It’s not really open for interpretation: the Dallas Cowboys got better in the first week of free agency.
While Osa Odighizuwa is undeniably a big loss, the addition of Rashan Gary—a proven three-down edge rusher—along with Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, and P.J. Locke, will raise the floor of a secondary that spent most, if not all, of the 2025 regular season as a basement-dweller.
That said, Cowboys fans remain on edge because the team still hasn’t added a linebacker. Dallas tried hard to land Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker before both players signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, and the club wasn’t comfortable meeting the price tag for former Jaguars All-Pro Devin Lloyd.
The good news? Dallas has reportedly lost all interest in trading for Patrick Queen. A pivot to Miami Dolphins standout Jordyn Brooks could instantly restore fans’ faith—and end the linebacker nightmare once and for all.
The Dallas Cowboys should call the Dolphins about LB Jordyn Brooks.
Brooks is one of the most underrated linebackers in the NFL, probably because he plays in Miami. The Dolphins have conducted their own version of a fire sale this offseason, cutting starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and edge rusher Bradley Chubb while trading veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley are shedding salary as they work to overcome the hellacious financial burden left behind by the previous regime. That situation makes Brooks—who is on an expiring contract—a logical trade target. Following an October restructure, he carries a non-guaranteed $8.3 million salary in 2026.
A constant bright spot on an otherwise dreadful Dolphins defense, Brooks led all defenders with 183 tackles this past season. Unlike some other high-tackle linebackers, his gaudy stats are an accurate reflection of his performance.
The 28-year-old finished third at the position with a sublime 92.8 run-defense grade and 11th with a 75.0 pass-rush grade, per Pro Football Focus. He also ranked third in defensive stops (61) and posted just a 4.3 percent missed-tackle rate on 187 opportunities. It’s no wonder he earned first-team All-Pro honors.
It should be noted that Brooks does not excel in coverage, but Dallas would gladly trade that weakness for everything else he brings to the table.
Think about the veteran stability Eric Kendricks provided two years ago. The difference is that Brooks is still in his prime, whereas Kendricks was already 32. That means Brooks’ impact could be tenfold.
Of course, it takes two to tango. Looking to establish a new culture, it would behoove the Dolphins to extend Brooks rather than ship him off for a draft pick after a career year. But from the Cowboys’ perspective, it’s a no-brainer to at least make the call. What’s the worst that could happen by gauging his availability?
If Dallas pulls this off, the linebacker nightmare is officially over. A 92.8 run-defense monster with 183 tackles is coming to town—and Cowboys fans can finally breathe easy.
