Jason Burgos
A new rumor claims the Dallas Cowboys recently attempted a trade for a high-character Pro Bowler.
The 2025 NFL season was a frustrating one for the Cowboys. With Dak Prescott back healthy and the addition of George Pickens, Dallas had one of the best offenses in the league. They finished second in passing (266.3) and total yards (391.9), and were top 10 in points per game at 27.7.
However, for as good as their offense was, their defense was equally terrible. Giving up the most passing yards (251.5) and points (30.1) in the league each week. Their deficiencies on defense were why they had a second straight losing season and missed the playoffs. Unsurprisingly, improving the defense has been a top priority this offseason.
In last week’s NFL Draft, they used their first three picks — two in Round 1 — on stud defensive prospects Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, and Jaishawn Barham. However, they actually tried to add a talented veteran impact player on that side of the ball recently as well.
Dallas Cowboys attempted a trade for Azeez Al-Shaair
According to ESPN Cowboys reporter Todd Archer, before the Houston Texans gave linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair a new three-year extension on Wednesday, the Cowboys attempted a trade for the 2025 Pro Bowler. However, a deal never got close because “Houston values Al-Shaair for his play on the field and community work,” according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
The Cowboys have long been known for adding questionable talent to the roster if they believe they can help them win games. A recent example is trading for George Pickens despite developing a reputation with the Pittsburgh Steelers as difficult. Al-Shaair would have been a player who would have made them better while also bringing a high-character player to the roster.
The seven-year veteran earned Pro Bowl honors for the first time last season as he posted 103 tackles, two interceptions, and nine passes defended for an elite Texans defense last season.
