The Dallas Cowboys made a splash in the 2026 NFL draft, as they always do, so Jerry Jones and company gave viewers something to talk about during all three days of the event. But, following the draft action, the Cowboys are getting urged to add a certain $31 million veteran to their lineup.
The Cowboys picking up getting decent grades for their overall draft strategy in 2026, which is great to see. Both CBS Sports and the NFL’s official website have them earning B to B+ grades for their early draft choices.
But, nearly every NFL franchise still has holes to fill after the draft, and the Cowboys are no exception. So, a trade may be in order.
Cowboys Named Solid Landing Spot for $31 Million Player After NFL Draft
One problem, or at least an issue, with the Dallas Cowboys’ lineup is still at linebacker. In a Saturday, April 25 feature for The Landry Hat, Jerry Trotta discusses the team’s dilemma, stating that after “trading for Dee Winters and selecting Michigan hybrid Jaishawn Barham in the third round, the Dallas Cowboys have remade their linebacker room during the NFL Draft.”
However, Trotta warns that “while improved, it still lacks a field general to don the green dot. Unless the Cowboys plan to give that to first-round pick Caleb Downs, they should kick the tires on another trade for a veteran.”
So, he proposes the idea of once again looking to trade for Miami Dolphins star Jordyn Brooks, who has a projected career earnings of $31 million, according to research from Spotrac.
“Jerry Jones and friends should be blowing up the Dolphins’ phone line, if they aren’t already,” Trotta states in the piece.
Shayne Kubas of Phin Phanatic also brings up the point in a piece about the Dolphins’ draft moves. He particularly asks about the Dolphins selecting Texas Tech star Jacob Rodriguez.
“As much as I love the selection, it’s hard not to immediately wonder about the future of All-Pro linebacker Jordyn Brooks,” Kubas states in the piece. “Brooks is in the final year of the three-year contract he signed with Miami back in 2024, and the new front office has no ties to him.”
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Last season, Brooks ranked third among all linebackers in the NFL with a 92.0 run-defense grade and 11th with a 75.0 pass-rush grade, according to research from Pro Football Focus.
“It would be nonsensical for the Cowboys to think their linebacker room is ready to roll for the 2026 season,” Trotta states on the move. “The Dolphins may have reopened the Brooks trade window after drafting Louis right on the heels of Rodriguez.”
Adding Brooks isn’t a flashy move, but it’s a move that makes sense for their needs. The team doesn’t need more star power right now. It needs more depth and stability in certain position, such as linebacker. That’s why Brooks is a good call for the 2026-27 season. But, there are plenty of moves that could also fill that linebacker need, so time will tell how it shakes out.
Cowboys Named Ideal Fit for $31 Million Player After NFL Draft