Cowboys lose top LB target to new contract with Dolphins

The Dallas Cowboys only have a few question marks on their roster, but one of those positions now has one less possible solution. Linebacker remains a hole for Christian Parker’s defense and one of the most often proposed paths to a fix just a got a new contract from his current team to slam the door on the Cowboys acquiring him.

>Jordyn Brooks was in the last year of his deal and was seen as a perfect trade target, but that was before the Miami Dolphins gave him a three-year, $51.3 million extension on Tuesday.

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More about the Miami Dolphins and All-Pro LB Jordyn Brooks reaching agreement on a three-year, $51.3 million extension with $35M guaranteed:https://t.co/RDD3CMHrsf

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 21, 2026Coming off an All-Pro season, Brooks was thought to be expendable as the Dolphins brought in a new coaching staff, and almost completely turned over their roster. Brooks led the NFL in tackles last season and was one of the players frequently mentioned as a possible trade option for the Cowboys, going back to the 2025 season.

>The extension for Brooks ends that speculation; if Dallas wants to find an upgrade at LB before the 2026 campaign begins, they’ll have to explore other possibilities. Now, veterans Bobby Wagner and Bobby Okereke appear to be the best options to give the position a boost.

>Brooks has been a popular name linked with the Cowboys, but that dream has died. The All-Pro is staying with the Dolphins to be a leader for Jeff Hafley’s defense.

>This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys lose top LB target to new contract with Dolphins