The Cowboys need help at linebacker, and one analyst has a move that many haven't thought about yet.
As the NFL Draft comes into view, the Dallas Cowboys' most pressing need appears to be at linebacker.
With the Cowboys lacking a veteran presence at the position, DeMarvion Overshown, Justin Barron, and Shemar James are the options, which isn't ideal.
Many names have been floated around with Bobby Wagner, Bobby Orekeke, and recently Jordyn Brooks and Azeez Al-Shaair.
Both would need a trade to be facilitated, and either of those players would be a welcome addition to the Dallas linebacker room.
Fox Sports' Ben Arthur knows how crucial it is to land a veteran.
"The Cowboys have prioritized adding veteran starters to what was a bad defense last season, trading for edge rusher Rashan Gary and signing safety Jalen Thompson in free agency," Arthur wrote.
"An experienced MIKE linebacker who’s comfortable with green dot responsibilities would further support first-time defensive coordinator Christian Parker."
But then Arthur names his ideal fit, and to the best of my knowledge, it is a player not many have spoken about.
Tennessee Titans veteran Cody Barton.
A seven-year starter in the league, Barton arguably has all the things needed to be productive for Parker's defense.
A good tackler with strong coverage skills; however, Barton's best attributes are mental.
A green dot option, his high football IQ, coupled with good football instincts, Barton could be seen as a nice - maybe "underrated'' - addition to the defense.
Granted, he isn't at the level of Brooks or Al-Shaair, but he holds his own.
Like the two mentioned above, Barton's acquisition would also need to come via a trade. Per Spotrac.com, he has a base salary of just $6.1 million and a cap hit in 2026 of $8.2 million, and after 2026, he has no guaranteed money on his deal.
The Cowboys need a veteran, or two, to come and anchor the defense for Parker. That could be any one of the players mentioned, and they would be good additions.
It would also allow the Cowboys more freedom in the draft, with their two first-round picks.
Dallas has done an OK job of adding good players in free agency, and linebacker appears to be the next one on the list.
Which one will be coming to The Star?