The Dallas Cowboys already acquired an inside linebacker this offseason in Dee Winters. But another linebacker, Miami Dolphins 2025 All-Pro Jordyn Brooks, could be on the trade market.
SI on Cowboys’ Randy Gurzi stressed Sunday how much Dallas needs to target Brooks in a potential trade.
“The Cowboys are banking on [Dee] Winters and DeMarvion Overshown as their starting inside linebackers. That’s not a terrible duo by any means, but Overshown’s injury history should give the front office pause,” wrote Gurzi. “Instead of crossing their fingers and hoping for the best, the Cowboys should add another playmaker and a perfect fit could be available.”
Brooks is seeking a contract extension this offseason. The linebacker is entering the final year of his current deal and doesn’t have any guaranteed money remaining.
It’s unclear, though, if he will get an extension from the Dolphins. The Cowboys could see that as an opportunity.
“Adding him on an expiring contract would be the perfect move since it ensures Dallas has a strong defense this year and creates competition among Brooks, Overshown, and Winters. That’s ideal since Winters and Overshown are also free agents in 2027,” added Gurzi.
“The options would be plentiful for the Cowboys, who could retain the best of the bunch to hopefully pair with Barham assuming he’s ready to start in year two. They could also move on from all three if they decide to go with a younger option in the 2027 NFL draft.”
Could Cowboys Acquire All-Pro LB Jordyn Brooks?
Gurzi conceived the idea Dallas could trade for Brooks from Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker. On May 20, Locker named Brooks one of 15 trade candidates entering 2026 NFL training camps.
“Brooks is currently mired in a contract dispute with the Dolphins, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see that end in him being traded,” wrote Locker.
“Since arriving in Miami, Brooks has been a playmaker. His 77.6 overall PFF grade since 2024 is the 10th-best among linebackers to play 900 or more snaps, and his 4.3% missed tackle rate was the second-best at the position in 2025.
“Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has made it clear that he doesn’t want to overcommit finances now when the team is retooling. With Miami already extending De’Von Achane as well as drafting Jacob Rodriguez in the second round, Brooks — a 2027 free agent — is definitely expendable considering he doesn’t fit the team’s timeline.”
The Dolphins signed running back De’Von Achane to a 4-year extension on May 13. Following that new deal, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Brooks was “a name to watch” for the next extension in Miami.
Despite that, pundits have continued to link Brooks to several different teams through trades. He’s set to turn 29 years old in October, but any team in need of a linebacker upgrade in the immediate future could pursue Brooks.
In 2025, the Dolphins linebacker posted a league-high 183 combined tackles, including 99 solos. He also had 13 tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks and three pass defenses.
How Brooks Could Fit With Cowboys
Gurzi seemed to indicate the Cowboys could trade for Brooks and then make him earn an extension with his play in 2026. That would be an excellent move for Dallas, but that seems unrealistic.
Brooks potentially wants out in Miami because he’s earned an extension. He will be a free agent next offseason.
Moving to another team unwilling to give him an extension doesn’t improve his situation.
But there’s no denying with Brooks on the roster, the Cowboys would clearly be better at linebacker. Brooks made first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career last season.
He’s also always been a tackling machine. From 2021-24, he averaged 150 combined tackles with the Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks. He had 32 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and 20 pass defenses as well.
The Cowboys defense should already be better in 2026. But Brooks’ playmaking ability, veteran leadership and experience would be another excellent addition for Dallas.
Cowboys Urged to Pursue All-Pro LB as Another Defensive Upgrade