5 linebackers the Dallas Cowboys could still target after missing on several top free agents
The Dallas Cowboys know they need to do something about their linebacker room before the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Dallas Cowboys know they need a linebacker. And after swinging-and-missing on Nakobe Dean, Devin Lloyd, and Quay Walker waiting until the 2026 NFL Draft would be nothing short of team-building malpractice.
As of today, the Cowboys have an inside linebacker room made up of DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James, and Justin Barron.
Waiting for a first-round rookie to boost the group is a poor approach in several levels. For starters, rookies are rarely ready to make a Day 1 impact and Dallas needs a middle linebacker to command the defense. Additionally, having such a big need at a position takes away any flexibility to pick the best player available when they’re on the clock.
Thus, I expect the Cowboys to do something about the linebacker room before the Draft comes along. Below are five veteran linebackers who they could still target.
1. Patrick Queen
We’re kicking the list off with a player who isn’t a free agent but rather a trade candidate. The Pittsburgh Steelers have fielded calls for Queen this offseason and though it’s unclear if they’re truly willing to move him, he fits what the Cowboys need.
Queen is three years removed from an All-Pro season, and he hasn’t missed a single game for his career. Even if he’s not an elite playmaker, he’s a well-rounded middle linebacker who would immediately raise the floor of the Cowboys defense in all areas.
If the Steelers are open to dealing Queen for the third or fourth-round, I’d make the deal in a heartbeat. That being said, he is coming off of perhaps his worst tackling season.
2. Bobby Wagner
When the season starts, Wagner will be 36 years old. But so far, he’s consistently beaten father time.
If the Cowboys plan to draft a linebacker in the first round, Wagner could be a solid addition as a bridge starter. On top of being a quality tackler and an experienced veteran, he’s a renowned locker room presence and would do a great job as a mentor.
If the Cowboys settle on Wagner, however, they need to be ready for opposing offenses to zero in on him in coverage, where he struggled in 2025.
3. Germaine Pratt
Pratt was released by the Las Vegas Raiders four weeks into the 2025 season. He quickly proved them wrong for it, playing solid football for the Indianapolis Colts the rest of the year—especially against the run.
That’s just what Pratt does: Play solid, consistent ball.
Pratt will be 30 years old when the season starts and like Wagner, he could be the perfect bridge linebacker while the Cowboys get ready to start a rookie.
4. Bobby Okereke
Okereke is a bit of a mystery this year. He has been a standout linebacker for most of his career but had a down 2025 season. Against the run, he finished with the sixth-worst grade from PFF among 100 qualifying linebackers. Sixteen missed tackles had plenty to do with that.
And yet, Okereke’s resume suggests he could go back to being a solid second-level presence for a needy NFL defense like the Cowboys’.
5. Shaq Thompson
A 32-year-old linebacker, Thompson is another bridge starter type free agent. He’s a locker room leader who does a little bit of everything on the second-level. Last season was one of his best in coverage with the Buffalo Bills.
He can be a cheap veteran addition who can play the run and pass alike, though age is a concern.
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