Talkin’ Cowboys: Linebackers, O-Line, and Next Moves

Date: February 17, 2026
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Isaiah Stanback, Josh Rodriguez, Tommy Yarish (filling in), Chris Beam (producer)

Episode Overview

This off-season edition of Talkin’ Cowboys dove deep into the Dallas Cowboys’ coaching staff developments, linebacker situation, and offensive tackle conundrum as the franchise eyes its next moves for 2026 and beyond. The hosts brought a mix of expertise, honest uncertainty on Dallas’ direction, and their typical energy—offering fans a barbershop-style debate with film room depth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Coaching Staff Changes & Philosophy (03:00–14:30)

• Scott Simons Hire:
  The Cowboys have hired former SMU defensive coordinator Scott Simons as inside linebackers coach, a staff innovation that separates inside and outside linebacker responsibilities (03:02).

  • Simons’ Credentials: Broyles Award nominee, led an SMU defense that excelled in turnovers, red zone defense, and sacks—despite SMU’s reputation as an offensive school (03:53).
  • Versatility: Simons has coached both linebackers and safeties at SMU, with a strong track record developing ball-hawking safeties—a trait Dallas hopes rubs off on their LB corps.

• Staff Construction:
  Christian Parker, the new DC, is assembling a young, hungry staff blending NFL and college experience—departing from the previous regime’s older, recycled approach (09:01).

  • Potential Limitation: Simons may be coveted elsewhere as soon as next year, making this potentially a short but impactful hire (06:08, 06:20).

"I don't need my linebackers coach to be here every year. If he's going to come in and do an incredible job and then elevate, by all means, I'm cool with it." — Kyle Yeomans (06:35)

• The Role of Position Coaches:
  Isaiah Stanback emphasized that NFL players spend most of their time with their position coaches; these coaches are pivotal for player growth and adapting to a new system (07:09).

"70% of your coaching is coming from your position coach, if not more." — Isaiah Stanback (07:09)

• Christian Parker's Personality and Scheme:
  The panel agrees Parker is regarded as intelligent, intentional, communicative, energetic, and a players’ coach (11:19). However, as a first-time DC, his scheme and on-field personality will evolve with time—requiring patience from fans and staff as the culture and play-style develop (14:28).

"Your unit is going to be a reflection of your coordinator's personality..." — Isaiah Stanback (11:41)

2. Celebrating Nate Newton’s Presidential Pardon (17:54–21:18)

• Former Cowboys lineman and media personality Nate Newton received a presidential pardon, delivered personally by Jerry Jones—drawing heartfelt support and admiration from the entire panel (17:54).
• The group celebrated Newton’s redemptive arc and impact on the franchise, unanimously hoping he gets inducted into the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor soon.

"We all love him in this building. Congratulations, Nate. I think we're all super happy for you, buddy." — Chris Beam (18:52)

3. Linebacker Position Breakdown: What Do the Cowboys Have? (27:01–36:00)

• Depth Chart Reality Check:
  The linebacker room is extremely thin and full of question marks. The main names in the conversation were:
  • Shemar James (leading tackler, but raw)
  • DeMarvion Overshown (injury history, entering a contract year)
  • Marist Liufau (flashed in 2024, faded in 2025)
  • Kenneth Murray & Jack Sanborn (likely not returning, both UFAs)
  • Logan Wilson (mid-season addition, usage in flux)

"Tommy, you had a funny off air comment... my first question was, what do they have at linebacker? And your answer was 'not a lot.'" — Kyle Yeomans (27:01)

• Scheme and Multiples:
  Speculation about moving to a 3–4 base was discussed but largely dismissed due to lack of proper personnel (undersized edge/LBs, lacking 260–270+ lb OLB/DEs), despite the staff’s inside/outside LB division (30:12–34:45).

"34 is a very specific scheme… you need the big fellas… those guys aren't just laying around." — Isaiah Stanback (31:22)

• Needs at LB: Free Agency vs Draft:
  All agreed that acquiring a veteran linebacker through free agency is preferable—a veteran can orchestrate and command a defense more reliably than a rookie, making the transition easier as new coaches find their footing (36:15–40:07).

"Linebacker is the easiest position on the defense to go get an established player in free agency..." — Isaiah Stanback (37:37)

• What Makes a Great LB Addition?
  Emphasis on getting a “dog” in the middle: a respected, smart QB-of-the-defense type who can make checks, command the huddle, and be a stabilizer—something the Cowboys lacked in 2025.

4. Offensive Tackle: Evaluating the Room and Next Steps (44:36–54:16)

• Current Roster:

  • Tyler Guyton (recent 1st round pick, injury-prone, more comfortable at RT)
  • Terence Steele (formerly solid, struggled badly in 2025)
  • Nate Thomas, Hakeem Adeniji (depth)

• Terence Steele’s Future:
  Debate centered around whether Steele should return under his existing contract. The group agreed that while he had a down year, his run-blocking value and “dog” mentality are important. However, if not restructured, his contract exceeds his production (45:28–46:07).

"If you restructure, I'm cool. If you restructure, I'm good. But with what they're paying now… he hasn't lived up to that number." — Kyle Yeomans (45:53)

• Left Tackle Concerns:
  Greater doubts exist regarding Tyler Guyton’s durability and willingness—Isaiah raised concerns about Guyton’s “will and determination,” questioning if the team can trust him as a week-in, week-out starter on the blind side.

"Will and determination should never be questioned… I have questions when I watch him at practice. I have questions when I watch him in games. I don't want to have questions about people who are tasked with protecting one of the top positions, much less the blindside." — Isaiah Stanback (52:11)

• Pass Protection Problems:
  Despite Steele’s run game prowess, he’s graded as one of the league’s worst pass blockers over the last two years. There was agreement that improved coaching may help address technique issues, but the pressure (and cap hit) are high.

• Drafting Another OT?
  The hosts urged against using a first-round pick on a tackle unless a major free agency overhaul occurs elsewhere; the focus should be on fortifying the current young core.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• "If you can't adapt in today's NFL, you're cooked." — Chris Beam on Christian Parker’s need for flexibility (16:34)

• "[Linebacker] is the quarterback of the defense. You need that guy to have the wisdom... and respect of everybody around him to be able to communicate..." — Isaiah Stanback (38:38)

• "You can coach around [questions about execution], but knowing whether or not that person wants to play? I can't do nothing with that." — Isaiah Stanback on the difference between Steele’s and Guyton’s question marks at OT (53:18)

Section Timestamps

• Coaching News & Christian Parker Talk: 03:00–14:30
• Nate Newton Pardon Segment: 17:54–21:18
• Linebackers Room Deep Dive: 27:01–40:07
• Offensive Tackle Dissection: 44:36–54:16

Tone & Style

The episode mixed playful jab-trading (especially with Tommy’s guest hosting and coffee chatter), honest assessment, and deep-dive X’s and O’s analysis. The hosts did not shy away from tough questions or expressing uncertainty about several positions. Their rapport allowed for both informative debate and relatable fan-level frustration.

For Fans Who Missed the Episode

This episode is a must-listen (or must-read) for Cowboys fans curious about:

• How the new and very different coaching staff could impact Dallas’ next steps on defense
• The uncertainty clouding the linebacker and offensive tackle groups
• The panel’s strong preference for veteran additions at linebacker, and an emphasis on coaching fixes—not just new players—along the O-line
• Moving stories of Cowboys legends like Nate Newton overcoming adversity

No major free agency/draft decisions have been made yet, but this podcast sets the stage for the critical roster-building weeks ahead.