Nick Harris: FO considering LBers AL-Shaair and Brooks

[Aliencowboy]

A 3rd rounder for either of these LBs is draft capital well spent

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

because we're vulnerable, Harris made one statement, and it shook the entire fanbase on fire for hours!!!!!!

Like crack in the 80s

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

*I’m sorry for the length.

I don’t really disagree with that, and I always value draft picks (probably more than I should). I always try to keep them. So normally I’d be in line with your thinking.

However, I see this particular acquisition as very important to Parker’s new defense. I feel like they need to get it right. So, I was primarily just speaking for myself and just didn’t really like this crop of FA LB’s.

Quay Walker was making mistakes every time I watched the Green Bay defense. He would make a play here or there, then he’d blow a play or get out of position or get a crucial penalty (hello Sam Williams) at the worst possible time in the game. After Murray, I really, really want a smart player as the green dot guy. That most definitely isn’t Walker.

Lloyd, I have heard a few times that he has trouble processing, including from Brian Broaddus who said he’s heard from scouts that Lloyd has issues with the system. Now he had a good year in 2025, but why not in his first 3 seasons? Did it take him 3 years to learn their system? Would it take him 3 years to learn Parker’s? That sounds a little like Murray, and he was going to cost a lot.

So, speaking for myself… that isn’t the kind of LB that I (personally) wanted the Cowboys to bring in. Particularly for that much money.

I liked Dean but have zero faith that the guy is going to stay healthy. He didn’t at Georgia and he didn’t with Philly. I don’t want the Cowboys to get into a bidding war for a guy that I expect to get hurt.

And Bush has never really impressed me that much. And I must not be the only one feeling that way because He is on his 4th team now. The Steelers, when they draft a good LB, always keep that guy for his whole career yet they let him walk after 4 seasons and didn’t pick up his 5th year option (in a 3-4 defense similar to what Parker will run). Bush did okay this year for Cleveland in a really good defense , but I don't trust it. And that was in a 4-3 defense probably with less thinking than the Steelers defense required.

I think there is an on field (performance) reason all of those teams are letting these guys go.

So, for me, I just didn’t want them spending a lot on any of those players. I don’t think any would be the right player that we need. I’m not saying that I’m right… but that is how I felt.

And I do think Brooks is worth an over-spend. That is the difference. I really like him as a player and think he is the kind of ILB that Dallas needs.

It would be spending a lot… but there would be a draft pick involved, which I’m not crazy about, but he’s the only guy that I’ve seen that fits the type of LB that I want to see wearing the green dot in Dallas.

I like Brooks don’t get me wrong. My problem is us pinning our hope on a guy who may not even be available. And I get the linebackers weren’t ideal but they wanted Dean and Walker and put a deal on the table for Dean.

 

[blueblood70]

I like Brooks don’t get me wrong. My problem is us pinning our hope on a guy who may not even be available. And I get the linebackers weren’t ideal but they wanted Dean and Walker and put a deal on the table for Dean.

They aren't even hanging their hopes on it,

man you know fans perspectives are funny that way you think you know what's in the operation of the actual front office minds the ownership group everybody who's working to get these things done no what they're doing is turning over every rock I guarantee they have a secondary list of the guys we were talking about before plus to draft.. Guys like Wagner and Okereke or whoever's throwing around names like Pratt.

they will be the backup plan to the draftees should these trades not happen but in years past they weren't making the phone calls,

remember they've made a lot of phone calls they tried to land Crosby they tried to land Dean and now behind the scenes they went after Thibodeaux, and they're trying to go after these two linebackers, they literally are trying the phones are ringing, the emails are being sent ,Facetime's happening, and yet some of y'all still not happy..

you can't get everyone but at least they have a plan a list and they're making the effort.

What's being lost here it may not workout but the really the last two offseasons they've been operating differently yes it didn't workout last year I did it But they did try even at mid season they brought over Quinton Williams they are trying You don't think they're trying hard enough That's OK but literally they seem to be working differently.

It started with the coaching staff last year I think they did well with Brian Schottenheimer in the opposite side of the ball they failed with defense, now they rebooted the whole defense side the coaching staff,

They signed a bunch of players last year early and throughout the season, they've made trades last year, and they're working on it this year...

