The Dallas Cowboys know they need a linebacker, and they’re not settling for a marginal fix.
Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that Dallas has discussed Azeez Al-Shaair of the Houston Texans and Jordyn Brooks of the Miami Dolphins. That does not mean the Cowboys are in talks with Houston and Miami, but it's a significant development nonetheless.
Add us as a preferred source on GoogleAl-Shaair and Brooks are two of the better linebackers in the NFL. Adding either would be transformative, but that’s a huge if.
As Harris' report circulated on social media, ESPN Texans reporter DJ Bien-Aime chimed in, saying that Al-Shaair is "basically DeMeco Ryans adopted son."
Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle also pointed out Al-Shaair's relationship with Ryans, adding that the Texans "have no plans to part ways with him, even if the Cowboys are interested."
I say that half-jokingly. But aside from his relationship with Ryans, Al-Shaair is the heart of the defense and a huge reason they were No. 1.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) March 20, 2026
The Texans have no plans to part ways with him, even if the Cowboys are interested. An potential extension is still on the table.
It won't be easy for the Dallas Cowboys to trade for Azeez Al-Shaair
That doesn't mean the Texans won't trade Al-Shaair. He's entering the final year of his contract, making him a prime trade candidate.
However, the 28-year-old is the heart and soul of DeMeco Ryans’ defense. It may be the most talented unit in football, but Al-Shaair is the engine behind it.
Not only that, but Houston is smack in the middle of a Super Bowl window. They would demand more than most teams to even entertain a trade.
Regardless of talent, players in Al-Shaair’s position typically fetch an early Day 3 pick. But based on how Bien-Aime and Alexander say he’s viewed internally, it could take a third-rounder -- Dallas holds the No. 92 overall pick -- just to get Houston’s attention. Even that might not be enough.
After striking out on Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker in free agency, the Cowboys are desperate. They may be willing to overpay to get Al-Shaair, and he might be worth overpaying for.
Over the last four seasons, Al-Shaair has tallied a 79.4 run-defense grade, per Pro Football Focus. He communicates before the snap to keep everyone aligned and plays with a physical edge that the Cowboys have been missing in the middle of their defense.
He'd be worth every penny, but the Texans won't make it easy, if they even entertain moving him at all.