Insiders suggest a blockbuster deal for Miami’s tackling machine remains possible, as Dallas hunts for a defensive centerpiece despite the linebacker's recent multi-million dollar extension.
Just 10 days after Jordyn Brooks appeared to become untouchable, the Dallas Cowboys apparently aren't ready to rule out a pursuit of the Miami Dolphins All-Pro linebacker.
On July 21, Brooks, a two-time NFL solo tackles leader, signed a three-year, $51.3 million extension with the Dolphins, effectively ending any chance of a move to the Cowboys ...
Or did it?
105.3 The Fan's Bryan Broaddus floated the possibility that Brooks could still remain on the Cowboys' radar despite the recent extension, suggesting Dallas may not be finished searching for an established answer at linebacker.
"I think they're going for a bigger fish. Big fish. ... I think they've got a linebacker in mind. The team I think you need to focus on is Miami... I would keep an eye on Brooks there. I would keep an eye on Brooks," Broaddus said.
This news comes on the heels of CowboysRoundtable.com reporting that Dallas is also continuing to explore a deal for Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby.
Is one a better idea that the other? Should we get greedy and say "both''?
On Brooks ...
Broaddus believes the Dolphins could eventually become more willing to part with Brooks despite investing three more years into him as the franchise continues its organizational overhaul.
"I'm kind of getting some whispers about Miami, that maybe Miami realizes that they're not going to be very good... if we have to take more of those hits, but we could add draft picks and draft capital, we're willing to do that."
Broaddus isn't one to reveal this kind of information without proper due diligence ... so there must be something there.
But if Brooks is still someone Dallas could be chasing, potentially before preseason even begins, it would take an extremely rare development to put a star on his helmet.
NFL teams rarely move a player just weeks after signing him to a multi-year extension, particularly one viewed as a cornerstone.
The closest real-world comparison is likely Odell Beckham Jr., who signed a five-year extension with the New York Giants in August 2018 before being traded to the Cleveland Browns the following March.
Seven months separated Beckham from putting pen to paper in New York before he became a Brown.
If Broaddus' speculation proves accurate and Brooks ultimately becomes one of the "substantive" players Jerry Jones recently suggested the Cowboys could pursue, the All-Pro linebacker would be dealt less than one month after signing his new contract with Miami.
"Stephen Jones is dropping some hints... They're looking bigger than Bobby Wagner... It seemed like Stephen believes something is going to happen," Broaddus continued.
Indeed, Jones was on The Fan earlier on Friday and said, "We've got several things we're considering right now, some of it trades, some of it signing guys. ...''
Maybe nothing comes of it.
Maybe Brooks spends the next three years in Miami and this discussion is forgotten.
But when someone as plugged in as Broaddus tells Cowboys fans to "keep an eye on Brooks" less than two weeks after the linebacker signed an extension? And when Jerry Jones talks of a "fireworks'' move? And when Stephen acknowledges all of this?
Yes, it's worth paying attention.
After all, this is the same front office that has already swung defensive trades for Rashan Gary and Dee Winters while signing defensive free agents Jalen Thompson and Cobie Durant ... and again ... continues to be connected to Maxx Crosby.
To Cowboys Nation, both of these re-connections - Maxx and Jordyn - are appealing. Getting one of them would indeed be "fireworks.''
