By Adeniyi Precious 
The Dallas Cowboys had a clear to-do list when looking for an inside linebacker:
✔️ Tackles
✔️ Leadership
✔️ Budget-friendly contract
Enter Jack Sanborn, formerly of the Chicago Bears, who just signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with only $150K guaranteed. It’s a low-risk move, but if his past performance is any clue, the Cowboys could be getting a major bargain.
Former Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus was stunned that Chicago let Sanborn go, calling him “super productive.” At 6’2″, 234 pounds, Sanborn is known for his high-energy, aggressive playing style—a perfect fit for a team needing some defensive intensity.
But it’s not just about what he brings on the field. Sanborn is stepping into a locker room that’s been dealing with some drama—most recently the “Brotherhood B.S.” controversy between Micah Parsons and ex-Cowboy DeMarcus Lawrence. Sanborn, who describes himself as “an open book, easy to talk to, and willing to help others,” could be the kind of leader this defense needs.
A big reason he landed in Dallas? His connection with new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who coached him in Chicago. That familiarity should help speed up the Cowboys’ defensive transition under Eberflus.
With a young linebacker group, Sanborn knows his role: “Just doing whatever I can… to help guys get up to speed. Because at the end of the day, we’re all in this together as one.”
For a team that talks a lot about building a strong locker room, Sanborn might be the guy who finally helps make that happen.