​​Rumor Links Cowboys to Potential Linebacker Target in Free Agency

The Dallas Cowboys could be in the market for linebacker help this offseason, even though they don’t have a ton of cap space to work with ($10 million over the cap).

Dallas doesn’t have any linebackers hitting free agency. But there’s uncertainty surrounding the future of starter Leighton Vander Esch, who played in five games this past season before being placed on injured reserve with a neck injury.

With that in mind, the Cowboys will use free agency and the NFL draft to add playmakers to the linebacker unit. If Dallas wants to find a starting-caliber linebacker in free agency, there’s a solid option available.

Cowboys Rumors: Jordyn Brooks Considered a “Good Fit” For Dallas

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote Sunday (subscription required) that Seattle Seahawks linebacker  Jordyn Brooks, who is a Dallas native, would be a good fit. Brooks will become a free agent this month after spending the first four years of his career with the Seahawks.

The former Texas Tech standout is coming off a solid 2023 campaign, producing 111 combined tackles, eight tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks, four pass deflections, and an interception.

Brooks has been a tackling machine over the last three years, averaging 152 combined tackles per season. The 26-year-old defender also showed that he can be effective pass coverage with a 76.9 completion percentage allowed on targets and an 89.3 pass rating allowed when targeted (career-best).

Spotrac projects the former Texas Tech star’s calculated market value as a four-year, $45 million deal, which might be too expensive for the Cowboys’ current financial situation. However, if they can move some money around and make some cuts, Dallas might be able to add Brooks to help stabilize the unit.

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