Senior Cowboys observer Jon Machota cautions against expecting a quick second-round breakout at linebacker, suggesting the team is more likely to pursue a veteran via trade rather than leap into the second round for a rookie at the position. Free-agent options remain limited but not nonexistent, with veteran names such as Bobby Wagner still unsigned.
Trade speculation has also linked the Cowboys to Jordyn Brooks of the Dolphins, with discussions reportedly discussed, though no deal has materialized. Machota notes that if the team was previously patient enough to attempt a Pickens trade, the timeline could similarly favor a potential linebacker deal around early May.
On other roster considerations, Dallas made it clear they do not intend to trade George Pickens after tagging him for one year and $27.3 million. The Pickens contract was designed to retain him for another season, and the organization stressed there is no plan to move him, despite the potential to leverage a tag-and-trade scenario.
Cowboys owner and executives acknowledged the club’s free-agent misses at linebacker and indicated ongoing discussions with multiple teams about veteran acquisitions to address gaps not filled in free agency. Stephen Jones emphasized that player acquisition will continue beyond the draft, signaling a willingness to pursue trades if a suitable opportunity arises.
