Welcome to LoneStarLive.com’s ‘Stay or Go’ series, where we’ll try to figure out the future of every Cowboys player on the roster.

We’ve already analyzed quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, wide receivers, offensive line, defensive line, and defensive end.

Up next: Linebacker

Linebacker is No. 8 on LoneStarLive.com’s position rankings based on overall level of need.

Active roster: DeMarvion Overshown, Marist Liufau, Damone Clark, Buddy Johnson, Darius Harris

Reserve/Future: Brock Mogensen, Luiji Vilain

Pending free agents: Eric Kendricks, Nick Vigil

Eric Kendricks

Kendricks was brought in to lead former defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s system. The 10-year veteran previously spent seven seasons with Zimmer in Minnesota. That familiarity and leadership was evident as soon as Kendricks arrived at the Star.

Kendricks led the Cowboys with 138 tackles, which ranked second most in his career. It was telling that Kendricks chose the Cowboys over the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. Both teams wound up having disappointing seasons, but Kendricks’ steadiness helped the Cowboys through a tough campaign.

With Zimmer gone, it might be best for the Cowboys to continue grooming their younger playmakers, including Marist Liufau, who carried ‘green dot’ responsibilities behind Kendricks, serving as the main communicator between the coaching booth and defensive huddle.

Verdict: Go

DeMarvion Overshown

The former University of Texas star was on pace for a breakout year, but Overshown’s sophomore season was abruptly ended with a devastating knee injury (torn ACL, MCL, PCL) that he suffered in November.

Overshown is hopeful to return at some point in 2025, but former coach Mike McCarthy and executive vice president and co-owner Stephen Jones both hinted that Overshown could miss a majority of the 2025 season.

When healthy, Overshown displayed his ability to play with tenacity and violence. His pursuit at times was detrimental as he overran ball carriers earlier in the season, but Overshown’s eagerness and bright personality will be welcomed back with open arms following his expected lengthy rehab.

Overshown finished with 90 tackles, five sacks and one interception.

Verdict: Stay

Marist Liufau

Liufau all but solidified himself as a candidate to be a Day 1 starter in 2025 with his consistent approach and late-season surge to cap his impressive rookie campaign.

The Notre Dame product appeared from all three linebacker spots and quickly earned trust from the coaching staff with his ‘green dot’ responsibilities.

Liufau was savvy and versatile, displaying his ability to move across the box, play in space, clog the run game, and tackle with technique. Once he became a defensive starter late in the season, Liufau recorded two forced fumbles, both of which were caused by punching the football with a closed fist.

Liufau generated nearly half of his 50 tackles during the final four games – all starts. He added 1.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and three pass breakups over 521 defensive snaps (47%).

Liufau is a legitimate candidate to start at MIKE linebacker entering his sophomore season under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.

Verdict: Stay

Nick Vigil

Despite being listed regularly on the injury report with a foot issue throughout the season, Vigil was reliable and professional in his role as a depth option.

Vigil, who turns 32 in August, didn’t participate in a single practice in the week leading up to the team’s Week 16 contest over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But he wound up starting in place of Kendricks and finished with a team-high 10 tackles while playing 69 snaps.

Before he joined the team last season, Vigil had experience playing for former defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer in Minnesota and defensive run game coordinator Paul Guenther in Cincinnati.

Verdict: Go

Damone Clark

Clark, who was originally selected in the fifth round of the 2022 draft by the Cowboys, saw his role reduced significantly.

He played in all 17 games during the 2023 season, logging a career-high 109 tackles and three pass breakups across 784 defensive snaps (73%). But last year, Clark appeared in just 163 defensive snaps (18%) and finished with 28 tackles and one pass defensed. Clark played a career-high 284 special teams snaps.

The Cowboys could save around $3.3 million in cap savings by releasing Clark.

Verdict: Go

Buddy Johnson

The Dallas native was a significant contributor on special teams (325 snaps, 83%). Johnson logged eight tackles across 14 games. Over two seasons with the Cowboys, Johnson has appeared in just seven total defensive snaps.

Verdict: Stay

Darius Harris

Harris appeared in four games, logging 69 special teams snaps with one tackle. If the Cowboys designate Clark as a salary cap casualty, Harris could see his role on special teams increased. He signed a one-year contract extension at the conclusion of the season.

Verdict: Stay

Brock Mogensen

Mogensen and Luiji Vilain signed Reserve/Future contracts in January.

Verdict: Stay

Luiji Vilain

Vilain joined the Cowboys practice squad in October.

Verdict: Stay