Shemar James - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Mailbag: Is there promise at linebacker? We currently have three young linebackers, DeMarvion Overshown, Marist Liufau and Shemar James, who have already shown great promise. So why...

3 DAYS AGO • DALLASCOWBOYS.COM

Impressive rookie campaign James recorded 91 tackles (40 solo) with 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble over 14 games in 2025.

Impact A fifth-round pick out of Florida in the 2025 Draft, James was inactive for the first three games of the season as former defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus leaned heavily on veteran linebackers like Kenneth Murray, but once James got into the lineup he made an impact, producing double-digit tackles on three separate occasions. However, he struggled in coverage, and James lost his starting spot again briefly once DeMarvion Overshown returned from knee surgery in Week 11. James drew back in when Overshown suffered a Week 16 concussion, and the rookie wrapped up the season with 13 tackles in Week 18 against the Giants. Depending on the Cowboys' offseason moves, James could be in line to start in Week 1 next season under new DC Christian Parker, who brings a LB-friendly system with him from Philadelphia.

JANUARY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Six tackles in win James recorded six total tackles (three solo) in Thursday's 30-23 win over Washington.

Impact James was able to finished tied for the team lead in takedowns with cornerback Shavon Revel, registering at least six tackles for the fifth time this season. The rookie linebacker is now up to 78 total tackles (37 solo), including 1.0 sacks, while also adding a forced fumble over 13 contests this year.

DECEMBER 28, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Seven stops in win James recorded seven total tackles (three solo) in Monday night's 33-16 win over the Raiders.

Impact James finished second on the team in stops behind cornerback Daron Bland (10), notching at least seven takedowns for the fourth time this year. On the season, the rookie linebacker has now registered 56 total tackles (25 solo), including 1.0 sacks, while also adding a forced fumble over seven games.

NOVEMBER 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Role remains solid James recorded four tackles (three solo) in Sunday's 44-24 loss to the Broncos.

Impact James had broken out in each of Dallas' previous three games, logging a combined 35 tackles. While his production took a downturn in Sunday's blowout loss, he still logged a 95 percent defensive snap rate. Expect James to bounce back in Week 9 against Arizona.

OCTOBER 30, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Cowboys show a little life on defense, and that's all a potent offense needs to contend

With Dak Prescott playing like an MVP for the No. 1 offense in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys probably could contend for the playoffs with just a mediocre defense

OCTOBER 20, 2025 • Associated Press

Solidifying starting role James recorded nine tackles (four solo) including 1.0 sacks in Sunday's win over the Commanders.

Impact The rookie linebacker tied Kenneth Murray for the team lead in tackles, and James also added his first career NFL sack. Jack Sanborn was back in action after a two-game absence due to a concussion but was limited to special-teams duties, while James was off the field for only one of 67 defensive snaps. Over three games since moving into the starting lineup, James has erupted for 35 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.

OCTOBER 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Solidifying starting role James recorded nine tackles (four solo) including 1.0 sacks in Sunday's win over the Commanders.

OCTOBER 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels set for MRI exam after injuring hamstring Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will undergo an MRI exam Monday after leaving in the third quarter of Sunday’s 44-22 loss t...

OCTOBER 20, 2025 • TRIBLIVE.COM

Lamb has a 74-yard TD catch and Bland gets a pick-6 as Cowboys beat Commanders 44-22

Dak Prescott threw for three touchdowns, including a 74-yarder to CeeDee Lamb, DaRon Bland returned an interception 68 yards for a score after Jayden Daniels left with a hamstring...

OCTOBER 19, 2025 • Associated Press

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels will have MRI after hamstring injury in loss to Cowboys

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will have an MRI on Monday after leaving their 44-22 loss at Dallas with a hamstring injury

OCTOBER 19, 2025 • Associated Press

Leading tackler in loss James totaled 11 tackles (six solo) in Dallas' loss to the Panthers on Sunday.

Impact James had a strong outing despite the loss, as he led the team in tackles. The rookie fifth-round pick has gotten off to a hot start since making his debut in the Week 4 tie versus the Packers, as he's recorded 31 tackles (15 solo) in just three games played.

