Andrew Buller-Russ
The Dallas Cowboys knew they had to make changes after finishing with just a 7-9-1 record and missing the postseason in 2025. One area they had to fix was the scoring defense, after allowing more points than any other team last season. The good news is, Dallas has made several upgrades so far.
The Cowboys have added defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia, outside linebacker Rashan Gary, safeties Jalen Thompson, P.J. Lock, and cornerback Cobie Durant. Yet, they also traded Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers too. Overall, the Cowboys feel like they’ve improved the defense as a whole, but that doesn’t mean they landed all their top targets.
According to The Athletic‘s Jon Machota, the Cowboys also expressed an interest in signing middle linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker. Somehow, both ended up signing with the Las Vegas Raiders instead.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ need for a middle linebacker has yet to be addressed elsewhere. Machota believes it could be an area that gets solved early on in the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Cowboys possess two first-round picks.
“DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James and Justin Barron are what they currently have at the position. Another starter and another reserve player with starter upside are needed. The Cowboys had interest in Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker; however, both signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. The goal this time of year is to fill every position so a team isn’t forced to draft any spot next month. At this point, the Cowboys have to use one of their two first-round picks on an inside linebacker. But there is still time left to make a move. A trade for a starting-caliber inside linebacker feels like a good bet.”
The Athletic’s Jon Machota on Cowboys
While the Cowboys do have the 12th and 20th overall picks in the first round, as Machota noted, they could turn to the trade market too. With eight selections in the upcoming draft, the Cowboys have more than enough trade capital to swing a deal. They’ve even already discussed a trade for a former Pro Bowl middle linebacker.
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft After NFL Free Agency Negotiation Window
