The Dallas Cowboys didn’t make a huge splash in free agency this offseason, but instead took a more conservative approach. The Cowboys signed multiple veterans on both sides of the ball to one and two-year deals in hopes of trying to create competition and raise the team’s ceiling in 2025.
At the linebacker spot, specifically, the Cowboys made sure to add more veteran depth in free agency, given DeMarvion Overshown’s injury last season and recovery, and Eric Kendricks not re-signing with the team.
During the first week of free agency, Dallas made a shrewd trade, acquiring veteran Kenneth Murray Jr. and a 2025 seventh-round pick from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
LB Jack Sanborn Emerging as a Potential Starter Ahead of Training Camp
In addition to acquiring the 26-year-old Murray, the Cowboys signed veteran linebacker Jack Sanborn to a cheap one-year, $1.5 million contract. For most Dallas fans, the Sanborn signing didn’t move the needle as he’s likely a backup/special-teams contributor.
However, the 24-year-old linebacker already has a connection with new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus thanks to their time in the Windy City together, which has paid off for the new Dallas defender.
Garrett Podell of CBSSports.com wrote in May that Sanborn and Murray have “routinely lined” up with Dallas’ first defense during spring workouts.
Cowboys fans aren’t surprised to hear that about Murray, who has been a solid starter in his career. However, this is a new frontier for Sanborn, but it’s a good development at the same time, as the Cowboys wait for Overshown to return.
In his three seasons with the Bears, Sanborn had 19 starts in 48 games. Most of his starts happened in 2023 (10). The 6-foot-2, 234-pound linebacker racked up 65 combined tackles, seven tackles for loss, two pass deflections, a quarterback hit, a sack, and an interception.
Despite making 10 starts in 2023, Sanborn only played 39 percent of defensive snaps, while still playing on special teams (66 percent).
Dallas fans would love to see Sanborn carry this momentum into training camp and preseason, as the Cowboys need their linebacker unit to play well this season, especially if they want to return to the playoffs and possibly contend for the NFC East crown. However, Sanborn will have some competition as Marist Liufau is looking to build off his rookie campaign and show the new defensive staff that he should be a starter.