OCTOBER 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Reaches double-digit tackles again James recorded a team-high 11 tackles (six solo) in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Panthers.

Impact The rookie linebacker has broken out for 26 tackles over the last two games, taking advantage of the absence of Jack Sanborn (concussion). Even when Sanborn is cleared to return, it's hard to imagine a struggling Cowboys defense returning James to the bench when he's been one of the few impact players on the unit the last two weeks.

OCTOBER 13, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

James, Liufau gasoline for smoldering young Cowboys' LB corps Shemar James and Marist Liufau had a big hand in leading the Cowboys' defensive resurgence vs. the Jets, and they're explained how they were...

OCTOBER 7, 2025 • DALLASCOWBOYS.COM

Erupts for 15 tackles James recorded 15 tackles (eight solo) in Sunday's win over the Jets.

Impact Jack Sanborn left the game in the first half to be checked for a concussion and didn't return, and James seized the opportunity to make his case for a much bigger role. The 2025 fifth-round pick has the speed and athleticism to make a consistent impact in Matt Eberflus' LB-friendly defensive scheme, and Sanborn has been a liability in coverage to begin the season. Even if the veteran is healthy for a Week 6 clash with the Panthers, James may leap ahead of him on the depth chart.

OCTOBER 6, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Makes impact in NFL debut James recorded five tackles (one solo) on 26 defensive snaps in Sunday's 40-40 overtime tie with the Packers.

Impact A fifth-round pick in 2025, James was inactive for the first three games of the season, but the Florida product was busy late in Sunday's game after Kenneth Murray left in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury. Murray was able to return to the field, but James may have made a good enough impression in his NFL debut to retain a role in the linebacker rotation for a Week 5 tilt against the Jets.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Makes impact in NFL debut James recorded five tackles (one solo) on 26 defensive snaps in Sunday's 40-40 overtime tie with the Packers.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Cowboys StoryLine: Progress Stoppers? While you want to play your best players on the field, do some of the veterans stop progress for rookies such as Jaydon Blue and Shemar Jame...

SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 • DALLASCOWBOYS.COM

Picks off pass in preseason finale James recorded five tackles (two solo) and an interception in Friday's preseason win over the Falcons.

Impact The 2025 fifth-round pick has been coming on as training camp progressed, and he was in the right place at the right time Friday to pick off an Easton Stick pass over the middle early in the fourth quarter. James won't begin his career as a starter, but he appears to have done enough to secure a roster spot and should see snaps on special teams while working in as a depth option at linebacker behind Marist Liufau, Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn.

AUGUST 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Has been getting first-team reps James has been spotting in with the first-team defense in practice, Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com reports.

Impact The 2025 fifth-round pick isn't likely to win a starting role ahead of Week 1, but there are snaps available at linebacker with DeMarvion Overshown (knee) set to miss the beginning of the season. James is best suited to play against the run at this stage of his career, and his primary competition for early-down reps could come from veteran Jack Sanborn, who signed a one-year with Dallas in March.

AUGUST 9, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Pic 6: Getting to know the rookie class - Shemar James As the Cowboys have closed the books on the offseason program and get ready for training camp, let’s take a closer look at the rookie class....

JULY 16, 2025 • DALLASCOWBOYS.COM

Cowboys Rookie LB Could Threaten Starting Lineup Spot Dallas Cowboys fifth-round linebacker Shemar James is having an excellent rookie offseason.

JUNE 21, 2025 • THENEWSTRIBUNE.COM

Cowboys Sign Captain America and Assign Legendary Jersey Rookie linebacker Shemar James has all the traits to be the next fan-favorite on the Dallas Cowboys defense.

MAY 4, 2025 • THESTATE.COM

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Cowboys show a little life on defense, and that's all a potent offense needs to contend

Lamb has a 74-yard TD catch and Bland gets a pick-6 as Cowboys beat Commanders 44-22

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels will have MRI after hamstring injury in loss to Cowboys