Philadelphia Eagles fans had been bracing for a shakeup, and linebacker Nakobe Dean's departure was a part of that offseason reality. Dean had expressed a desire to stay in Philly, but Eagles GM Howie Roseman had already set expectations, hinting that several free agents would be moving on. And that's exactly what unfolded: Jaelan Phillips headed to the Carolina Panthers, Reed Blankenship joined the Houston Texans, Jahan Dotson moved to the Atlanta Falcons, and Dean inked a three-year, $36 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.
While losing Dean was a blow, many Eagles fans took solace in the fact that he secured a solid contract and would be playing outside the NFC. There was a moment, though, when things could have turned out quite differently, with Dean potentially facing his former team twice a year. His decision ultimately showed that his connection to the Eagles remained strong.
In an interesting twist, NFL Network's Jane Slater revealed that Dean nearly signed with the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys were a viable option, especially with their new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, who had previously worked with Dean as the Eagles' defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator. Blankenship and Phillips were also in the mix for Dallas but decided on different paths.
Dean's choice to join the Raiders over the Cowboys underscores his continued affinity for Philadelphia, even as he embarks on a new chapter in Las Vegas.