The Dallas Cowboys are still searching for their green-dot linebacker. That person may or may not be on today's roster, but new trade acquisition Dee Winters will be included in the search process.
The Dallas Cowboys' trade acquisition of Dee Winters is a considerable help to the depleted linebacker unit, but amid the wholesale changes on defense - most notably with new coordinator Christian Parker implementing his hybrid 3-4 scheme - the team is still in search for who may be the vocal leader in the huddle.
That person, typically a linebacker, wears the green dot on his helmet to represent that he has the communication device that sends the coach's signal onto the field. He relays the play to the group before the snap, and it's typically a linebacker in this role because they play a central position and are aware of all the moving pieces around them.
According to reporter Jon Machota of The Athletic, the Cowboys are still in search of that definitive green-dot player. That responsibility may go to someone who is or isn't yet on the team, but Dallas is expected to include Winters in the search.
The former San Francisco 49ers backer spoke with members of the Dallas media to assess his new spot and how he hopes to impact Parker's system.
"Honestly, I wasn't expecting it at all. I was surprised quite a bit," Winters, 25, said after he was dealt to Dallas in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.
"Everything happens for a reason. I'm excited to be back home and I get to play for the Dallas Cowboys."
Winters was a sixth-round draft pick in 2023 out of TCU. He originally hails from Brenham, Texas, a town of less than 20 thousand on the outskirts of Houston.
After a breakout season of 101 tackles (San Francisco's team-high) and eight tackles for loss, Winters knows he'll contribute to a Cowboys defense that could use the help. He just doesn't know exactly where he'll fit in just yet.
"I'm not really familiar with the scheme yet, but from what I'm learning right now, it looks like I'm going to be in a lot of space, and I'm excited about that," he said.
"The way that I move in open space, and when I don't have to deal with some o-linemen, football is way more fun that way. This scheme fits perfectly for me."
He'll face more of a challenge when it comes to the Cowboys experiencing him wearing the green dot. If he fills in as the starting middle linebacker (as currently anticipated), he'd be a frontrunner to wear the comms.
"I’ve only done a few practices with the green dot. That’ll be new, but there’s a first time for everything," he said. "I’m willing to do whatever it takes."
Winters will join DeMarvion Overshown, Dallas' third-round pick from the same draft class as Winters. The newcomer mentioned in the conference call that he and Overshown connected during their joint visit to The Star during the pre-draft process.
Overshown is also a Texas native, having grown up in Tyler and played collegiately for the Texas Longhorns.
The two are both entering the final year of their rookie contracts. For Overshown, his health is a crucial factor in landing a long-term extension. The explosive linebacker has dealt with several knee injuries that forced him to miss the entire 2023 season and play just six games last year.
For Winters, he's hoping to carry the momentum from a breakout season onto his new team.
"It’s very big. This is where you help your family and your football career," Winters said about a possible next contract. "I think this is a huge year for me. I’m excited to work in this scheme, be in space, and make plays. That’s the biggest thing.”
As we get further into the offseason program and training camp, we'll see if Winters is called upon to make those plays and be the one relaying the calls to his new teammates.
