Dallas Cowboys Sign 1st-Round Linebacker Rashaan Evans; Coach Mike McCarthy Scouting Report

The Dallas Cowboys know they need help at linebacker. Head coach Mike McCarthy revealed what made Rashaan Evans the best candidate to be added.

If losing yet another linebacker to injury wasn’t enough to convince you that the Dallas Cowboys needed help in the middle of their defense, let the front office’s swift action do the trick.

Dallas lost rookie linebacker DeMarvion Overshown in training camp, delivering a blow to the team’s depth. Just five weeks into the season, a neck injury to Leighton Vander Esch means they’ll be without their best off-ball linebacker, too.

The Cowboys went into the year admittedly thin at linebacker, an issue made worse by a handful of injuries. They entered the year with just four on the initial 53-man roster, so it is no surprise they’ve ventured outside of team facilities for reinforcements now that the going has gotten tough.

On Wednesday, Dallas brought in linebacker Rashaan Evans for a visit. By Thursday, he was added to the practice squad and seen at practice.

Evans celebrates as a member of the Atlanta Falcons / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Head coach Mike McCarthy commented on the acquisition, citing his pedigree and recent workout.

“I think [vice president of player personnel] Will McClay does an excellent job and obviously there’s some feedback from individuals in his past,” McCarthy said. “[Evans] had a really good workout. Of the candidates we brought in, we clearly felt he was the best fit.”

Evans struggled in his last game action with the Atlanta Falcons, but he’s an athletic linebacker with the ability to rush the passer in a limited capacity and tackles well. He racked up 159 tackles and two sacks in 2022.

Recently, Evans was released from the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad. Perhaps he can assist in providing Dallas information on their rival à la Trey Lance (though that didn’t work out so well).

Evans, who is wearing No. 57 in Dallas, was a first-round pick coming out of Alabama in 2018. It’s a safe bet legendary coach Nick Saban gave the Cowboys some insight.

It’s not yet clear when he’ll see the field, but given the severity of the situation, fans should expect to be introduced to their new acquisition sooner rather than later. He can be elevated from the practice squad three times before a corresponding move must be made.

Dallas may need his assistance on Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6.