5 bold predictions for the Dallas Cowboys 2024 offseason

3. Cowboys add LB Azeez Al-Shaair

Dallas had an impressive defense once again in 2023 and it will be a challenge for them to continue growing now that Dan Quinn took the head coaching job with the Washington Commanders. While it’s true his defense struggled down the stretch, and in the postseason, Quinn always had his unit playing full speed.

Having said that, there was one area of weakness in 2023 — linebacker. After losing Leighton Vander Esch to a neck injury, the Cowboys were down to Damone Clark as their primary starter with Markquese Bell, a converted safety, lining up next to him.

Clark led the team with 109 tackles and Bell had 94 in his new role. Looking ahead, however, both players could benefit from another play-making linebacker being added. This would allow Clark to have more help against the run whereas Bell could slide into the role Jayron Kearse (a pending free agent) has occupied in recent years.

This prediction is they go out and sign Azeez Al-Shaair in free agency. Al-Shaair was undrafted out of Florida Atlantic in 2019 and spent four years with the San Francisco 49ers. He signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2023 and had a career year with 163 tackles and two sacks. At 230 pounds, he’s a better fit at the position than Bell and will help the rest of the defense due to his ability to shut down the run.