Cowboys Eye All-Pro Linebacker Amid Miami's Roster Shake-Up

As the Miami Dolphins undergo a significant roster overhaul under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, trade discussions are heating up around the league. The team's decision to release several marquee players in an effort to improve their salary cap has raised questions about the future of First-Team All-Pro linebacker Jordyn Brooks.

FOX Sports analyst Greg Auman recently identified Brooks as one of the most sought-after trade candidates in the NFL, with the Dallas Cowboys emerging as a key potential destination. Currently, Brooks is in the final year of the three-year contract he signed with Miami back in 2024. His cap hit for the 2026 season stands at $10.86 million, while his actual cash earnings are approximately $8.38 million, making him a feasible target for teams in need of defensive reinforcements.

Auman noted that with Miami's anticipated expenditures in the 2027 free agency, trading Brooks sooner rather than later could make sense for the Dolphins. “If it doesn’t happen before the season, it feels inevitable he lands with a contender at the trade deadline,” Auman stated, highlighting the Cowboys' pressing need for defensive upgrades following a disappointing 2025 season.

The Cowboys' defense struggled significantly last season, particularly in run defense and pass rush, leaving them vulnerable in the trenches. With the 2026 season approaching, they face uncertainty at the linebacker position, relying on inexperienced players like DeMarvion Overshown and rookie Jaishawn Barham, none of whom have a proven track record in defensive leadership.

Brooks could immediately fill this gap. Selected 27th overall by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2020 draft, he had a standout 2025 season, leading the NFL with 183 tackles and demonstrating impressive overall performance metrics. While his coverage skills are a noted weakness, the Cowboys’ defensive scheme could mitigate this by pairing him with experienced players in the secondary.

Speculation about a potential trade has been heightened by reports indicating that the Cowboys have already expressed interest in Brooks. Although no deal is currently on the horizon as minicamps wrap up, his age—turning 29 in October—means he is still in his prime, making him an attractive option for Dallas as they seek to bolster their defensive lineup.