4 star free agents in the Cowboys range after cap surge

1. Azeez Al-Shaair, LB, Tennessee Titans

When discussing their win over the Cowboys on Micah Parsons' podcast, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love specifically pointed to Markquese Bell as someone they could target in the run game. Bell, a converted safety, is listed at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds. That's ideal for a defensive back but at linebacker, it leaves a lot to be desired — especially against the run.

To be fair, Bell stepped up when needed — and he was needed due to injuries suffered by Leighton Vander Esch during the season as well as rookie DeMarvion Overshown before the year even began. He was also great in coverage but when teams decided to run the ball, their defense simply wasn't strong enough. That's why Azeez Al-Shaair needs to be a target this offseason.

Al-Shaair went undrafted in 2019 out of Florida Atlantic but developed into a quality linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers. He had 199 tackles, 2.0 sacks, seven pass defenses, and two interceptions in four years with them. He then hit free agency in 2023 where he signed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans.

In Tennessee, the veteran linebacker was all over the field. He finished with 163 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, two sacks, and four pass defenses. At 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds, he would give the Cowboys more strength in the run game, which they sorely need.

Putting Al-Shaair next to Damone Clark with Overshown returning to health should give Dallas a more formidable linebacker corps. They should still add some depth in the draft so they can allow Bellt to revert back to safety, where he will be needed to replace Jayron Kearse.

More Cowboys coverage