As the dust settles from the 2025 NFL Draft and rookie minicamps get underway, teams across the league are scouring their undrafted free agent (UDFA) signings for hidden gems. For the Dallas Cowboys, one name is quickly climbing the ranks of internal buzz: undrafted linebacker Tyrice Knight, the UTEP product who is already making waves in The Star.
Multiple sources inside the organization have revealed that the Cowboys are considering “creating room” in their current linebacker rotation to accommodate the ultra-productive and versatile Knight, who went undrafted despite being one of the nation’s leading tacklers. Given the Cowboys’ recent injury woes and ongoing defensive restructuring under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, the door is ajar for an unexpected breakout.
This article takes a deep dive into why Tyrice Knight is catching the attention of the Cowboys, what his potential role could be, and how the linebacker depth chart might be reshuffled to give him a real shot.
The Cowboys’ Linebacker Landscape
Heading into 2025, the Cowboys’ linebacker corps features a mix of seasoned veterans and younger players, but not without concerns. After Leighton Vander Esch retired due to recurring neck issues, the Cowboys’ linebacking unit took a substantial hit in both experience and reliability.
Here’s how the current rotation looks:
- Damone Clark – The presumed leader of the group, Clark has been solid if not spectacular. A tackling machine with decent speed, but inconsistent in pass coverage.
- DeMarvion Overshown – Coming off a torn ACL suffered in the 2023 preseason. High upside but remains unproven.
- Eric Kendricks – Brought in from the Chargers for veteran leadership. At 33, his role may be more mentor than full-time contributor.
- Markquese Bell – A converted safety who’s being used in hybrid packages. Athletic but still developing his instincts for the position.
- Buddy Johnson / Malik Jefferson / Devante Bond – Fringe players or practice squad candidates with limited upside.
Add to that the hybrid use of Micah Parsons, who is still primarily a pass rusher, and it’s clear the Cowboys are thin at true off-ball linebacker.
This is where Tyrice Knight enters the picture.
Who is Tyrice Knight?
Knight isn’t your average UDFA. At 6-foot-2, 235 pounds, with a nose for the ball and a relentless motor, he led Conference USA in tackles for two straight seasons, including a 140-tackle campaign in 2023. His blend of sideline-to-sideline range, burst, and vision stood out on film, even if he didn’t play at a Power Five school.
He also recorded:
- 10 tackles for loss
- 4 sacks
- 2 forced fumbles
- 7 passes defended
That kind of production speaks to his versatility. He played MIKE, WILL, and even lined up in the slot occasionally, a skill set that mirrors what Zimmer likes in his defenders—multi-positional flexibility.
So why did he go undrafted?
Scouts questioned his level of competition and whether his athleticism would translate to the NFL. He also ran a modest 4.75-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, which likely scared off teams seeking speed linebackers for coverage.
Still, Knight’s football IQ and tape tell a different story.
Mike Zimmer’s Vision for the Defense
Zimmer has made it clear since joining the Cowboys that he intends to bring back a physical, disciplined defensive identity. Known for his aggressive 4-3 looks and creative blitz schemes, Zimmer values linebackers who can read keys quickly and blow up plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Knight’s instincts and gap-discipline are tailor-made for this approach. According to a source familiar with the Cowboys’ internal evaluations, Knight has been praised for being “the most assignment-sound rookie in linebacker drills” so far during minicamp.
Zimmer has long had success turning unheralded defenders into starters, from Anthony Barr’s reinvention in Minnesota to Eric Wilson, an undrafted player who became a full-time starter.
Cowboys linebackers coach Scott McCurley also sees Knight as a project worth investing in. “He’s always around the ball,” McCurley told local reporters. “He’s not fast on the stopwatch, but he gets there faster than most because he diagnoses so quickly.”
Creating Room in the Rotation
So how could Dallas actually make room for Knight?
It starts with special teams. Special teams coordinator John Fassel has already taken a liking to Knight’s motor and sure tackling. Knight is a near-lock to contribute on kick and punt coverage—often the golden ticket to a roster spot for UDFAs.
But Knight’s upside on defense could force the team’s hand to free up more defensive snaps. Here are three ways that might happen:
1. Injury Uncertainty
DeMarvion Overshown is returning from a major injury. If he’s not 100%, Knight could steal reps early in training camp and preseason, especially in nickel sets.
2. Veteran Insurance
Eric Kendricks is playing on a short-term deal. He could be used sparingly or even moved off the active roster if younger players like Knight outperform him in camp.
3. Hybrid Usage
Zimmer could implement three-linebacker packages on early downs, with Knight filling the “thumper” role, allowing Markquese Bell to rotate in as a coverage safety-linebacker hybrid.
The Cowboys currently carry five to six linebackers on the 53-man roster. Knight’s rise could mean the end of the road for players like Malik Jefferson or Devante Bond—especially if Knight continues to stack impressive practices.
Early Buzz from Inside the Locker Room
Veterans have reportedly taken notice of Knight’s professionalism and eagerness to learn.
“He’s always in the playbook,” said Damone Clark. “He asks a lot of questions, but not in an annoying way. He wants to be great.”
Clark even referred to Knight as “a sponge”, noting that he’s already picking up Zimmer’s system faster than expected.
“He’s one of those guys you don’t have to tell twice,” Clark added.
Coaches are also enamored with his leadership traits. At UTEP, Knight was a team captain and academic honor roll student. His off-field character is yet another box checked.
Comparison to Past UDFA Success Stories
It wouldn’t be the first time the Cowboys found a defensive gem after the draft. Tony Romo, Cole Beasley, and more recently, Malik Davis and Markquese Bell have all carved out roles after going undrafted.
Tyrice Knight could be the next success story.
His situation draws parallels to Anthony Hitchens, a mid-round pick who turned into a reliable starter due to his versatility and football IQ, even though he was overlooked as an athlete.
Knight could be even more dynamic if given the chance.
Preseason and Beyond
The biggest test for Knight will come in preseason games. His ability to perform against second- and third-team offenses will be critical. If he showcases his signature tackling and makes a splash on special teams, the Cowboys may have no choice but to create room on the 53-man roster.
Even if he starts the year on the practice squad, multiple insiders suggest it would only be temporary.
“Somebody will poach him if we don’t lock him in,” said one scout. “He’s just too smart and too productive to slip through cracks for long.”
Final Thoughts: A Linebacker Revolution?
The Cowboys’ defense is in transition. With Zimmer bringing in a new philosophy, aging veterans nearing the end of their effectiveness, and injuries clouding the depth chart, the opportunity for a high-character, high-IQ player like Tyrice Knight to break through is very real.
“Don’t be surprised if he’s playing real snaps by October,” said a Cowboys team insider. “Zimmer loves his linebackers to be physical and smart. That’s Knight to a tee.”
So while Knight may have entered the league quietly, he may not stay under the radar for long.
In a league where opportunity and preparation collide to create stars, Tyrice Knight could be the next name to watch in Big D.