Cowboys Attempted Trade With AFC Contender for Pro Bowl LB

The Dallas Cowboys attempted to acquire a Pro Bowl linebacker from an AFC contender before the NFL Draft, according to league sources. The trade would have addressed one of Dallas's most glaring roster weaknesses and signaled an aggressive approach to roster building under the new coaching staff.

The proposed deal fell through over compensation disagreements, with the AFC team reportedly asking for a package that included a second-round pick plus a future conditional selection. The Cowboys were willing to offer a third-round pick but balked at the additional capital, ultimately using their draft picks to address the position through the draft instead.

The attempted trade reveals the Cowboys' evaluation of their current linebacker corps, which ranked 26th in the league in run defense last season. With Micah Parsons operating primarily as an edge rusher, Dallas lacks a true off-ball linebacker who can cover tight ends and diagnose run plays between the tackles. The draft selections they made instead will take time to develop, meaning the linebacker position remains a question mark heading into training camp.

What This Means For You: For Cowboys fans, the failed trade shows the front office recognizes the problem but couldn't find a price they were willing to pay. If you're tracking Dallas's Super Bowl chances, linebacker play in the middle of the defense remains their most exploitable weakness. Watch the preseason — if the drafted rookies show they can play early, the failed trade won't matter.