March 1, 2026, 11:40 a.m. CT

Who should the Dallas Cowboys sign this offseason? The new league year begins in just eight days, with the legal tampering window opening on March 9. All 32 NFL clubs have to get under the $301.2 million salary cap by March 11, 4pm eastern, but deals with new players can be negotiated for two days prior.

With so many needs, especially on defense, the Cowboys have spent the last several weeks identifying which prospects fit their plans for 2026, and which ones will give the best bang for the buck in salary. One of the biggest needs Dallas will have is at the off-ball linebacker position. Dallas only has two true players in competition for major snaps at the moment, with DeMarvion Overshown entering the final year of his rookie deal and Shemar James getting ready for his second pro year.

Marst Liufau was recently moved to outside linebacker and will have an edge role in 2026 under new DC Christian Parker. So which free agents should the Cowboys’ be looking at?

Here, we’ve taken the Top 100 rankings from five different outlets (Pro Football Focus, NFL.com, FOX Sports, USA Today and CBS Sports) as of March 1, as well as the projected average annual value (AAV) from Spotrac and PFF, to augment which players best fit the expected Parker defense.

1. Devin LloydJan 11, 2026; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) runs on the field before an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Buffalo Bills at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Age: 27

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2025 PFF Grade: 88.4

Expected AAV: $18 million per year

2. Nakobe DeanNov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) reacts against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Age: 25

2025 PFF Grade: 62.2

Expected AAV: $10.8 million

3. Leo ChenalNov 2, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) sacks Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) in the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Age: 25

2025 PFF Grade: 75.1

Expected AAV: $5.3 million

4. Devin BushJan 4, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush (30) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Age: 28

2025 PFF Grade: 87.8

Expected AAV: $10.5 million

5. Bobby WagnerFeb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner poses with the Walter Payton Man of the Year award at the NFL Honors show at Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Age: 36

2025 PFF Grade: 79.3

Expected AAV: $8 million

6. Kaden EllissDec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Age: 31

2025 PFF Grade: 68.7

Expected AAV: $10.5 million

7. Demario DavisDec 28, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) stretches against the Tennessee Titans during pre-game warmups at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Age: 37

2025 PFF Grade: 80.3

Expected AAV: $8.75 million

8. Justin StrnadDec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs after the catch as Denver Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad (40) defends during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Age: 30

2025 PFF Grade: 72.1

Expected AAV: $4 million

9. Alex AnzaloneNov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) tackles Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Age: 31

2025 PFF Grade: 67.5

Expected AAV: $7.4 million

10. Quay WalkerDec 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) tacklles Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) during their football game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers

Age: 26

2025 PFF Grade: 46.0

Expected AAV: $11.6 milliom