Changing positions is never a good sign for an NFL player's roster chances. But Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau can be much more than that.
I don't think there are many Dallas Cowboys who are more intriguing going into training camp than inside-turned-outside linebacker Marist Liufau. The former third-round pick enters a pivotal summer with his roster status surrounded by question marks.
Below is his full Cowboys player profile
ahead of training camp, which starts July 28 in Oxnard, California.
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Marist Liufau player profile
Before the Cowboys even picked him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, debates in Notre Dame already existes about what role fit him best. Those questions have followed him into the NFL in a way that will define if he makes the roster in 2026 (more on that later).
Liufau started nine games as an inside linebacker in his rookie season. Once the Cowboys went from defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to Matt Eberflus, his participation on defense took a big hit despite the team's struggles at the position. Eberflus didn't view Liufau as a MIKE, which led to a diminished role on defense (18.25% snap count, per
Pro Football Reference
).
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Now, Liufau is switching position groups altogether. New Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker moved Liufau to outside linebacker (edge rusher). To make the team, Liufau must prove his worth playing a position he hasn't full time at the NFL level.
Contract details
Liufau enters the third year on his rookie deal in 2026. His base salary sits at $1.3 million for the season and he carries a cap hit of $55million. There's no guaranteed salary left on his deal. The Cowboys could save a little over $1 million if he is cut.
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Roster outlook
Though the Cowboys are betting on Liufau's traits to translate at edge rusher, my questions come from those whose snaps he needs to steal. Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and first-round rookie Malachi Lawrence are virtual locks to be ahead of him on the depth chart.
But here's where Liufau's ace under his sleeve comes into play: No one on the roster had more special teams snaps than him in 2025. He was one of two players with over 70% of the snaps on special teams and he played all 17 games for Dallas.
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If he can provide that again, can he get enough snaps con defense to keep a spot? I don't think it will be easy, but it's doable. Cowboys national scout Ross Wuensche recently described him as a "cool matchup piece" in an offseason interview. He needs to show he can be that in training camp.
Roster chances: 42%
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Dallas Cowboys Player Profile: Marist Liufau has an ace under his sleeve to make the 53-man roster even after position switch
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