The Cowboys certainly aimed high when they pursued Nakobe Dean, hoping to bring the talented linebacker into their fold. With Christian Parker at the helm as defensive coordinator, there was buzz around the league about potential reunions with former Eagles players. Dean, however, chose a different path, signing with the Raiders as the NFL’s legal tampering window opened.
According to Jane Slater, the Cowboys were in the thick of the race for Dean's signature. They extended a competitive offer, reportedly on par with what the Raiders put on the table. Dean's decision, described as a "51/49" split, ultimately came down to a gut feeling, a choice that could have swung either way.
For Dean, the decision might have been influenced by a sense of loyalty to Philadelphia, or perhaps he felt the Raiders offered a better fit for his career trajectory. Regardless of the reasoning, it's a relief for Eagles fans who won't have to see him lining up against them twice a season in the NFC East. This decision subtly maintains Dean's connection to Philly, ensuring he remains a beloved figure in the city where he first made his mark.