The Cowboys' offseason has seen a lot of roster needs be filled, but one hasn't, and it's obvious that the draft is a place where it might get addressed.
The Dallas Cowboys' offseason has seen the franchise move methodically in addressing key areas of concern for Christian Parker's defense.
Needing more secondary help, the Cowboys signed Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, PJ Locke, Derion Kendrick, and Jonathan Bullard.
Rashan Gary was signed to help with Dallas' pass rush, which was poor last season.
But one position has yet to be addressed. And that's linebacker.
Granted, it isn't for lack of trying, as the Cowboys were reportedly in on both Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, but both chose the Las Vegas Raiders.
For head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who was speaking at the annual league meeting, he's well aware that the team has to fill that hole.
"Look, we made a run at some guys in free agency," Schottenheimer said. "Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. What do you do? You adjust. It’s something we’re working on 365 (days), 24/7.
"We’ve got a good plan. We’re not done. We’re always open for business. Part of it is going to be D-Mo (Overshown) having a tremendous year. Shemar James is a guy we’re excited about. We recognize that we need to fill some holes there."
Relying on Agent 0 to play a full slate of 17 games plus potential playoffs in 2026 isn't a great plan of attack, despite Overshown, when healthy, being a key difference-maker.
But Cowboys fans are left scratching their heads as the franchise was seemingly outbid for the linebackers mentioned above.
We have stated that if the price gap was a million or two, just pay the extra and secure the player.
But what does Schotty think of that?
"Hey, we were trying," Schottenheimer said. "And if they don't take the money, they don't take the money. I felt like the offers we made were very, very fair. They were big numbers. We were very competitive.
"It's hard to compete with a couple of former teammates (Walker and Dean) that wanted to go play together, and there's different reasons about why you lose these guys. But we were very competitive in those deals. But that's the business. We're far from being done."
So there was a concerted effort to get the players they wanted through the door, but it just didn't happen.
Now, as the draft edges closer, there is still time for the franchise to add a quality free agent or two (hello, Jordyn Brooks).
And if not, Dallas knows it has the draft capital to ensure the roster's needs are met in the first round.