ESPN's Aaron Schatz, in his recent article about the 2026 NFL final offseason moves, urged the Dallas Cowboys to act quickly in signing linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, who will now be in the final year of his 4-year rookie contract.

During the recent episode of the Cowboys Report by Chat Sports on June 29, host Tom Downey discussed ESPN Aaron Schatz's take on why Overshown should be signed before his market value skyrockets.

"Overshown is like the last potentially contributable member of his draft class for the Cowboys - it was a bad one," Downey said, per Chat Sports. "When he played in 2024, he was awesome. When he played in 2025, not as awesome, which is also how you can describe almost every single Cowboys defender. There are pros and cons here. I think it is a fairly tough decision."

Downey further said that it's hard to determine the price that Overshown would demand as his market value or production is not near the top LBs like the San Francisco 49ers Fred Warner ($21M) or the Detroit Lions Jack Campbell ($20.25M).

He believes that Overshown could demand around $15M per year, with $30M guaranteed, similar to the current market value of mid-tier inside LBs. But he also raised doubts about his availability for a full season, considering he missed 32 regular-season games over three years.

"How much can you really guarantee a player who has been so hurt over his NFL career?" Downey said during the June 29 episode of Cowboys Report by Chat Sports. "He's played 19 games in his three-year NFL career so far. He's missed 32 regular-season games - that's nearly two-thirds of his games. This is a tricky contract."

Still, in the 19 outings, Overshown has amassed five sacks, a pick-six, and 118 total tackles, showing just what he can bring.

Downey further raised concerns regarding Overshown's adaptability to the green dot responsibility and the MIKE linebacker role allotted to him by the new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker.

But in case he delivers, his contract value could elevate further, making the Cowboys meet his demand.

"When it comes to DeMarvion Overshown and extending him as ESPN suggested, I am by no means opposed to it, but it is a very complicated conversation," Downey said in the same Chat Sports show.

Downey believes that the complexity of Overshown's situation could push the Cowboys towards a more cautious approach, with the franchise tag being a viable option.

Do the Cowboys have another contract option for Overshown?

Tom Downey, in the same Cowboys report by Chat Sports show on June 29, discussed the possibility of the Cowboys franchise tagging Overshown if they fail to come to a conclusion regarding his contract.

"You cannot tag DeMarvion Overshown - it's not possible," Downey said during the Chat Sports show. "Even if you pay George Pickens, you are not tagging DeMarvion Overshown at $30.17 million per year. That's nearly $10 million more per year than Fred Warner."

Downey believes that Overshown can command a higher price in free agency only when he shows up healthy and fully available for the 2026 season, recording a breakout campaign.

As Overshown enters a pivotal season, his health and ability to fit in the Cowboys' new defensive scheme could determine his next contract.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote