The Dallas Cowboys have halted trade talks for Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen and are now negotiating with the Miami Dolphins for Jordyn Brooks and the Houston Texans for Azeez Al-Shaair, seeking affordable solutions to fix a defense that ranked in the NFL’s bottom 10 last season.
After another disappointing season, the Dallas Cowboys are aggressively reshaping their defense through trades. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones fired head coach Mike McCarthy following the 2024 playoff miss and promoted Brian Schottenheimer, but the defensive woes persisted. Under coordinator Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys allowed 377 total yards per game, including 251.5 passing yards and 30.1 points—all bottom-10 marks in the NFL Athlon Sports.
Initially, Patrick Queen emerged as a primary trade target. Drafted 28th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, Queen earned All-Pro honors and three 100-tackle seasons in Baltimore before signing a three-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. He followed with a Pro Bowl season in 2024 and posted 120 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 2025 Athlon Sports. With one year left on his contract, Queen’s proven production made him an attractive, albeit potentially costly, option for Dallas.
However, progress on a Queen trade stalled, prompting a strategic shift. According to The Star-Telegram’s Nich Harris on X, the Cowboys have “pivoted off Queen” and are now discussing deals for Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks and Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
This pivot follows an earlier trade where Dallas acquired defensive end Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers for a 2027 fourth-round pick, aiming to restore pass-rushing talent lost in the Micah Parsons trade Athlon Sports.
The shift from Queen—a Pro Bowl veteran—to Brooks and Al-Shaair signals a cost-conscious approach. Queen’s remaining contract year likely demanded a high draft pick or cap space, while Brooks and Al-Shaair may be available for less, preserving flexibility for other moves.
- Jordyn Brooks has been a staple at linebacker for the Dolphins since 2020, praised for his tackling and coverage.
- Azeez Al-Shaair has grown into a reliable, versatile linebacker for the Texans, excelling against the run.
For Cowboys fans, this development sparks debate. Queen’s star power and consistent production made him a logical target, but Brooks and Al-Shaair offer younger, potentially more affordable alternatives that could fit scheme needs without financial strain.
Dallas’s defensive struggles are well-documented, and with the NFC East tightening, the front office is acting with urgency. By exploring multiple trade avenues, the Cowboys maximize their chances of landing a difference-maker before the season.
As the offseason unfolds, the success of these negotiations will be pivotal. If Brooks or Al-Shaair can upgrade the linebacker corps, the Cowboys’ defense could transform from a liability to a strength, reigniting playoff hopes for 2026.
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