Cowboys likely to pursue All-Pro defender—dead in talks?

The Dallas Cowboys overhauled their defense in a bid to address last year’s league-worst points allowed, prioritizing the secondary in free agency with safety additions Jalen Thompson and PJ Locke and corner Cobie Durant, plus an edge rush upgrade via Rashan Gary in a prior trade. In the draft, they emphasized defense, using five of seven picks on defensive players, including two first-rounders, and trading a fifth-round pick to land linebacker Dee Winters from the 49ers to shore up the middle behind the current depth.

A potential Jordyn Brooks trade appeared to be a plausible fix at linebacker, but recent reporting suggests that path is likely dead after the draft. The Cowboys have indicated it’s too early to finalize the linebacker lineup, with talk centering on Jaishawn Barham—who played both linebacker and edge in college—to step in, though the position remains thin and could still invite a veteran addition.

Dee Winters could be a viable fit for Dallas, having started all 17 games last season with 101 tackles and eight tackles for loss while filling in for an injured star. Still, the Cowboys may pursue a veteran presence, with Bobby Wagner occasionally mentioned as a potential option, though no commitment has been made. Overall, the Cowboys appear prepared to let Winters prove himself while keeping doors open to further upgrades if needed.

Key takeaways:
– Cowboys fortified their secondary via free agency and reinforced the defense through the draft.
– The market for Jordyn Brooks appears unlikely to yield a trade, shifting focus to internal depth and potential veteran signings.
– Dee Winters could fill the linebacker hole, but veteran options remain on the table if needed.