Cowboys eye Al-Shaair, Brooks in trade pivot after free agency miss
The Dallas Cowboys may be attempting to solve their dire need at linebacker by focusing on Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair and Miami's Jordyn Brooks
The Cowboys were supposed to "bust the budget" once free agency began. Yet the linebacker spot, a position of dire need, dried up so quickly the team now has to pivot to find suitable bodies via the trade department. Dallas began an early flirtation with Pittsburgh linebacker Patrick Queen , but now the Cowboys appear to have their eyes set on other intriguing names who would make fans forget about the misfires in free agency.
According to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star Telegram , the Cowboys have turned their attention to Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and the Dolphins Jordyn Brooks as possible trade candidates to fill their needs. They’ve pivoted off Queen. Al-Shaair & Brooks are being discussed though — Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) March 20, 2026 LB Azeer Al Shaair, Houston Texans Azeez Al-Shaair, 29, was an undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic who latched on with the 49ers for four seasons playing in 56 games, starting 31, before hitting free agency.
In his fourth and final season with San Fran, he played under the second-round tender earning himself a $3. 9 million payday. Al-Shaair would sign with Tennessee in 2023 landing a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.
He would go on to start all 17 games with the Titans and made 163 tackles, 2 sacks, 6 quarterback hits, and 9 tackles for loss. The Texans came calling where they inked Shaair to a three-year, $34 million deal including $21. 5 guaranteed.