The Dallas Cowboys have been navigating free agency with a focus on filling their middle linebacker position, but so far, they haven't landed the big-name player fans were hoping for. Talks have been swirling around names like Nakobe Dean, Devin Lloyd, and Quay Walker, yet Jerry Jones and his team have yet to secure a signature on the dotted line.
With the clock ticking, the Cowboys might still look to bring in a linebacker from outside, but at this stage, any new addition would likely serve as a temporary solution. The top-tier players who can confidently take on the play-calling responsibilities have already found new homes.
This situation could push Jones to address the linebacker need in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, there's a question mark over whether it’s wise to hand over such a critical role to a rookie. The trade market remains a viable option, too.
The Miami Dolphins have signaled a rebuild, making significant moves like buying out quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's hefty contract and trading away star receiver Jaylen Waddle. This raises the question: could linebacker Jordyn Brooks be next on the trade block? If so, Dallas would certainly be interested.
Brooks, who hails from Houston and played college ball at Texas Tech, led the NFL with 183 tackles last season and added 3.5 sacks to his impressive stats. ESPN's Todd Archer highlights Brooks as a potential target, but with Miami eager for draft picks, the Cowboys would likely need to offer a substantial package to make a deal happen.
Jones has been vocal about stretching the budget this offseason, and he's already made waves by signing safety Jalen Thompson to an $11 million deal-the priciest free-agent signing for Dallas in over a decade. Acquiring Brooks, who is set to turn 29 and has a $7.8 million price tag for the final year of his contract, would mean another significant financial commitment.
If the Cowboys are indeed looking beyond free agency to fill their linebacker void, Brooks represents one of the few trade options that could make sense for both Dallas and Miami.