Marist Liufau to Edge Rusher: Cowboys’ Bold Position Switch Sparks Talk
INDIANAPOLIS — As the Dallas Cowboys head toward the 2026 NFL season, Liufau faces a significant shift in his role for what would be his third year in the league. After bursting onto the scene as a rookie third-round pick from Notre Dame in 2024 and serving as the on-field green dot for Mike Zimmer, a change of scenery could be precisely what he needs following a sophomore slump.
To be clear, that dip in production stemmed largely from a mismatch with former defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Eberflus favored Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray for the bulk of linebacker reps, even as DeMarvion Overshown continued his rehab on injured reserve. The result was fewer opportunities for Liufau to showcase his talents at inside linebacker.
However, Christian Parker is poised to unlock Liufau’s potential in a new arrangement. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed, during the 2026 NFL Combine, a move announced earlier by DallasCowboys.com via newly appointed inside linebacker coach Scott Symons: Liufau will switch to outside linebacker.
“Marist Liufau, we’re going to move him to outside linebacker,” Schottenheimer said at the Combine. “That fits his strengths, right? He has length, long arms, and he’s excellent at disrupting the ball.”
This is a surprising development for someone who shone as one of the nation’s top inside linebackers at Notre Dame. It comes on the heels of Dallas waiving fellow inside linebacker Logan Wilson, a pair of moves that hint at the potential rise of Justin Barron alongside Overshown and Shemar James.
Physically, Liufau’s length is undeniable, as Schottenheimer noted and as film and measurements corroborate. But making the transition will require extra preparation, especially with outside linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe outlining a new scheme and expectations for Liufau.
At present Liufau weighs about 239 pounds. His nickname, “Hawaiian Punch,” reflects his penchant for delivering big hits and forcing fumbles. To thrive on the edge in this scheme, he’ll likely need to add roughly 10 pounds of solid mass to stay durable against the bigger tackles he’ll face.
Schottenheimer added optimism about Liufau’s readiness: “He doesn’t have standout twitch, but he has the strength to drive guys back. The length is evident on film. He’s excited about it.” He also noted that Liufau is embracing the adjustment and is open to adding weight to regain his the edge’s durability.
The plan is for Liufau, Parker, and the Cowboys to start preparing well in advance of the offseason program, which officially begins with the reporting date on April 20.
From a financial standpoint, the move is attractive. The edge position offers significantly higher compensation compared to inside linebacker, giving Liufau a powerful incentive to prove he can excel on the perimeter.
With Liufau shifting to outside linebacker and the emergence of Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dallas already has a youthful duo at the edge. The Cowboys are expected to supplement the unit with additional talent in free agency and/or the 2026 NFL Draft.
Parker’s influence in Dallas is becoming increasingly evident, signaling a strategic overhaul aimed at reshaping the defense for the coming seasons. The question now is how Liufau will adapt to his new role and how the rest of the linebacker corps will fit around him.
What do you think about moving Liufau to the edge? Could this be the spark the Cowboys need, or is it a risky gamble to reshuffle a young player’s career path? Share your thoughts in the comments.
