The Dallas Cowboys will be back in Oxnard for training camp in July. The team has been more active this offseason in signing free agents. Until they hit the field at the end of summer, all fans can do is speculate how these new faces will perform. One of the new faces on the defensive side is former Chicago Bear linebacker Jack Sanborn.

Dallas signed Sanborn to a one-year just a few days into free agency. While he might not have been a full-time starter in Chicago, one NFL analyst believes he is primed for a breakout season with his new team.

FOX NFL reporter David Helman listed Sanborn as one of his breakout candidates in the NFC. It was a bit of a surprising choice, but Sanborn has a legitimate chance to be a difference-maker for this defense.

Jack Sanborn could end up being a bargain for the Cowboys

When the Cowboys brought on Matt Eberflus as their defensive coordinator, everyone knew significant changes were coming. Eberflus’ scheme is much different than that of Mike Zimmer and Dan Quinn. One of the biggest needs for him is a linebacker room with good size and range and strong coverage skills.

Sanborn was linked early to the Cowboys when free agency began. Based on his relationship with Eberflus, it was easy to circle him as a Dallas target. While Sanborn only has 19 starts to his name in his first three seasons, his style of play is exactly what Eberflus needs in the middle to lead his defense.

Just like what Zimmer did last offseason in getting Eric Kendricks to be the “quarterback of the defense”, Eberflus did the same thing in bringing in Sanborn. Dallas did also trade for Kenneth Murray to compete with him in the middle, but Sanborn’s familiarity with Eberflus and his scheme certainly gives him an advantage.

Sanborn’s journey to being a potential starter in Dallas was a long one going back to when he first entered the league in 2022. He went undrafted but made the Bears’ roster his rookie year and was even named to the PFF All-Rookie Team. While he played primarily a backup role with the Bears, he was behind linebackers who had far more experience and credentials.

The fourth-year pro’s size and reputation as an intelligent player in the middle makes him a prime candidate to succeed in Dallas. No one on the roster has a reputation like Tremaine Edmunds or T.J. Edwards. The starting job at middle linebacker is Sanborn’s to take. His battle with Murray will definitely be one of the stories to watch during training camp.

Sanborn is only on a one-year “prove it” deal this season. If he wins the job over Murray, stands out and this defense gets back to its old form, he could easily earn a second contract in Dallas, especially if Eberflus is back for another season.

His career has not taken off yet, but with a fresh start along with a coach who believes in him, that could be all he needs to become a breakout star on this defense.