Cowboys trade rumor could lead to deal with Texans or Dolphins

The Dallas Cowboys are still searching for an answer at linebacker, and it sounds like the team has its eyes on a pair of veterans on AFC squads to address the need.

According to Nick Harris of Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Cowboys are discussing the possibility of trading for Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair or Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks.

Harris adds that Dallas is no longer interested in acquiring Patrick Queen from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"They’ve pivoted off [Patrick] Queen. [Azeez] Al-Shaair & [Jordyn] Brooks are being discussed though," Harris said.

Trading for Al-Shaair or Brooks would be a home-run move by Dallas.

Al-Shaair's physical play style, run-stopping prowess, and solid pass-coverage abilities would make him a nice fit next to DeMarvion Overshown on the Cowboys' defense. Al-Shaair was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2025 after tallying 103 tackles and 42 defensive stops.

Brooks is also coming off a career year in 2025, as the 28-year-old earned first-team All-Pro honors by leading the league in tackles (183) and posting 61 defensive stops, the fourth-most among linebackers.

With Miami set to enter a rebuild and already trading one franchise cornerstone in Jaylen Waddle, the team could be willing to include Brooks in trade talks, and Dallas could pounce on that opportunity.

The Cowboys must upgrade the middle of their defense at some point before the 2026 season. Trading for either Al-Shaair or Brooks will be difficult, as both players are key pieces to their respective franchises. However, Dallas is shooting for the stars and could be willing to give up major draft capital to facilitate a deal.

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