Cowboys Predicted to Sign All-Pro Linebacker in NFL Free Agency

Dallas needs defensive help, and an All-Pro linebacker could be the answer.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 8:31pm

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The Dallas Cowboys are expected to be aggressive in free agency this offseason as they look to improve their struggling defense. ESPN's Aaron Schatz predicts the team will sign All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd, who had a breakout season in 2025 with 5 interceptions and 1.5 sacks. Lloyd would provide a major boost to the Cowboys' defense, but his expected $20 million per year contract could be a challenge for the team to fit under the salary cap.

Why it matters

The Cowboys had one of the worst defenses in the NFL in 2025, so adding a playmaker like Devin Lloyd could be a game-changer. However, the high price tag may limit Dallas' ability to make other significant free agent signings.

The details

Devin Lloyd, a first-round pick out of Utah in 2022, has been a standout linebacker in his first three NFL seasons. He's recorded over 100 tackles in each year and has 9 career interceptions. In 2025, Lloyd had 5 interceptions and 1.5 sacks, earning him All-Pro honors. The 6'3", 235-pound linebacker was the 3rd highest-graded linebacker by PFF last season, excelling against both the run and pass.

  • Devin Lloyd was a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
  • In the 2025 season, Lloyd had a breakout year with 5 interceptions and 1.5 sacks.
  • Devin Lloyd is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason.

The players

Devin Lloyd

A 24-year-old linebacker who was a first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022. He has emerged as an All-Pro caliber player, recording over 100 tackles in each of his first three NFL seasons along with 9 career interceptions.

Jerry Jones

The owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, who has said the team will be aggressive in free agency this offseason to improve their defense.

Christian Parker

The new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, hired to replace the fired Matt Eberflus.

Matt Eberflus

The former defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, who was fired after just one season with the team.

Aaron Schatz

An ESPN analyst who has predicted the Dallas Cowboys will sign linebacker Devin Lloyd in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“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. So why not bring in Lloyd? He is a solid starting linebacker who had five interceptions and 1.5 sacks last season.”

— Aaron Schatz, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to determine if they can fit Devin Lloyd's expected $20 million per year contract under their salary cap, while also addressing other needs on the roster through free agency and the draft.

The takeaway

Signing Devin Lloyd would be a major coup for the Dallas Cowboys, as he would provide a significant upgrade to their struggling defense. However, the high price tag may limit their ability to make other significant free agent signings, so the team will have to carefully weigh the pros and cons of pursuing Lloyd in free agency.