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The Dallas Cowboys could be making one final roster move before the regular season begins. NFL analyst Moe Moton of Bleacher Report suggests that Dallas should look into trading linebacker Marist Liufau to acquire future draft picks.
“Under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, Liufau will transition to edge-rusher.” Moton wrote on July 14. “In two years as an off-ball linebacker, he has been unable to make a significant impact. The former third-rounder has 80 tackles (five for loss), 2.5 sacks and three pass breakups in 34 games (14 starts).”
Selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Liufau struggled to create a consistent defensive impact over his first two professional seasons. In 34 career games, he recorded 80 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and three pass breakups.
Per NFL analyst Moe Moton of Bleacher Report, heading into his third year, Liufau is transitioning from off-ball linebacker to edge-rusher under new DC Parker. The Cowboys brought Parker to the team as their defensive coordinator in January of this year.
The Cowboys moving Liufau to edge rusher shows they do not trust him as a linebacker. Since edge is a new position for him, he will need time to learn it.
If he struggles to adjust to this new role during training camp, the analyst believes the Cowboys could look to trade.
Dallas’ roster is already crowded with edge rushers. Carrying six players at the position makes Liufau’s spot on the team risky.
What Marist Liufau has to say regarding the upcoming season
Despite the ongoing trade speculation, Patrick Walker of the Dallas Cowboys reported that Liufau was focused and positive about the upcoming season.
“I feel great and so excited. It’s always a blessing to have an opportunity to contribute to the team.” Liufau told Nicole Hutchison of the Dallas Cowboys, per Walker. “Going to give it all I got.”
Liufau also talked about his strengths and how he is willing to utilize them this year.
“On the pass rushing aspect of it, I feel confident in my ability to learn. Pass rushing is something I haven’t done a lot, something that I never worked on as much in practice because of playing MIKE, but I know it will be a lot of fun learning the ins and outs of pass rushing,” Liufau added.
If his transition to edge-rusher goes smoothly, Liufau could earn a key rotational role on defense. However, if he fails to adapt quickly, Dallas may choose to trade him before the season begins.
