Cowboys get unexpected Azeez Al-Shaair wrinkle (but fans should be wary)

Anything is possible, but it seems increasingly likely the Dallas Cowboys will revisit the linebacker trade market after the NFL Draft. The post-draft panic often sparks its own wave of free agency, and Dallas may join the craziness depending on how the board falls.

The Cowboys have been linked to Azeez Al-Shaair and Jordyn Brooks, two of the most imposing inside linebackers in the league. They reportedly called the Miami Dolphins about Brooks, but it's been all quiet on the Al-Shaair front since the initial report.

That may not change, but Cowboys fans' ears undoubtedly perked up after the Houston Texans traded for New England Patriots linebacker Marte Mapu on Tuesday.

It's hardly a blockbuster, as the AFC sides have agreed to swap 2027 picks, with the Patriots receiving a 2027 sixth-rounder, with Houston getting a 2027 seventh, per Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle.

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Dallas Cowboys fans shouldn't get Azeez Al-Shaair hopes up, but Texans' Marte Mapu trade is noteworthy

No, this does not confirm that the Texans are trading Al-Shaair to Dallas. He is the heart and soul of DeMeco Ryans’ defense, having starred under Ryans in San Francisco before reuniting with him in Southeast Texas two years ago.

That said, the Texans didn’t necessarily need linebacker help. They already had Henry To'o To'o and E.J. Speed, two capable starters, behind Al-Shaair.

Furthermore, the Patriots reportedly informed Mapu that they planned to release him before Houston swooped in, per ESPN's Mike Reiss. The Texans clearly see something in the 2023 third-round pick, who offers special teams value and the versatility to play both linebacker and safety.

Mapu was dealt an unfortunate hand in New England, which cycled through three different regimes during his time with the franchise. He showed promise under Bill Belichick, started 10 games in 2024 under Jerod Mayo, and ultimately fell out of favor under Mike Vrabel.

A change of scenery is often exactly what a player needs to get back on track. The problem is that Houston's defense is as talented as any unit (offense or defense) in football.

Maybe -- just maybe -- the Texans wanted to get him before he hit the open market because they're plotting another linebacker trade behind the scenes. Maybe Houston simply didn't want to get into a bidding war and was comfortable swapping Day 3 picks.

It’s seemingly still a pipe dream that Al-Shaair ends up in Dallas, but it’s notable that the Texans traded for a linebacker who was about to be released, despite not having a clear need at the position and with the Cowboys already linked to Al-Shaair.

It's probably a nothing-burger. But we are on high alert, regardless, because that's how badly the Dallas defense needs a player like Al-Shaair.