Cowboys' Linebacker Crisis: Draft or Trade for Playoff Push

On March 26, the Dallas Cowboys wrapped up last season with a seven win, nine loss, one tie record, missing the playoffs with a second year in a row.

Their offense ranked second in the league, but the defense was a disaster, giving up a league worst 511 points, or about 30 points, one per game.

In free agency, the Cowboys tried hard to fix their linebacker issues, but came up empty, missing out on top targets who signed elsewhere.

Now they are down to just three off-ball linebackers on the roster.

Demarbian overshown, their most promising guy, is still working back from a serious knee injury last year.

He put up 56 solo tackles and five sacks before getting hurt, but since returning, he has only 15 in six games.

Analysts say this linebacker group is too thin for a playoff push, especially with one player shifting roles.

The team has two first round draft picks at 12 and 20th overall, plus eight total selections and cap space to make moves.

With their title window shrinking fast, Dallas needs a big draft hit or smart trade to build a contending defense before it's too late.