The first major plot twist of the Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 free agency frenzy is here
The Dallas Cowboys are missing out on the free agent signing close to everyone thought was inevitable. And that’s not it.
From the moment the Dallas Cowboys hired Christian Parker as defensive coordinator, it seemed like we just knew the front office would wind up signing a former friend of his in free agency. A veteran at a position of need with ties to the new DC?
Why wouldn’t it happen?
I’m talking, of course, about former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, who played for Parker the last couple of years. But under 24 hours into the NFL’s negotiating period, that Cowboys Nation dream has come to an end.
First major plot twist of Cowboys free agency
Though Dean was one of the free agents linked the most to the Cowboys, the veteran linebacker is headed elsewhere. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Dean is signing a three-year deal worth $36 million with the Las Vegas Raiders.
At an average of $12 million per year, Dean will be among the top 10 highest-paid linebackers in the NFL.
Adding to the element of surprise is the fact that the Cowboys had another linebacker in their sights above Dean. And he happened to sign with the Raiders, as well.
Cowboys were in the mix for Quay Walker
The Raiders also signed LB Quay Walker, formerly with the Green Bay Packers, to a three-year deal worth $40.5 million. According to Cowboys insider Todd Archer, that one will sting a little bit more for the Jerry Jones-led front office.
“Cowboys were in the mix for Quay Walker, who ended up joining the Raiders,” Archer posted on social media. “Told Walker had a Zoom with Cowboys earlier in the day. He was higher on their list than Nakobe Dean.”
The problem for the Cowboys is that the market is running out of linebacker candidates. Out of A to Z Sports’ Top 5 free agents at the position, only Devin Lloyd and Leo Chenal remain. We’ll see if they target either of them or if they pivot to less expensive (and thus impactful) options.
For now, missing out on Dean will be seen by many as one of the biggest plot twists of the Cowboys free agency. The good news is free agency is only starting and Dallas has two first-round picks should it come to that.
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