The Dallas Cowboys made a savvy move in the 2025 free agency period, signing linebacker Jack Sanborn to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. The former Chicago Bears undrafted free agent (UDFA) is proving to be a steal, turning heads with his standout performances in training camp and positioning himself as a serious contender for the starting middle linebacker role under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
A Familiar Face for Eberflus
Sanborn, a 25-year-old native of Lake Zurich, Illinois, is no stranger to Eberflus’ defensive system. Having spent his entire three-year NFL career playing under Eberflus in Chicago, Sanborn’s familiarity with the scheme gives him a leg up in the competition for the green dot—the coveted role of relaying defensive play calls on the field. His experience could serve as a stabilizing force for a Cowboys linebacker corps in transition, much like Eric Kendricks did for Mike Zimmer’s defense last season.
At 6-foot-2 and 234 pounds, Sanborn brings a physical presence to the middle of the field. A product of Wisconsin, where he honed his instincts and tackling prowess, Sanborn went undrafted in 2022 but quickly carved out a role with the Bears, starting 19 games over three seasons. Despite not receiving a restricted free agent tender from Chicago, Sanborn’s upside was too enticing for Dallas to pass up.
Shining in Training Camp
Sanborn’s performances in the Cowboys’ 2025 training camp have been nothing short of electrifying. Known for his aggressive, attacking style as a run stuffer, he’s been a disruptive force in drills, showcasing the instincts and physicality that made him a standout at Wisconsin. His ability to diagnose plays and deliver bone-rattling tackles has caught the attention of both coaches and fans, who are buzzing about his potential to transform Dallas’ linebacker unit.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Sanborn as the No. 23 linebacker prospect in the 2022 draft class, one spot ahead of Dallas’ fifth-round pick that year, Damone Clark. Now, with Clark’s role uncertain under Eberflus’ staff, Sanborn has a golden opportunity to leapfrog the competition and claim the starting middle linebacker job.
A Crowded but Opportunity-Filled Room
The Cowboys’ linebacker room is a mix of veterans, young talent, and recovering players, creating a wide-open competition. Sanborn faces challenges from the likes of Marist Liafau, a second-year player with middle linebacker experience, and Day 3 draft pick Shemar James. Veteran Darius Harris and UDFA Justin Barron are also in the mix, while DeMarvion Overshown’s ongoing recovery from an ACL injury could open an additional roster spot.
Despite the competition, Sanborn’s familiarity with Eberflus’ system and his relentless playing style make him a prime candidate to secure a significant role. His $1.2 million base salary for 2025 represents a low-risk, high-reward investment for Dallas, especially if he continues to dominate in camp and the preseason.
Why Cowboys Fans Are Excited
Cowboys Nation is abuzz with excitement over Sanborn’s potential. Linebackers often take a few years to fully adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL, and at 25, Sanborn appears to be hitting his stride at the perfect time. His strength against the run addresses a glaring need for Dallas, whose linebacker depth has lacked consistency in recent seasons. Fans are already envisioning Sanborn as a tone-setter in the middle, bringing an intensity that could elevate the entire defense.
The Road Ahead
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Sanborn to see if he can translate his camp dominance into regular-season production. The Cowboys’ week-by-week schedule, packed with tough opponents, will test the mettle of this revamped defense. If Sanborn secures the starting job and the green dot, he could become the linchpin of Eberflus’ scheme, providing leadership and toughness to a unit looking to make a statement.
With a modest $2.7 million in career earnings (per Over The Cap), Sanborn is still playing with a chip on his shoulder, eager to prove he’s more than just a UDFA success story. If his camp performances are any indication, Dallas’ $1.5 million investment could pay dividends far beyond expectations, making Jack Sanborn one of the biggest sleeper stories of the 2025 NFL season.