Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones emphasized that linebacker DeMarvion Overshown could become a crucial asset to the team if he can stay healthy throughout the season, underscoring how his ongoing injury issues have clouded his early career. Jones expressed optimism about Overshown’s potential, but pointed out that availability remains the key hurdle for the linebacker’s breakthrough impact.
“Obviously, he needs to put together a full season, and if he does, I think it’s going to be a great season,”
Jones said at the NFL Combine, as reported by The Athletic’s Jon Machota.
I think the biggest thing is that, availability. Certainly, no one wants to play the game more than him. I can assure you of that. Cause I know how good he is and what he can do for us. I’m fired up about what he brings to the table. The only question mark he has is the injury issues he’s had and getting through a full year.
Team Roster and Salary Cap Challenges Impact Defensive Line Strategy
The Cowboys are navigating hefty salary cap commitments with defensive tackles Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams each expected to carry cap hits near $21.5 million, according to analyst Nick Harris. Stephen Jones highlighted the necessity of managing the defensive tackle roster carefully to balance player performance and financial constraints. Meanwhile, offensive lineman Tyler Smith recently underwent cleanup surgery on his right knee after participating in the Pro Bowl. Despite the procedure, Smith is anticipated to be fully prepared for Dallas’s offseason training program, having managed the injury for much of the season as noted by ESPN’s Todd Archer.
Washington Commanders Keep Options Open on Key Players
In broader NFL team developments, Washington Commanders General Manager Adam Peters revealed that no final decisions have been made regarding cornerback Marshon Lattimore’s future, indicating many factors are still under consideration. Peters also expressed enthusiasm about retaining defensive tackle Daron Payne for the upcoming year, suggesting Payne may be the lone defensive tackle returning from his group. The team is engaging in ongoing discussions with left tackle Laremy Tunsil about a new contract while remaining flexible about re-signing tight end Zach Ertz, whose recovery and performance post-injury remain closely monitored.
“It’s hard to quantify how good he is… We’ve had a lot of talks with him and his agent …seeing how he progresses with his injury. But you can’t count on anything.”
?Adam Peters, Washington Commanders GM
Quarterback Health a Collective Priority for Commanders
Addressing concerns over quarterback Jayden Daniels’s injury history, Adam Peters noted that while some injuries are unpredictable and could affect anyone, Daniels is conscious of the need to protect himself and maintain availability. Peters emphasized this responsibility is shared among the entire organization to ensure the quarterback remains healthy.
“Some of these injuries, for anybody, are freak injuries and things that would happen to anybody. But Jayden’s well aware of just being able to protect himself and understanding the importance of that and being available, and we’ve talked about this a lot… It’s not just on Jayden, it’s on all of us… It certainly is a premium to keep him healthy.”
?Adam Peters, Washington Commanders GM
Eagles GM Highlights Trade-Offs in Roster Decisions Amid Rising Cap
Philadelphia Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman discussed the balancing act involved in maintaining a strong roster culture while managing salary cap flexibility. Speaking before the new league year on March 11, Roseman explained how investing in homegrown talent contrasts with signing external free agents and how every roster move requires sacrifices to preserve team cohesion and budget space.
“Sometimes as much as you want to add from outside and you want to change it up, you got to make a decision to keep the players you know have played well and are part of your culture,”
Roseman said, as reported by Zach Berman.
Can we keep all our guys considering we have, for example, a lot of key defensive players coming off rookie deals in next few years? No, we are going to have to make choices. For us to sign them, that’s gonna limit some flexibility with outside players. So, then you combine that with the fact that teams, because there’s more cap room, because the cap has gone up, teams have done a great job of signing their own players.
“And so you can..just shuffle deck chairs, right, and just say ‘hey I’m gonna trade out this guy because he’s not ours,’ and maybe it’s a Better PR move that ‘hey, we’re active. Look they signed this guy, but that means we’re gonna have to get rid of one of our own guys,’ and so everything we do at this point is a trade-off. If we do this, we’re gonna have to get rid of that.”
?Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles GM
Implications for Cowboys’ Future Dependent on Overshown’s Durability
DeMarvion Overshown’s ability to complete a full, healthy season stands as a pivotal factor for the Cowboys as they aim to improve their defensive unit. While his talent is clearly acknowledged by team leadership, the lingering question of injury resilience could determine how influential he becomes in the next NFL campaign. The team’s management must balance significant salary obligations on the defensive front with retaining key players, making Overshown’s availability even more critical.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys will focus on ensuring their defensive core stays intact and resilient, while monitoring the recovery and performance of vital contributors like Overshown and Tyler Smith. How these factors unfold will likely influence the team’s competitive trajectory throughout the season and beyond.
Adam Peters: We haven’t made a final decision on Marshon Lattimore, “there’s a lot of things that go into that”
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 24, 2026
Adam Peters says he can’t comment on Brandon Aiyuk as he’s under contract w SF but he believes in second chances. “I love Brandon the person but can’t comment on the player.”
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 24, 2026
Adam Peters said he’s excited to have Daron Payne next season, indicating the DT will stay (he has a year left on his deal). Peters said the only player they’ve really had talks with about a new deal is Laremy Tunsil.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) February 24, 2026
Adam Peters said they'll "keep the door open for sure" with Zach Ertz (torn ACL in December). "It's hard to quantify how good he is…" Peters said. "We've had a lot of talks with him and his agent …seeing how he progresses with his injury. But you can't count on anything."
— John Keim (@john_keim) February 24, 2026
Washington Commanders GM Adam Peters on whether QB Jayden Daniels needs to change his playing style to make sure he stays healthy. pic.twitter.com/pJBUa42ofS
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) February 24, 2026
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones on the impending 2026 cap hits for DT Kenny Clark ($21.5M) and DT Quinnen Williams ($21.6M) and potential extension(s) or restructure(s).
“We’re going to need their room.” pic.twitter.com/Mnr3QUA1nZ
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) February 23, 2026
All-Pro OL Tyler Smith had cleanup surgery on his right knee after the Pro Bowl but will be 100% ready for the offseason program, per sources. He dealt with the issue during the season, dressing but not playing against the Jets.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) February 24, 2026
Howie Roseman with good perspective ahead of free agency: "Sometimes as much as you want to add from outside and you want to change it up, you got to make a decision to keep the players you know have played well and are part of your culture. Can we keep all our guys considering…
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) February 24, 2026
