There was a lot of hype around the Dallas Cowboys’ defense heading into the 2026 season. The unit didn’t quite live up to that hype during Dallas’ 28-20 Week 1 loss to the New York Giants.
Not only did the Cowboys lose the game, but they lost a couple of key defenders to injury issues too. Safety Malik Hooker and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown are both expected to miss some time after sustaining injuries against the Giants. As a result, the Cowboys are being urged to add a free agent to help on the defensive side of the ball.
Cowboys Named Top Landing Spot for Veteran Linebacker Bobby Wagner
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report named the Cowboys as a top landing spot for veteran linebacker Bobby Wager, who remains a free agent at this point in time.
Wagner is an 11-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowler who has led the league in combined tackles on three separate occasions. At 36 years old, he’s likely past his prime playing days, but he could still be a useful addition for a team in need of some linebacking depth, like Dallas.
“The Dallas Cowboys not only suffered a tough 28-20 defeat to the rival New York Giants to open the 2026 NFL season, but lost some key members of their defense for a stretch in the process. With safety Malik Hooker and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown both set to miss several games, the team desperately needs to bring in quality reinforcements,” Kay wrote.
“One of the shrewdest moves Dallas could make at this juncture is adding Bobby Wagner. The 14-year veteran remains unsigned despite a history of success throughout his Hall of Fame-worthy career and could provide an immediate boost to this defense. . . . With his unparalleled instincts and experience, Wagner could come in and instantly make a difference for the Cowboys.”
Wagner started in all 17 games for the Washington Commanders last season and tallied 162 combined tackles, 9 QB hits, 4.5 sacks and 2 interceptions.
DeMarvion Overshown Expected to Miss a Couple of Weeks for Dallas
It remains to be seen how long linebacker DeMarvion Overshown will be sidelined for the Cowboys, though head coach Brian Schottenheimer indicated that it could be “one to two weeks.”
The good news for Dallas is that the injury doesn’t appear to be a long-term thing.
“We’ll see how he does, but nothing long term,” Schottenheimer said of Overshown.
The Cowboys are set to host the Commanders in Week 2 and the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3 before playing the Texans in Houston in Week 4.
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