The Dallas Cowboys have ushered in their third defensive coordinator in as many seasons, with Matt Eberflus stepping in to replace the retired Mike Zimmer. Eberflus, who was let go as head coach of the Chicago Bears, now has a chance to prove his mettle in a role where he’s historically thrived—defensive coordinator. While it’s early in the offseason, Eberflus is already turning heads with bold tweaks to the Cowboys’ defensive scheme, particularly in how he’s utilizing versatile defensive back Israel Mukuamu.
During Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Eberflus made waves by deploying ballhawk DaRon Bland in the nickel position and, perhaps more surprisingly, giving Mukuamu significant reps as a slot cornerback. For Cowboys fans, this move signals a willingness to experiment with a player who has long been an enigma—brimming with potential but underutilized in recent seasons.
Mukuamu, a 2021 draft pick out of South Carolina, was initially selected as a cornerback but has primarily played safety over his first four years in Dallas. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, he possesses rare size for the slot corner position, which demands quickness, instincts, and coverage skills. While OTAs are non-contact and don’t carry the weight of regular-season play, they offer a glimpse into a coach’s vision. Eberflus’ decision to feature Mukuamu in the slot so early suggests confidence in the 25-year-old’s ability to contribute in a meaningful way.
Mukuamu’s flashes of brilliance aren’t new. Cowboys fans may recall his standout performance in the 2022 playoffs, where he effectively neutralized Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ star slot receiver Chris Godwin in the Wild Card Round. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Mukuamu allowed just four catches for 49 yards on eight targets, with one pass breakup. He followed that up with a near-flawless showing against the San Francisco 49ers, drawing only one target across 17 coverage snaps and allowing a stingy 61.8 passer rating over the two postseason games. That stretch was supposed to be Mukuamu’s breakout moment, but under former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, he was relegated to just 77 defensive snaps the following season, leaving fans frustrated.
Israel Mukuamu is one player that’s been working in the slot. So have DaRon Bland and Kemon Hall. pic.twitter.com/dcYrQc3cID
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) May 29, 2025
Even under Zimmer last year, Mukuamu’s role remained limited despite a career-high 201 defensive snaps. Injuries plagued Dallas’ cornerback room, yet Mukuamu played fewer than 10 defensive snaps in nine games and surpassed 20 snaps only three times. This underutilization was perplexing, given the team’s need for reliable depth and Mukuamu’s proven ability to step up when called upon.
Eberflus’ approach feels like a departure from the cautious handling of Mukuamu under Quinn and Zimmer. While he’s not being anointed a star just yet, Mukuamu’s unique physical tools and past performances—like his playoff dominance—suggest he could be a valuable asset in a cornerback room once again hampered by injuries. Eberflus’ willingness to test Mukuamu in the slot early in the offseason is the kind of bold, player-centric move Cowboys fans expected from coordinators like Quinn or Zimmer, who were known for their defensive acumen.
With the Cowboys’ secondary in flux, Mukuamu’s opportunity feels long overdue. If Eberflus can unlock his potential, this defensive shift could be the spark Dallas needs to bolster its defense in 2025. For now, fans are watching closely, hopeful that Mukuamu’s rare blend of size and skill will finally get the stage it deserves.