​The Dallas Cowboys have a well-known need to bolster their defense, and one potential path to improvement could come from following a page of Dan Quinn’s playbook before training camp begins. When Quinn departed the Cowboys to become the Washington Commanders’ head coach in 2024, he carried with him a substantial contingent of players and coaches, including Joe Whitt Jr. and others, along with defensive ends Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr., wide receiver Noah Brown, and center Tyler Biadasz. Quinn didn’t hesitate to add a Division rivals’ talent to his own roster. It might be time for Dallas to switch things up and apply a similar strategy.
Entering the 2026 season, the Cowboys face a clearly documented need at both inside and outside linebacker, and two veterans who previously played for Washington could offer a viable solution in free agency. Dallas has placed its bets on DeMarvion Overshown and Dee Winters to handle starting linebacker duties in 2026, yet neither has experience as a traditional middle linebacker (MIKE). Their strengths lie more in weak-side linebacker duties: they are rangy and capable of covering sideline to sideline, and their ability to contribute in coverage is evident. The lingering questions concern their physicality and run-stopping prowess if required to take on MIKE responsibilities.
Even at 36, a veteran like David Wagner could fit that middle linebacker role nicely. Fort Worth Star-Telegram insider Nick Harris recently floated what he called a “reckless theory” about why the Cowboys might already have a veteran linebacker lined up to join after training camp. Harris noted the precedent of Dallas adding a veteran post-camp, suggesting Wagner as a possibility for a player who doesn’t want to endure the grind of the preseason grind at this stage of his career. However, it would be somewhat unusual for Dallas to bring in a potential starting middle linebacker after OTAs and minicamp if that player needed to learn Christian Parker’s defensive scheme from scratch. Wagner’s experience across multiple schemes throughout his long NFL tenure could mean the learning curve isn’t as steep as it would be for many other players.
A second option gained momentum on Wednesday when Von Miller posted a photo of himself wearing a Cowboys jersey and helmet on Instagram, triggering dialogue about a possible move to Dallas. Miller also indicated in an interview that he would be interested in playing for the Cowboys in 2026, citing business factors as part of his reasoning. Miller entered free agency after registering nine sacks for Washington last season. While he’s not the All-Pro pass rusher he once was, a reduced role could still be valuable for Dallas. The Cowboys need a rotational edge rusher who can come off the bench in obvious passing situations. Miller appeared on Washington’s defense for about 37% of their snaps last year, a usage pattern that mirrors the kind of role Dallas needs given the uncertain depth of its pass-rushing corps.
There’s a relevant connection to consider for SEO and broader reader interest. The Cowboys could benefit from adding a veteran presence who can adapt to multiple schemes and provide versatility along the front seven. Bringing in an experienced linebacker who can contribute in coverage and in run support, while also supplying a reliable rotational edge presence, would align with Dallas’s current personnel philosophy: maximize flexible players who can adjust to scheme changes and provide leadership in the locker room.
In sum, Dallas faces a strategic decision about how best to shore up its defense in 2026. With Overshown and Winters offering potential but unproven MIKE capabilities, a veteran middle linebacker could deliver immediate impact, even if primarily filling a rotational role. Alternatively, a veteran edge rusher who can play in a versatile, situational package would address the pass-rush concerns that have lingered. If Dallas chooses to pursue veterans who have familiarity with similar defensive concepts, they could accelerate the learning curve for younger players and stabilize the lineup in a way that translates to improved performance on Sundays.