The Dallas Cowboys have moved swiftly in free agency, with owner Jerry Jones demonstrating he’s not sitting still despite missing out on top targets.
After Devin Lloyd chose the Carolina Panthers, Dallas immediately shifted its attention to another linebacker on the market.
Reports suggest the Cowboys have zeroed in on Patrick Queen from the Pittsburgh Steelers, signaling Jones‘ intention to bolster a defense that ranked in the middle of the pack last season while continuing to search for playmakers who can elevate the unit.
“I can tell you the Cowboy were set ill talking to Lloyd when I checked in at 7:30 tonight but there was a sense his price was gonna be a little high for them,” Jane Slater said. “Patrick Queen still one I’m watching.”
Queen was drafted 28th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020 and signed a three-year, $41 million extension in 2024. However, trade speculation surrounding the linebacker increased after the Steelers extended Cole Holcomb on a two-year, $5 million deal, creating uncertainty about Queen‘s long-term place in the defense.
Devin Lloyd, Dallas‘ initial top choice, ultimately signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, forcing the Cowboys to pivot quickly after negotiating with him until late Monday evening.
Over four NFL seasons, Lloyd recorded 436 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and nine interceptions. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars declined his fifth-year option on his rookie deal, allowing him to reach free agency and briefly giving Dallas hope of securing a premier linebacker.
Even after missing out on Lloyd, Jerry Jones‘ recent moves indicate he remains determined to strengthen the Cowboys‘ defense. The team previously traded for pass rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers and re-signed Sam Williams, steps that added depth but did not fully address the defense’s biggest weaknesses.
The Cowboys also added safety Jalen Thompson from the Arizona Cardinals. While Thompson has allowed a completion rate just under 70 percent over the past four seasons, the franchise is still seeking dynamic playmakers at linebacker heading into the offseason.
Restructuring indicates job isn’t done for Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones
In addition to exploring new defensive additions, Dallas has begun restructuring contracts to free up additional salary cap space. One major move involved offensive tackle Terence Steele, who signed a reworked deal that includes $22 million fully guaranteed and a base value of $33 million, creating roughly $13 million in cap flexibility for future roster decisions.
Safety Malik Hooker also saw his contract adjusted, freeing up an additional $2 million in cap space. Other players, including Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, Osa Odighizuwa, and Jake Ferguson, could see their contracts revisited if the team seeks further financial maneuverability.
Meanwhile, the acquisition of Rashan Gary addressed a major need on the edge. The former Packers pass rusher, who has 46.5 career sacks, was acquired for a 2027 fourth-round pick and helps fill a void with veterans like Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams, and Payton Turner entering unrestricted free agency.
Steele‘s revised deal also reflects a compromise between performance and financial flexibility. His adjusted contract lowers his projected three-year earnings from $48 million to $33 million, placing him as the 16th-highest-paid right tackle in the NFL while giving the Cowboys greater room to reinforce their defense.
All signs suggest that Jerry Jones remains focused on upgrading the defensive unit. If the Cowboys ultimately pursue Patrick Queen, the franchise could turn its missed opportunity with Devin Lloyd into a potential long-term solution at linebacker.
With ongoing contract restructures and a willingness to remain active in trades and signings, Dallas appears far from finished reshaping its roster as it looks to improve a defense that struggled to make a decisive impact during the 2025 season.
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