The Dallas Cowboys finished fifth in total yards allowed per game in 2023. However, it was clear that one area was lacking, the linebacker spot. For one, they were relying on Markquese Bell, a natural safety, to play linebacker on a regular basis despite being undersized. Also, the group was depleted once Leighton Vander Esch went down for the season with another neck injury, which ultimately caused him to retire. There just weren't enough reliable bodies at linebacker on the roster, and the group got exposed late in the regular season and the playoffs.
Dallas was on a mission to correct this problem during the offseason.