I'd say that's a hell of a difference from years past.

Maybe just maybe it will pay off..

But hopeful like counting on those words no we're just commenting on what we're seeing and it does feel like they're moving differently regardless if they're not meeting fan expectations..

 

[AsthmaField]

I like Brooks don’t get me wrong. My problem is us pinning our hope on a guy who may not even be available. And I get the linebackers weren’t ideal but they wanted Dean and Walker and put a deal on the table for Dean.

Yeah, I agree. I don’t like sitting in this situation either. Coming up to the draft without an ILB the team really needs isn’t a good spot to be in.

I know they made offers to Dean and Walker, but clearly the money went higher than they were willing to spend.

I think they were trying to get an ILB that would allow them freedom in the draft. A LB that they could get by with if the right rookie LB wasn’t there at their pick. Sort of like they did with Durant at their CB position.

When Vegas went up and up with their offer for them, Dallas wisely (In my opinion) said no thanks.

I’m glad they didn’t spend big money on them because for all the reasons I wrote earlier… but I’m with you that it put them in a bad spot right now as far as ILB goes. Which is why I’m willing to give up a pick for Brooks. He’d be outstanding in that spot IMO.

I also agree that the trade even happening is somewhat of a long shot.

 

[HungryLion]

Trade 92 for Brooks
Trade down from 12 get 17 and 50

17 take one of Omar Cooper, Dillon Thieneman, or Avien Terrell

20 Akheem Mesidor

50 take one of Chris Johnson or another corner, Mike Washington, Lee Hunter, or Caleb Banks

112 Harold Perkins

152 Max Llewellyn edge Iowa

Then take Kelly linebacker

The more I’m thinking about it. The more I’m wanting them to trade down with one of the picks.

Unless downs or Bain somehow fall.

If not then I don’t like Delane or McCoy enough to take them at 12 and not trade down.

Trading for a brooks with the 3rd and trading down to pick up a 2 makes sense.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Yeah, I agree. I don’t like sitting in this situation either. Coming up to the draft without an ILB the team really needs isn’t a good spot to be in.

I know they made offers to Dean and Walker, but clearly the money went higher than they were willing to spend.

I think they were trying to get an ILB that would allow them freedom in the draft. A LB that they could get by with if the right rookie LB wasn’t there at their pick. Sort of like they did with Durant at their CB position.

When Vegas went up and up with their offer for them, Dallas wisely (In my opinion) said no thanks.

I’m glad they didn’t spend big money on them because for all the reasons I wrote earlier… but I’m with you that it put them in a bad spot right now as far as ILB goes. Which is why I’m willing to give up a pick for Brooks. He’d be outstanding in that spot IMO.

I also agree that the trade even happening is somewhat of a long shot.

And that’s my only issue. They will go up and spend for their own players but in free agency they draw a line even though free agency is where you have to overpay….

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

The more I’m thinking about it. The more I’m wanting them to trade down with one of the picks.

Unless downs or Bain somehow fall.

If not then I don’t like Delane or McCoy enough to take them at 12 and not trade down.

Trading for a brooks with the 3rd and trading down to pick up a 2 makes sense.

The issue I’ve always had is I don’t think anyone wants to trade up in this draft. I know I wouldn’t. Unless a Bain or Downs or someone falls but at that point Cowboys should be targeting whoever falls.

 

[rambo2]

And that’s my only issue. They will go up and spend for their own players but in free agency they draw a line even though free agency is where you have to overpay….

Getting Brooks is much better than over paying for the free agents that were available.

 

[conner01]

So the questions remain do they stick with Overshown and his durability issues as the only capable vet LB?

OR sign one so as not to make linebacker such a "must be a homerun" pick type of pressure...?

And if choosing to sign one, at what cost?

Hint: Some real GM'ing needs to take place here.
Hope we've got the right man for the job, lol.

Ideally you sign one so you don’t have to reach for one in the draft. But I wouldn’t trade anything higher than a 4th

 

[AsthmaField]

Getting Brooks is much better than over paying for the free agents that were available.

I think that Marathon agrees with that. He’s just saying that trade very well might not happen… so now what?

