The Dallas Cowboys have practically spent the entire offseason making life easier for first-year DC Christian Parker. While he should be able to stand on his own two feet in Dallas, Jerry Jones has made sure that the youngster has almost every defensive weapon at his disposal that he'll need.
But the caveat to that statement is that the Cowboys haven't really addressed the inside linebacker position. Yes, losing Jack Sanborn and not re-signing Kenneth Murray was addition by subtraction, and the Dee Winters trade was savvy. Dallas, however, clearly knows they need another piece there.
Jones and the front office reportedly kicked the tires on Houston Texans Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, but to no avail. However, the Detroit Lions not picking up Jack Campbell's fifth-year option should restore the dream of a Pro Bowl linebacker coming to Dallas.
Dallas Cowboys could check in on Lions' Jack Campbell after missing out on Azeez Al-Shaair
Campbell was not just a Pro Bowler in 2025, but a First-Team All-Pro, and he is still just 25 years old. Not only is he a great tackler and a known savant against the run, but Campbell's coverage skills and pass rush ability make him a rare and valuable commodity.
Because the NFL has lumped outside linebackers or edge rushers in with the off-ball or inside linebackers when it comes to the fifth-year option, the Lions didn't want to pay Campbell nearly $22 million on a one-year deal. He is great, but that is not what he is truly worth.
So, Campbell is set for unrestricted free agency next spring, but he and his agent probably aren't happy about having no future security. Surely, they want a multi-year deal in place in a contract year. If Detroit isn't going to give him one, the Cowboys should at least ask about his trade price.
If Dallas could work out a deal that makes sense, it would add an elite talent at inside linebacker. Campbell could either be a long-term complement to DeMarvion Overshown or his replacement if the Cowboys' negotiations with his new agent, David Mulugheta, go sideways, as always.
Linebackers are becoming more expensive, but not as costly as the fifth-year option would indicate. Al-Shaair signed for three years and $54 million, which is an average annual price of $18 million. Devin Lloyd inked a deal with the Carolina Panthers this offseason for $15 million per year.
Based on his track record, Campbell should get a contract in that same range. Although some salary cap conversations need to be had in Dallas, the Cowboys are sitting pretty financially by 2028, so they could easily backload Campbell's contract.
Although Overshown and Winters aren't a bad linebacker duo, Shemar James left plenty to be desired as a rookie. A duo of Campbell and either Overshown or Winters, or, let's get greedy, all three of them, would be a massive benefit to the Cowboys' defense.
After whiffing on a trade for Al-Shaair, Campbell is a natural pivot. Clearly, Dallas is still looking to add to its inside linebacker room, and if Campbell could soon be available, then the Cowboys' dreams of landing a star at the position are at least still alive.
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