The Dallas Cowboys are discussing trades for two big-name linebackers, potential compensation needed for each
The Dallas Cowboys need to do something about their linebacker room. And a trade may be the answer.
The Dallas Cowboys’ linebacker situation is so urgent and dire that waiting until the 2026 NFL Draft to do something about is a dangerous proposition.
But since the best linebackers in free agency have already been signed, their best chance to truly improve the roster is the trade market. And the latest intel pinpoints their potential top two targets.
Cowboys are discussing two LB trades
Earlier in free agency, it appeared Pittsburgh Steelers LB Patrick Queen was in the Cowboys’ crosshairs. According to insider Nick Harris from Fort Worth Star-Telegram, that is no longer the case.
However, he reported two other candidates are being discussed.
“They’ve pivoted off Queen,” Harris wrote on social media. “(Houston Texans’ Azeez) Al-Shaair & (Miami Dolphins’ Jordyn) Brooks are being discussed though.”
Those are two pretty big names tied to the Cowboys
If you’re a Cowboys fan, you should be excited about Harris’ intel.
These are two high-profile linebackers that could be available for the right reasons: The Dolphins are in full rebuild mode (see the Jayden Waddle trade) and the Texans have plenty of big contracts coming up.
Al-Shaair is fresh off of his first Pro Bowl season after posting 103 tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. Entering a contract year in which he’s owed $11 million in salary, the Texans may be willing to deal him for a Day 3 pick.
Brooks is also on a contract year, but there’s one small difference that will make him costlier. He was named a first-team All-Pro in 2025 after leading the NFL in tackles with 183. He also had 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. This is one of the best defenders in the league.
Will the Dolphins be willing to deal him for anything less than a second-round pick? With no second rounder in 2026, the Cowboys probably need them to settle for a third.
Potential trade packages for each LB
- For Jordyn Brooks:
- Cowboys get: Brooks, 2026 fifth-round pick (No. 151 overall)
- Dolphins get: 2026 third-round pick (No. 92 overall)
- For Azeez Al-Shaair
- Cowboys get: Al-Shaair
- Texans get: 2026 fourth round pick (No. 112 overall)