The Dallas Cowboys' linebacker room is a sight to behold, and not in a flattering way. In terms of talent and depth, it might be the worst position group in the NFL. That is merely the result of years of bare-minimum resource investment.
In fairness, Dallas has tried to fortify the position this offseason. Most recently, they kicked the tires on a trade for standouts Jordyn Brooks and Azeez Al-Shaair, with reports claiming they called the Miami Dolphins about Brooks.
Any trade is unlikely to materialize before the NFL Draft. Fortunately for the Cowboys, Miami is tempting fate in contract negotiations with the All-Pro linebacker. Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald has the latest (h/t Matt Fitzgerald, Phin Phanatic).
"Tailback De’Von Achane, inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson, and center Aaron Brewer are all entering the final season of their contract, and therefore seek extensions. The Dolphins are aware, and have discussed it with each. But no deals are close, sources say.”
The Dallas Cowboys should be keeping tabs on Jordyn Brooks during the NFL Draft
In other words, the Dolphins are content entering the draft with zero clarity on Brooks’ future. Extending running back De’Von Achane appears to be a priority for new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, with the team shutting down trade speculation surrounding the Pro Bowler.
Unless negotiations take off between now and next Thursday, Brooks should still be available once the Cowboys finish drafting.
All told, Miami might prefer to see how the draft unfolds before deciding what to do with Brooks, as they have seven top-100 picks, including two firsts (Nos. 11 and 30), and four thirds. The Dolphins need help everywhere. Taking a linebacker early could put the Brooks-to-Dallas wheels in motion.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, are now widely projected to trade up for Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with a week to go before draft night. That’s the one scenario that could rule out a Brooks trade, both because of the cost and Styles’ expected impact.
If Dallas comes out of Night 1 without a linebacker, the answer writes itself: get Brooks by any means necessary. However, even if they draft one of CJ Allen, Jacob Rodriguez, or Anthony Hill, a Brooks trade should remain firmly in play.
Again, the LB room is a sad sight right now. You won't find a Cowboys fan who doesn't love DeMarvion Overshown, but he's played 19 games in three years. He's had devilish injury luck, but until he proves he can stay healthy, he can't be counted on.
Despite that, Overshown is far and away the best 'backer on the roster. Behind him are 2025 fifth-round pick Shemar James, who lacks ideal size (6-1, 221) to be a three-down player, and 2025 undrafted free agent Justin Barron, who didn't play a single defensive snap as a rookie.
Adding Brooks would change the complexion of the 2026 season overnight. Whether it takes trading the No. 92 pick during the draft or sending a 2027 pick afterward to get it done, the Cowboys have to capitalize on Miami’s questionable handling of the situation.
Add us as a preferred source on Google