Cowboys Trade Rumor Brings Texas Tech's Jordyn Brooks 'Home' With New $51 Million Contract

FRISCO - Conventional wisdom? The Miami Dolphins intended on making sure one of the NFL’s premier linebackers remains in South Florida for years to come, as former Texas Tech standout Jordyn Brooks just got rewarded for a remarkable rise to stardom.

The former Red Raider recently agreed to a three-year, $51.3 million contract extension with the Dolphins. The deal reportedly includes $35 million in guaranteed money, cementing his status as one of the league’s highest-paid linebackers after an All-Pro campaign.

So that's that. Right?

Enter "unconventional wisdom,'' as a rumor out of Dallas is reconnecting the Texas native to the Cowboys.

First, to the money ...

The extension is another major milestone in a career that has steadily trended upward since Brooks starred in Lubbock. During his four seasons at Texas Tech, Brooks developed into one of the Big 12’s most productive defenders, finishing his collegiate career with 367 tackles before becoming a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

After beginning his NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks, Brooks signed with Miami in free agency before the 2024 season. He quickly established himself as the centerpiece of the Dolphins’ defense, and his production reached another level last year.

READ MORE: Texas Tech's 26 NFL Prospects Send a Warning to the Big 12

Brooks turned in one of the best defensive seasons in football, leading the NFL with 183 total tackles while also pacing the league with 99 solo stops. His consistency, physicality, and leadership earned him First-Team All-Pro honors for the first time in his career and helped elevate him into the conversation among the NFL’s elite linebackers.

All that is great. But why sign him to a new deal without planning to keep him?

There is some illogic there. But former Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus, hosting on Dallas radio station 105.3 The Fan, is now insisting that "America's Team'' remains interested in a Brooks deal.

"Keep an eye on Jordyn Brooks" as a Cowboys' trade target,'' Broaddus reported. "I think they're going for a bigger fish (than Washington free agent Bobby Wagner). ... The team I think you need to focus on is Miami. ..."

For Texas Tech fans, Brooks’ latest accomplishment adds to an already impressive professional résumé. He has consistently improved throughout his NFL career, overcoming injuries earlier in his tenure to become one of the league’s most dependable defensive playmakers.

With a lucrative extension in hand and his best football potentially still ahead of him, Brooks continues to represent Texas Tech on one of the biggest stages in professional football while further cementing his legacy as one of the program’s greatest defensive products. ... no matter which NFL team might be employing him.