 

[conner01]

For Brooks you give up the 3rd you got for OSA and don't look back and then get him signed long term. With the recent secondary/Safety signings you add Brooks and the 2 first round picks you have transformed you D.

What do you do if styles is there at 12? If you sign him then do you still pick a young player?

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Getting Brooks is much better than over paying for the free agents that were available.

Brooks is not available and if he is 10 other teams will be trying to get him. You’re thinking just in a Cowboys bubble.

 

[AsthmaField]

What do you do if styles is there at 12? If you sign him then do you still pick a young player?

I don’t think there’s much chance he’ll be there… but if he is, you’d have some teams wanting to move up for him.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

I think that Marathon agrees with that. He’s just saying that trade very well might not happen… so now what?

Exactly. I’m in agreement that Brooks is a good player and would love to have him.

His acquisition is gonna be harder than people give credit for.

 

[darthseinfeld]

*I’m sorry for the length.

I don’t really disagree with that, and I always value draft picks (probably more than I should). I always try to keep them. So normally I’d be in line with your thinking.

However, I see this particular acquisition as very important to Parker’s new defense. I feel like they need to get it right. So, I was primarily just speaking for myself and just didn’t really like this crop of FA LB’s.

Quay Walker was making mistakes every time I watched the Green Bay defense. He would make a play here or there, then he’d blow a play or get out of position or get a crucial penalty (hello Sam Williams) at the worst possible time in the game. After Murray, I really, really want a smart player as the green dot guy. That most definitely isn’t Walker.

Lloyd, I have heard a few times that he has trouble processing, including from Brian Broaddus who said he’s heard from scouts that Lloyd has issues with the system. Now he had a good year in 2025, but why not in his first 3 seasons? Did it take him 3 years to learn their system? Would it take him 3 years to learn Parker’s? That sounds a little like Murray, and he was going to cost a lot.

So, speaking for myself… that isn’t the kind of LB that I (personally) wanted the Cowboys to bring in. Particularly for that much money.

I liked Dean but have zero faith that the guy is going to stay healthy. He didn’t at Georgia and he didn’t with Philly. I don’t want the Cowboys to get into a bidding war for a guy that I expect to get hurt.

And Bush has never really impressed me that much. And I must not be the only one feeling that way because He is on his 4th team now. The Steelers, when they draft a good LB, always keep that guy for his whole career yet they let him walk after 4 seasons and didn’t pick up his 5th year option (in a 3-4 defense similar to what Parker will run). Bush did okay this year for Cleveland in a really good defense , but I don't trust it. And that was in a 4-3 defense probably with less thinking than the Steelers defense required.

I think there is an on field (performance) reason all of those teams are letting these guys go.

So, for me, I just didn’t want them spending a lot on any of those players. I don’t think any would be the right player that we need. I’m not saying that I’m right… but that is how I felt.

And I do think Brooks is worth an over-spend. That is the difference. I really like him as a player and think he is the kind of ILB that Dallas needs.

It would be spending a lot… but there would be a draft pick involved, which I’m not crazy about, but he’s the only guy that I’ve seen that fits the type of LB that I want to see wearing the green dot in Dallas.

Unless Warner really is available, Brooks is the best guy attainable this offseason. Al-Shaair is a nice alternative, but he gets nicked up here and there.

 

[rambo2]

I think that Marathon agrees with that. He’s just saying that trade very well might not happen… so now what?

Then you go on to the next one. Losing Walker and Dean won't kill them. Keep going to the other options until the position gets filled.

 

[Landryhat73]

Exactly. I’m in agreement that Brooks is a good player and would love to have him.

His acquisition is gonna be harder than people give credit for.

Think he is available, Miami just restructured multiple contracts for cap purposes and left his alone. Think it will require a 3rd or maybe the pick swap in the 1st.

 

[rambo2]

Brooks is not available and if he is 10 other teams will be trying to get him. You’re thinking just in a Cowboys bubble.

He is available.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Think he is available, Miami just restructured multiple contracts for cap purposes and left his alone. Think it will require a 3rd or maybe the pick swap in the 1st.

If he’s available you think Dallas would be the only team bidding on his services?