The Dallas Cowboys are back in the winning column after taking down the New York Jets 37-22. It was another strong performance by Dak Prescott and the offense, despite still being severely undermanned all over the field.
Then again, as encouraging as this win was, it wasn't enough to hide some of the team's glaring holes on defense. Rookie fifth-round pick Shemar Stewart was thrown into the fire to replace Jack Sanborn, who left with a concussion, and he proved how much better this team could be with the right personnel.
With that in mind, the Cowboys should strongly consider making a run at some linebackers, either via trade or in free agency. Here, we're going to talk about the top three candidates they should pursue right now.
Cowboys Must Look to Veterans to Bolster Struggling LB Room
Jack Sanborn's struggles are too noticeable to brush off as a non-concern. He entered Week 5 having given up nine receptions for 117 yards. After watching Shemar James log a whopping 15 tackles as his replacement, it became painfully evident that this team's struggling defense could do much better.
Considering that, perhaps they would want to get the New Orleans Saints on the phone to talk about Demario Davis. The 36-year-old is an impending free agent, but he's been quite solid this season. Despite his age, Davis has logged 48 total tackles (25 solo) to go along with four tackles for a loss. He's a proven veteran, and he might prefer to have another chance to compete for a playoff berth rather than spend the season on a rebuilding team. The Saints just won their first game of the season, but they might not win many more.
If Davis isn't a target, Dallas might want to pick up talks with the Green Bay Packers about Quay Walker. Walker has unsuccessfully tried to get a contract extension, and it doesn't seem like the front office is interested in engaging in those talks at this time. He'll be an unrestricted free agent, and the Packers might rather get something in return for him instead of watching him walk away. So far, he's logged 42 tackles (22 solo), three tackles for loss, and two QB hits.
Last but not least, the Cowboys could elect to turn back to a familiar face to get their hands on Eric Kendricks. The former Cowboys star was one of the few bright spots on the defense last season, logging 131 total tackles (78 solo), four tackles for loss, three QB hits, and one fumble recovery. He recently passed on a contract offer from the Baltimore Ravens, so, from a health perspective, he should be ready to go.
Regardless of what the move is, Dallas needs to figure out the best way to bolster this linebackers room. The sooner they figure out how to get that done, the better off they will be.