There’s more to recent Dallas Cowboys news than it originally seemed, based on new coach’s words
This may not be bad news for the Dallas Cowboys’ young defender, though some think it will be.
When Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced linebacker Marist Liufau would change positions ahead of the 2026 NFL season, it initially sounded like bad news for the defender.
Liufau will move to outside linebacker, which is expected to be an “edge rusher” type of role on the new defensive scheme set to be installed by defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Considering Liufau has been an off-ball linebacker in his first two years with the Cowboys, it sounded like the move was more of a “last chance” to prove himself rather than a positive change for him.
After hearing Parker discuss the move, however, it sounds like there might be more to it.
Parker sounds hyped for Liufau
Talking on a dallascowboys.com show, Parker showed his excitement for Liufau’s position change. And he cited his rookie season, under then DC Mike Zimmer, as a big reason for it.
“In 2024 especially, you saw (Liufau) coming off the edge a lot,” Parker explained. “You saw him surfing on backside runs, and he has exceptional arm length. He’s an aggressive, fast player, he has an awareness for the ball.”
What’s even better, this isn’t an off-the-cuff decision from Parker. It’s well thought out, and researched.
“His first college position coach, Clark Lea—I actually worked with Clark at Notre Dame—I called Clark about him, and he just talked about how smart and instinctive he was,” Parker added. “And you feel that on tape.”
Liufau being asked to change position groups may not be ideal.
But Parker sounds genuinely encouraged by his decision, and it sounds like he expects the young linebacker to succeed in his new role. But to earn a roster spot, Liufau will need to overcome a significant challenge.
Biggest adjustment for Liufau
“The biggest adjustment for him is going from on the second level, having five or six yards of distance to assess what’s going on and trigger, versus right now, that’s immediate action (close to the line of scrimmage),” Parker explained.
The Cowboys DC said Liufau is “excited” about the change.
Liufau was drafted in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft and was considered an immediate fit for Zimmer’s scheme. He started nine games as a rookie before being demoted by Matt Eberflus. Now, he’ll play for his third defensive coordinator in three years with the Cowboys.
Let’s see if a new position yields a higher snap count for him in 2026.
Dallas Cowboys News
The Dallas Cowboys will make multiple moves to set the stage for active free agency
The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for free agency with multiple contract-related moves.
