FRISCO, Texas — While the Cowboys weren't exactly quiet during free agency this spring, there is still plenty of work to do for this team that finished 7-9-1 in 2025.
Not only did they add some key players in free agency and via trades, but they also re-signed some of the core depth as well.
Still, there are other guys on this team that must take that next step in order for the Cowboys to be successful in 2026.
Today, we'll continue the Next Man Up series with linebacker Shemar James.
- Name: Shemar James
- Position: Linebacker
- Experience: 2nd Year
- Games Played/Starts: 14 / 6
- Years Left on Contract: 3
- How Acquired: 2025 5-round pick 152nd-overall (Florida)
- Key Stat: Had 29 tackles in two games at MetLife Stadium last year, including 17 against the Jets and 12 in the season finale at NY Giants.
The Past: Drafted in the fifth round nearly a year ago, James had a relatively quiet start to his NFL career, trying to find his way onto the field early in his rookie year. After being inactive for three games, James finally made his debut in Week 4 and had five tackles against the Packers. But the next week in New York, James exploded with 17 tackles, the second-most in Cowboys history by a rookie. That performance led to him starting the next four games, racking up 27 more tackles in those contests.
James took a backseat when DeMarvion Overshown returned from injury but was able to start the final two games, and had 12 tackles in the season finale against the Giants, giving him 84 for the season. James was the first off-the-ball linebacker to record more than 80 tackles in his rookie season for the Cowboys since Leighton Vander Esch (2018).
The Present: As things stand currently, linebacker is a position that seems incomplete. There's no doubt the Cowboys will be adding more players around James, who is one of four inside backers on the roster along with Overshown and Justin Barron, who spent most of last year on the practice squad.
What we don't know is exactly how new defensive coordinator Christian Parker plans to run this multiple-scheme that will not only have 3-4 principles but is expected to play a variety of looks. James has the speed to cover a lot of ground, but in the running game and on pass defense. Even if the Cowboys add some veteran help and also in the draft, James will have a chance to contribute, given his athleticism that will be hard to match.
The Future: No offseason in a player's career seems to be as important as the one between Year 1 and Year 2. That's where James is at the moment and it'll be vital for him to not only have a big offseason in the weight room but how quickly he grasps Parker's scheme will give him a leg up on any newcomers added to the linebacker room. James could have a specific role in the nickel and dime packages, based off his speed and agility. That also makes him one of the better special teams players as well. James tied for fourth on the team last year with 11 tackles on special teams. But as it stands currently, the door remains wide open for James to compete for a starting spot.
