Cowboys Nation will love to hear what is being said on Eagles radio ahead of free agency
A Philadelphia Eagles expert’s insight on one of the top free agents this year is exactly what Dallas Cowboys fans want to hear.
In case it wasn’t clear with their mediocre play at the position in 2025, their multiple comments about it, nor with their combine formal interviews, the Dallas Cowboys are looking for a linebacker.
And one of the best answers for their need is currently under contract with their top division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles. Not for long, though. That’s because Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean’s contract is set to expire next week, and he could be one of the Cowboys’ top targets this month.
LB Nakobe Dean headed out of Philly?
In the last couple of years, Dean has proven to be a standout defender in 23 starts for the Eagles across 25 games. He’s a versatile defender who is as much of a threat defending the run as he is in coverage, and even rushing the passer on occasion.
But the Eagles are unlikely to retain him. In a recent interview with Philadelphia radio station 94WIP, Sheil Kapadia was asked about Dean’s chances of staying. They were not optimistic, to the dislike of the radio hosts.
“I think Nakobe Dean’s gone,” Kapadia said. “Of the six free agents they have, I would be shocked if he were to return. They have so many roster holes on the roster, you used a first-round pick on Jihaad Campbell, you play nickel on 70-90% of the snaps, you play two linebackers.”
Kapadia’s logic is exactly why everyone has assumed Dean will hit the open market next week. And the Cowboys may be one of the first teams calling, Kapadia added.
Dean to the Cowboys makes too much sense
The linebacker need in Dallas is undeniable. Add to it the fact that the Cowboys hired Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator, and the connection to the Dean writes itself. Parker was the Eagles defensive pass game coordinator for the last couple of years.
Adding Dean to the roster would immediately give him a player on the field who can help him install his desired scheme.
Historically, the Cowboys have made key hires at linebackers with ties to their new defensive coordinators. Dan Quinn Mike Zimmer got Eric Kendricks. Matt Eberflus got Jack Sanborn. Naturally, Dean is a much more expensive free agent target. But the need is also much more pressing.
The Cowboys will be free to negotiate with free agents with expiring contracts starting next Monday at noon ET. Expect Dean to be in the mix.
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