Nov 23, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) rushes for a touchdown against Seattle Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs (6) and linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys May Land $45 Million Linebacker In Free Agency
The Dallas Cowboys may land $45 million linebacker, Jordyn Brooks in free agency next week. Dallas enters this period with limited capital to spend for available weapons in the market that they may need. There are plenty of needs that the Cowboys must address such as their offensive line depth. However, they could look to hunt for wide receiver No. 2 to complement star CeeDee Lamb.
There was a hypothetical report that has Brandin Cooks potentially being traded away for draft picks this upcoming offseason. If so, they could look to address the need in the draft, but they may bring in a veteran on a one-year deal to complement Lamb. Also, they would need to upgrade the running back and defensive line positions. The glaring hole that probably needs attention is the linebacker position.
They could bring in the Dallas native and former first-round pick, Brooks to answer their issue. Dallas was already thin at defense after losing DeMarvion Overshown and Leighton Vander-Esch to injuries. The Cowboys had to switch Safety Markquese Bell to fill the position as an emergency since options were slim. According to ESPN Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys could bulk the position by signing Brooks.
There are rumors that Vander-Esch could retire after suffering many injuries throughout his career so his time is most likely up. So this means that the Cowboys are in the market for a linebacker to replace him. Brooks would be a solid addition, but things are going to get pricey if he lands in Dallas. According to Spotrac, they project him to earn a $45 million contract for four years.
Dallas Cowboys May Land $45 Million Linebacker Jordyn Brooks in Free Agency
What He Could Bring to Dallas
While he’s not cheap, he could improve his experience and his health. In 2022, he suffered an ACL injury, but only missed one game and returned to form in 2023. Brooks posted a career-high in pass-rush and coverages this season. He’s still fairly young at the age of 26, but his injuries may be a concern.
However, he improved in 2023 despite the injury he suffered by recording 111 tackles in 16 games for the Seattle Seahawks. Dallas took a gamble to sign Rashaan Evans to help provide a boost in the linebacker unit to replace Vander-Esch. However, the Cowboys let him go after his arrest for possession of marijuana. He only recorded nine tackles in nine appearances while earning a 45.8 grade from Pro Football Focus.
The difference now is that Brooks could potentially be a long-term solution for the Cowboys due to his age and he needs more experience. He surpassed 110 combined tackles in each of his previous three seasons. Brooks posted a career-high 4.5 sacks in 2023 and eight tackles for a loss. However, he will have big shoes to fill since there always seems to be a curse within the roster.
The Cowboys Will Look to Break the Linebacker Curse
It seems like there’s always a curse going on with the Dallas Cowboys. One minute their talent does well until the injury bug continues to bite. This was the case for the linebackers last season after their top linebacker Vander-Esch was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Despite his surgery, his condition has become problematic and it flared up last season.
Now, the Cowboys are taking a big hit after Vander-Esch will likely retire. Dallas has been unwilling to speak on the situation so that may indicate that the chapter is closing. They also used a third-round pick on Overshown last season, but he injured his knee that same year. He had huge expectations but his injury sets him back to return this year.
However, the defense is in high spirits after the Cowboys are picking up Micah Parsons’ fifth-year option. It’s interesting that they’re making this happen at another position rather than the original linebacker spot. The Cowboys will save roughly $3 million with this move by picking up his option as a defensive end.
