One Cowboys player is in the hot seat this season

The Dallas Cowboys are trying to earn their title of being "America's Team" again. It should happen, really, based on the talent on this squad. From quarterback Dak Prescott to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, this isn't a B-grade roster.

But just like with any NFL team, there are players on this squad who have to prove themselves. These are guys who have perhaps been around for a while and have to show that they can still make noise.

The Athletic has released its tally of the players in the NFL who need to prove their case this upcoming season. They picked one for each team. For the Cowboys, it's a player who's definitely talented but needs to go the extra mile to stay in Dallas.

Cowboys linebacker should show his stuff in 2026

In the piece, Jon Machota of The Athletic writes that Cowboys' DeMarvion Overshown is in the hot seat more than the others.

"Overshown gets the nod because he's in the final year of his rookie contract," he writes in the piece, adding that Overshown needs to shine and has that ability.

"When healthy, he's easily Dallas' best linebacker," he says, "but significant knee injuries have caused him to miss 32 games over the last three seasons. A strong, full season likely leads to a quality new deal. But if he’s unable to stay on the field, Overshown could be left with underwhelming contract offers."

So, it's do-or-die for Overshown. But, even if his time in Dallas comes to an end, it's difficult to find good linebackers in the league, and he can bet on getting another offer at some point.