Brooks re-signed with the Dolphins, but the Cowboys can still add to the linebacker room.
We are a week or so away from the Dallas Cowboys opening up training camp in Oxnard, and there is still ample time for the franchise to add more pieces for Christian Parker.
Yes, Dallas has a little over $5 million in cap space, but we know that can be massaged with ease to fit in a player or two if needed.
There are a couple of areas that have some nervous about the defense, and that is at edge and linebacker. The Cowboys showed their hand when they went after Maxx Crosby, and we know of their interest in Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks.
With Brooks now re-signing in Miami on a three-year, $51 million extension, he is off the board as a potential target.
But there have always been two linebacker targets that fans and media have linked the Cowboys to. Brooks and veteran Bobby Wagner, and it is here that I think the Cowboys should seriously look.
A leader of the defense and locker room, plus we know of Brian Schottenheimer's love for Wagner, the move almost makes ideal sense.
With DeMarvion Overshown and Dee Winters likely as the two at the top of the depth chart, if Wagner were to be signed, he could even be an "in case" guy for Parker.
The lessons and teachings Wagner could give the Cowboys linebacking room and defense overall would be great.
Now, is money a factor? Not really.
Wagner signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Washington Commanders last offseason, so something similar is very doable for Dallas.
Is he the All-Pro that he was a couple of years ago? No, but he is still productive.
Last season in Washington, Wagner posted 4.5 sacks, 162 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits. Those are some good numbers, but there is something else that would make Wagner a good addition aside from his leadership and playing ability.
He's an ironman.
Since 2015, Wagner has played at least 15 games in the regular season, so he hardly gets injured. In fact, he's played all 17 games in his last two years at 34 and 35 years old. Not just that, but he's started in every game during that span as well.
Would he be that in Dallas? Not likely, but having that thread to pull if Overshown or Winters are struggling is something the Cowboys need, I think.
He wouldn't bust the budget, he could add some veteran leadership, and he's still producing at a good level.
Yes, Dallas missed out on Brooks, but Wagner is just sitting there, waiting for someone to sign him.
And for the reasons I listed above, it should be the Cowboys who do.
