The Cowboys need defensive help, so with the "bust the budget" quote in mind, Dallas should go all out.
This offseason, the Dallas Cowboys will be a fascinating watch for a couple of reasons.
One being how they approach the George Pickens and Brandon Aubrey contracts.
The other being how aggressive they will be in free agency.
Given that the defensive side of the ball is the clear area in need of fixing, Dallas has the cap space and draft capital to overhaul Christian Parker's defense.
Of course, it will be a costly exercise, but we know that money, if Dallas chooses, won't be an issue.
But the big question will be how the Cowboys approach overhauling Parker's defense?
Will they look to bring him several bargain-free agents like in years past and hope that they can mesh into Parker's system?
Or will Jerry Jones and the front office sign off on going after a Ferrari?
Well, for ESPN's Aaron Schatz, in predicting one free-agent signing for each team, when it comes to Dallas, he has them landing Jacksonville Jaguars stud linebacker Devin Lloyd.
"The Cowboys had one of the worst defenses in NFL history in 2025, according to my DVOA metric, and they are in desperate need of playmakers," Schatz wrote. "So why not bring in Lloyd? He is a solid starting linebacker who had five interceptions and 1.5 sacks last season."
Coming off a career-best season with the Jaguars, Lloyd hauled in five interceptions, while also having six quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss.
His production earned a first Pro Bowl nod, and now, he'll look to cash in during free agency.
And it is here where the Cowboys, if they are truly busting the budget, can go after Lloyd.
Spotrac.com has his market value at a whopping $20. 1 million, with a three-year $60 million proposed contract forthcoming.
Now, can we see the Cowboys spending north of $15 million APY on a linebacker? Not likely, but in Lloyd, Dallas would be getting a heat-seeking missile with superb closing speed, playmaking ability in coverage, and pass-rushing ability.
All of that will no doubt interest Dallas and Parker. A centerpiece to go alongside DeMarvion Overshown.
It would give the Cowboys two explosive sideline-to-sideline linebackers to torment offenses with in 2026.
Yes, it would be costly, but the Cowboys could, if they wanted to, snap up one of the best young linebackers in football.