The Dallas Cowboys are looking to bolster their defense, and they might just be eyeing a familiar face from their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. Last season, the Cowboys struggled significantly on defense, ranking near the bottom in both total yards and points allowed. Even with the mid-season acquisition of Quinnen Williams, the defense remained a weak spot, contributing to their 7-9-1 record under head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
But there's hope on the horizon for "America's Team." Reports suggest that Dallas is targeting linebacker Nakobe Dean in the upcoming free agency.
Dean, who has been with the Eagles since being drafted in 2022, is known for his dynamic play. In 2024, he racked up 128 tackles, four pass break-ups, three sacks, and two fumble recoveries.
Although a knee injury limited him to 10 games in 2025, he still managed 55 tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles.
The Cowboys recently brought in Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator. Parker, who previously worked with the Eagles as a secondary coach and passing game coordinator, could benefit from having familiar personnel to implement his system effectively. Dean's experience and skill set would not only fill the gap left by the recently released Logan Wilson but also potentially weaken a division rival's defense.
Bringing Dean to Dallas could be a strategic move to strengthen the Cowboys' defense while simultaneously impacting the Eagles. As free agency approaches, this potential signing is one to watch closely.