Locked On Cowboys – March 2, 2026

Episode: "RUMORS: Dallas Cowboys Set to PURSUE Eagles LB Nakobe Dean | Can He TRANSFORM Their Defense?"
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool
Podcast Network: Locked On Podcast Network

Episode Overview

In this episode, Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool dive deep into the Cowboys’ possible interest in Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean as free agency looms. The hosts break down the logic behind the rumor, Dean’s fit and health concerns, and what this move might signal for Dallas’s defensive plans. The duo also reflect on Jerry Jones’ comments about the team’s direction and potential changes in free agency approach after a disappointing past season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nakobe Dean and the Cowboys: The Rumor Mill (01:11 – 06:01)

• The Fit with Dallas

  • Marcus introduces the rumor connecting Nakobe Dean to Dallas, citing his past with Christian Parker and whispers from the Combine.
  • Landon: "These sort of like play-caller glue guys, guys who can help kind of, you know, transplant Christian Parker's brain into this Cowboys defense, I think it makes a ton of sense to bring guys like this in." (02:10)

• Dean’s Injury History and Contract Realities

  • Both hosts caution about Dean’s medical background.
  • Landon: "There's a history of injury with Nakobe Dean. So there is some buyer beware that we need to be careful here." (02:10)
  • Both agree that Dallas should only pursue if "the price is not outrageous."

• The Eagles’ Linebacker Depth

  • Marcus notes the Eagles' circumstances: "They have Zach Bond, who they gave a big contract to and they drafted Jihad Campbell in round one last year. … It's probably Nakobe Dean wants to go somewhere where he can play." (03:03)

• Realistic Expectations and Unit Analysis

  • Both agree Dallas likely isn’t a fit for high-priced free agents like Devin Lloyd or Devin Bush.
  • Marcus floats an early 2026 linebacker group: "Nakobe Dean, DeMarvion Overshown, Shamar James as your three linebackers. … It's not the best unit in the world, but you feel pretty good about it going into draft weekend." (03:35)

• Dean as System Translator

  • Landon emphasizes Dean’s scheme familiarity: "Somebody who knows the defense that you're moving into, who understands it, can get everybody lined up, at least correctly so." (04:27)
  • He notes, "If he can help your other players learn that system as well, I think there could be a mutually beneficial situation for the Cowboys in Nakobe Dean here." (04:27)

• Dean’s Track Record and Health

  • Marcus: "This isn't like Kenneth Murray where you're gambling on an athlete. You believe that his, you know, this scheme is going to turn him into a good player. Like Nakobe Dean has been a good player. The concern here is the health. Right. But it seems like he's healthy now." (05:12)

  • Landon references Dean’s experience: "He's been playing it since he was in college. … Georgia runs a very similar defense to what they're going to run." (05:38)

2. Jerry Jones’ Promises and the Team’s Free Agency Mindset (06:01 – 13:03)

• Jerry Jones Addresses the Media

  • Jerry reportedly vowed to keep George Pickens, re-sign Brandon Aubrey, and be aggressive in free agency. (06:01, later discussion resumes at 09:55)

• Host Skepticism and Changing Tone

  • Landon: "I'm gonna fall for the banana in the tailpipe again, I'm sure, but it's like, he seems different. ... Just seeming like ... he's been very confrontational, and now he's feeling more contrite." (09:55)
  • He questions if it’s a genuine shift or “just the next act of the Jerry Ring circus.”

• Window Is Closing – Time to Be Aggressive

  • Marcus: "He knows, first of all, he's 83 years old. He's going to be 84 in October. He probably knows the clock is running out a little bit here. … There's also a part of this window with the Cowboys that we keep talking about. Like, they are in ... a championship window right now after a 7, 9 and 1 season." (11:07)

• Free Agency ