In the end, the Cowboys acquired linebacker Dee Winters from the 49ers in a move that included a fifth-round pick. The plan appears to be to enter 2026 with DeMarvion Overshown serving as the green-dot linebacker, with Winters providing off-ball depth. Even if Winters and Overshown perform well, depth could still be a concern. Winters has starting experience from just one season, filling in last year when San Francisco lost star Fred Warner to injury. Overshown, meanwhile, carries notable durability risk, having missed his entire rookie year in 2023 and played only 19 games over the past two seasons due to injuries.
There was prior discussion about a potential Jordyn Brooks trade. Earlier this offseason, it was reported that the Cowboys explored a deal with Miami for Brooks, though no agreement materialized at that time. Since then, Dallas added Jaishawn Barham in the draft and still has Shemar James on the roster, but linebacker remains a spot that could use more depth.
With Brooks’ status continuing to fuel debate, it’s reasonable to wonder if Dallas could circle back to Miami now that June 1 has passed, potentially creating a clearer path to a deal. Brooks, an All-Pro last season, led the NFL with 183 tackles and also contributed 3.5 sacks as a blitzer. For a team aiming to maintain a high-caliber defense while balancing cap considerations, Brooks would be an attractive addition to a defense that could benefit from a versatile, playmaking presence at linebacker. Teams like the Cowboys or others with contending offenses and linebacker needs could be natural fits.
However, Dallas faces a practical constraint: its 2027 draft capital has already been heavily leveraged. The Cowboys will receive the lesser of their own first-round pick or the Packers’ first-round choice next year, followed by a second- and third-round pick. Beyond that, Dallas is left with only two sixth-round selections. That creates a relatively sparse pool of future draft assets to leverage in trades for a player like Brooks. Whether the Cowboys are willing to part with one of those limited picks remains uncertain, and developments could hinge on how the rest of the offseason unfolds.
In sum, the Cowboys are prioritizing linebacker upgrades, with Winters and Overshown in primary roles and depth still under evaluation. The potential addition of Jordyn Brooks remains an open topic, contingent on how teams value cap flexibility, future draft capital, and on-field fit. The coming weeks will determine whether Dallas pursues further moves at inside linebacker or remains patient while evaluating internal options and the newly acquired depth pieces.
