Malik Hooker, a good omen for Overshown’s chances of playing on Sunday against the Houston Texans.
His potential return makes it impossible not to think about the elephant in the room. Will Overshown get his previous starting gig as the green dot middle linebacker back from third-round rookie Jaishawn Barham?
To me, it feels like we already know the answer. Barham leads all NFL rookies with four tackles for loss in 2026, which is also tied for third among all NFL inside linebackers. Only
Edgerrin Cooper (six) and Trenton Simpson (five) have more.
Against the Baltimore Ravens’ renowned rushing offense, Barham made many big plays, including multiple stops taking down RB Derrick Henry. He looks like a special find by the Cowboys and one of the best players on the defense. Anyone watching the Cowboys over the last couple of weeks knows No. 55 is one of the best defenders on the team.
But head coach Brian Schottenheimer isn’t ready to make any proclamations yet.
Schottenheimer isn’t ready to say Barham is the starting MIKE
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Schottenheimer declined to say if he’s the starting middle linebacker yet.
“We’re going to play that by ear,” Schottenheimer said. “Jaishawn is earning those opportunities right now with how he’s playing. [. . .] We’ll discuss that. We’ve got to be flexible because of the fact that multiple guys have to wear [the green dot].”
But Barham’s improvement since sliding inside hasn’t been lost on Schottenheimer.
“The good thing for him with the green dot, it does settle him down a little bit,” Schottenheimer said. “I think it helps him to get into the focus and flow of the game.”
The green dot is one thing. But the main takeaway here should be that Barham shouldn’t stop lining up at middle linebacker. He’s thrived in that spot, particularly working to get into the backfield by dipping his shoulders or going through defenders with pure physicality. Those are two key areas Overshown has struggled with this season going back to training camp.
This is good for everyone
Meanwhile, Overshown’s best football in the NFL has come when he can play with more range and speed as the weak-side linebacker. Not to mention, as a blitzer off the edge (remember that tip-and-pick play versus the New York Giants in 2024?).
Whenever the Cowboys are on nickel (two inside linebackers), the best possible duo is Overshown and Barham. Dee Winters has struggled in coverage and he’s up to four missed tackles—most on the team by any linebacker or defensive back.
That’s to say Overshown is unlikely to be riding the bench. If anything, I would argue losing the green dot or middle linebacker role will unlock what he does best.
So as Michael Scott would put it, it’s a win-win-win. Barham stays on the field, Overshown returns to a more familiar role, and the Cobwoys upgrade at linebacker.
Schottenheimer might not want to say it out loud yet, but Barham is the guy at MIKE. He has to be. The alternative? Overshown goes back to playing a role that doesn’t fully suit him while the thriving rookie stops doing what he’s done better than any LB on the Cowboys.
