Cowboys Lose Out on Linebacker Nakobe Dean to Raiders

Dallas reportedly offered a similar deal, but Dean chose Las Vegas based on "gut feeling"

Mar. 10, 2026 at 4:57pm

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The Dallas Cowboys were reportedly very competitive in the market for free agent linebacker Nakobe Dean, but the 25-year-old ultimately chose to sign a 3-year, $36 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. According to NFL Network's Jane Slater, the Cowboys' offer to Dean was similar to the Raiders', but he went with his "gut feeling" and the "51/49" margin favored the Raiders.

Why it matters

Linebacker remains a need for the Cowboys, who don't have a clear starting-caliber player in that position group outside of DeMarvion Overshown. Missing out on a talented young linebacker like Dean is a disappointment for Dallas, whose Super Bowl window is seen as shrinking.

The details

The Cowboys entered free agency with limited salary cap space, so they haven't been able to make many big splashes so far. Their biggest signing has been safety Jalen Thompson on a 3-year, $33 million deal. While Dean has dealt with injury issues, he is considered a very talented and productive player when healthy, making him an attractive target for the Cowboys to try and land.

  • On March 10, 2026, Nakobe Dean signed a 3-year, $36 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The players

Nakobe Dean

A 25-year-old linebacker who was a free agent target for the Dallas Cowboys before ultimately signing with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Jane Slater

An NFL Network reporter who provided details on the Cowboys' pursuit of Nakobe Dean in free agency.

DeMarvion Overshown

A linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys who is considered the team's only clear starting-caliber player at that position.

Jalen Thompson

A safety who signed a 3-year, $33 million contract to join the Dallas Cowboys in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“Just talked with someone close to the situation and apparently Dallas was actually very competitive in the Nakobe Dean market. He was one of their 5 zooms allowed. I'm told their offer was similar to the Raiders but ultimately he went with his gut feeling but was told he could have seen himself in both places and it was '51/49' margin but Raiders won this one.”

— Jane Slater, NFL Network Reporter

What’s next

The Cowboys will continue to look for ways to bolster their linebacker corps and address other needs with their limited salary cap space this offseason.

The takeaway

While the Cowboys were in the mix for Nakobe Dean, their inability to land the talented young linebacker is a disappointment and highlights the challenges the team faces in improving its roster with limited financial resources this offseason.