Why Nakobe Dean Should Be at the Top of the Cowboys’ Free Agent Wish List
Another Super Bowl has come and gone, and once again, the Dallas Cowboys were watching from the sidelines. As the dust settles on the 2025 season, attention in Arlington turns to what Jerry Jones and his front office will do to reshape a roster that fell short of expectations. The first domino has already fallen with the hiring of Christian Parker as defensive coordinator-a move that not only strengthens Dallas’ coaching staff but also weakens a division rival in the process.
But that might just be the beginning.
With Parker now in charge of the defense, the Cowboys have a golden opportunity to double down on their NFC East power play by targeting one of the Eagles’ most intriguing free agents: linebacker Nakobe Dean.
Why Dean Makes Sense for Dallas
Dean’s 2025 campaign was a bit of a rollercoaster. He started the year sidelined by injury and looked like he might be overtaken by rookie Jihaad Campbell.
But once Dean returned to the field, he made it clear he wasn’t giving up his spot without a fight. In just 10 games (eight starts), Dean racked up 55 total tackles (30 solo), seven tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pass defensed.
That’s a strong stat line in limited action-and it came right on the heels of his breakout, 128-tackle Super Bowl-winning season.
Dean’s production speaks for itself. He’s a high-motor, instinctive linebacker who can impact the game in multiple ways-whether it’s blitzing off the edge, sniffing out screens, or dropping into coverage. For a Dallas defense that struggled with consistency at the second level, especially late in the season, adding a player like Dean could be a game-changer.
The Parker Connection
While Dean didn’t play directly under Christian Parker in Philadelphia-Parker coached the defensive backs-there’s still a connection worth noting. Parker worked closely within Vic Fangio’s defensive system, the same one Dean thrived in.
That familiarity could make for a smoother transition if Dean were to land in Dallas. Parker already knows the terminology, the structure, and the expectations of that scheme.
He also knows what kind of player fits where-and Dean fits the mold of a versatile, sideline-to-sideline linebacker who can be deployed creatively.
For a team looking to retool its defense without undergoing a full rebuild, that kind of plug-and-play fit is invaluable.
Can the Cowboys Afford Him?
Here’s where things get tricky. Spotrac projects Dean’s market value at around $7.9 million annually.
That’s a reasonable number for a starting-caliber linebacker in today’s NFL. The problem?
Dallas is currently staring down a $29.1 million salary cap overage heading into next season.
But let’s be honest-if there’s one thing Jerry Jones has never been afraid of, it’s pushing financial boundaries to get his guy. The Cowboys have several contracts that could be restructured or moved to free up space. If Jones and the front office decide Dean is a priority, the money can be found.
And it’s not just about adding talent-it’s about taking it away from a rival. The Eagles already made a big financial commitment to linebacker Zack Baun, which could make it tough for them to justify a second sizable deal at the same position.
With Campbell waiting in the wings and flashing potential, Philadelphia might be willing to let Dean walk. That opens the door for Dallas to swoop in.
The Bigger Picture
After a mixed 2025 campaign that raised more questions than answers, Dallas needs to make smart, targeted moves this offseason. Adding Dean would check multiple boxes: it upgrades a position of need, brings in a player familiar with the division and the defensive system, and weakens a top rival in the process.
This isn’t just about making a splash-it’s about building a defense that can stand toe-to-toe with the best in the NFC. And if the Cowboys want to get back to the Super Bowl conversation, those are exactly the kinds of moves they need to make.
Nakobe Dean might not be the biggest name on the market, but he could be one of the most impactful-especially in the right system. With Christian Parker now in place and the Eagles facing tough decisions, the stars might just be aligning for Dean to trade green for silver and blue.