The vibes are rising. Compared to a few months ago, these Dallas Cowboys are feeling a whole lot more hopeful. And, with the busy portion of this offseason getting ready to open up, the Cowboys are trying to establish an identity.
A defensive identity, that is.
Beneath new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, the Cowboys' defense is going to look different. It's going to feel different. The entire vibe shift from Matt Eberflus to Parker is already evident, and for one of the Cowboys' first moves on defense under Parker, Dallas could be looking to steal a rival's top free agent.
According to Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys could be eyeing one of Parker's notable names who is a free agent out of Philly.
"As the Cowboys begin the process of providing upgrades for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s unit, a name has emerged for one of the inside linebacker spots: Nakobe Dean."
Of the many potential free agent targets for Parker's defense, Dean is right up there towards the top.
The Dallas Cowboys are already linked to Nakobe Dean ahead of free agency
Looking at the entire Cowboys defense, they need help at several positions. But, Dean is a player who can come in and provide a huge lift in a couple of spots. As a linebacker who can be lined up in a couple of different ways, Dean finished 2025 with a career-high 4.0 sacks and nine total pressures.
That might not sound like a lot, but for a guy who plays a lot of inside linebacker, those are notable numbers.
In fact, Dean was Pro Football Focus' no. 3 graded linebacker in the pass rush department, last season. Take PFF grades for what you'd like to, but that number is something to take pretty seriously, especially considering you're a team that lost an integral part of the pass rush last year with the Micah Parsons trade.
Ah, yes, the Parsons trade. It's always worth a mention.
Dean was a third-round pick by the Eagles back in 2022, but many viewed him as a potential first-round or second-round prospect leading up to the draft. Last year, Dean started the season recovering from a torn patellar tendon which kept him out until October 1, when he made his 2025 debut.
Now healthy and having played 10 games last year, he would come in and immediately shift the pass rush presence, which is much-needed.
Dean also has a nose for the football, forcing two fumbles last season. Not just that, but he would help Dallas' pass defense, as PFF's 30th-ranked linebacker in coverage (out of 88 qualifying linebackers).
Fun fact: Dean has never been credited with giving up a passing touchdown in his four seasons with the Eagles (per Pro Football Reference).
He's truly a well-rounded chess piece, if Parker wants to utilize him that way, and he won't cost that much. Right now, depending on the outlet you trust, Dean is looking to get between $7-$10 million annually.
Starting out free agency by stealing an Eagle? Yes please. Where do we sign?