The Dallas Cowboys closed the 2025 NFL season with a 7-9-1 record, with their defensive lineup as a major factor in their defeat. To restore their path to the Super Bowl, GM Jerry Jones is looking forward to a possible trade for a linebacker.

As reported by Gary Davenport of the Bleacher Report, the Cowboys could set up a trade deal with the Miami Dolphins for linebacker Jordyn Brooks to further implement the 3-4 defensive scheme of defensive coordinator Christian Parker ahead of the 2026 NFL season. 

“...They have been wildly aggressive trying to bolster a defense that was the NFL's worst last year…” wrote Davenport. “...the Cowboys are perpetually all-in on a Super Bowl run—trading for Brooks would be a nice finish to the team's defensive makeover.”

Davenport proposed that the Cowboys could pitch the idea of getting LB Brooks and a fifth-round pick in the 2028 NFL draft. 

Whereas the Dolphins would receive a round two pick in the 2027 NFL draft and a round four pick in the 2028 NFL draft. 

Brooks, the 2020 draftee, could be the answer for the Cowboys' complete revamp of the defensive lineup under the guidance of DC Parker. 

The Cowboys have already signed Rashan Gary and Dee Winters and drafted Malachi Lawrence for their defense overhaul. 

He believes that if Jones could lay his hands on Brooks, then it would be a nice finishing addition to the defense ahead of the NFL season.

According to Mike Moraitis of the Dallas Cowboys on SI, Brooks might be a green dot if included in the Cowboys roster. 

The Dallas native appeared in 17 games ‌last season and scored the league’s highest 99 solo tackles and 3.5 sacks. 

Not just this, he ended his season with run defense and pass-rush grades of 92.0 and 75.0, respectively, which ranked third and 11th among linebackers.

Although Brooks' trade could be an undeniable offer for the Cowboys, there are others as well to compete with Brooks.

New Linebacker Option Surfaces for Cowboys Amid Jordyn Brooks Buzz

Recently, the Dolphins have signed one of their core players, All-Pro center Aaron Brewer, for another three years at $52M, leaving Brooks' future in uncertainty.

But if Brooks is made available, then GM Jerry Jones should not think twice before adding Brooks as the final addition to their 2026 defensive lineup. 

If not Brooks, then there are three other options for the Cowboys, as per Terence Watson of the Cowboys Wire.

LB Junior Colson of the Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman, and New Orleans Saints running back Kendrick Miller are the other prominent names on the list.

The Cowboys could utilize the athletic ability of these defensive players, which could adequately bolster the defensive prowess.

The Dallas Cowboys are looking to add an ultimate piece to their defensive roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season to restore their path to the Lombardi Trophy.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker