Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) celebrates after sacking Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph (11) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Rebecca Blackwell/AP
The Dallas Cowboys, in the words of head coach Brian Schottenheimer, are never closed for business. With that being said, they’re also comfortable with many parts of their current roster, including at linebacker.
Translation: The Cowboys are willing to add more players if it makes sense. Thanks to defensive lineman Dayo Odeleye’s designation as a member of the international player pathway program, they also have three open roster spots available. The third opened on Thursday after the team placed wide receiver Parris Campbell on the reserved/retired lost.
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Will they do anything with those open spots? It’s likely. Here are five players who could make sense after June 1, when some contracts become easier to move or end league-wide:
Trade for LB Jordyn Brooks
The Cowboys did explore the idea of trading for the Dolphins linebacker, but those talks cooled off, a person familiar with the team’s thinking told The Dallas Morning News earlier this offseason. A trade for linebacker Dee Winters during the draft would make it likely the Cowboys’ interest in Brooks would’ve cooled off even more, right?
Probably. But Brooks’ talent still bears watching. He was an All-Pro last season and a top-10 linebacker in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. Brooks is also entering the final year of a three-year contract.
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The Dolphins drafted multiple linebackers, including Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez. Could that be enough to lower his value and make a trade easier for the Cowboys?
Trade for RB James Conner
Conner ran for over 1,000 yards in both seasons he overlapped with Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, who was Arizona’s offensive line coach from 2023-24. A reunion would make sense, but once again — and say it with me — at the right price.
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Conner is 31 years old and coming off a season where he played for three games before a foot injury sidelined him for the rest of the year. He’s also entering the final year of his contract for a team that added two talented running backs this offseason in Tyler Allgeier and first-round pick Jeremiyah Love. The Cardinals also have a new head coach this season.
The Cowboys have options for a second running back behind Javonte Williams. Conner wouldn’t be a bad addition at the right price.
Sign LT Taylor Decker in free agency
The biggest area of concern for the Cowboys’ offense is left tackle. Former first-round pick Tyler Guyton will get the first chance at securing the job, but his injuries and inconsistent play over his first two seasons doesn’t guarantee stability at the position. The Cowboys have some other options, including moving Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith over if needed.
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Adding someone like Decker would add some security to their left tackle situation. Decker is heading into his 11th season. He was a Pro Bowl player in 2024 for the Detroit Lions. He’ll be 33 in August.
Decker’s price should be pretty high. Could the Cowboys open up cap space, potentially with an extension for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams? That could open the door to adding Decker at some point this offseason.
FILE – Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) walks off the field during the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Jan. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr., File)
Daniel Kucin Jr./AP
Sign LB Bobby Wagner in free agency
Yes, adding Wagner would’ve made the most sense for the Cowboys earlier this decade. Even as he approaches 36 years old, he’s still an intriguing option. He could be a relatively affordable one, too.
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The Cowboys’ linebacker room consists of Winters, DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James and rookie Jaishawn Barham. Schottenheimer said they’re comfortable specifically with their linebacker room. Will that comfort last all the way up until the start of the regular season? If it doesn’t, a veteran like Wagner could help. The 11-time All-Pro played with the Washington Commanders the last two seasons.
Sign OT Jonah Williams in free agency
How about one more Adams connection? Williams was a big free agent signing by the Cardinals in 2024, before Adams’ final season in Arizona. Williams had season-ending injuries in both seasons, however, and played in 15 total games.
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The injury history is notable, but a flier could be worth it on the former first-round pick.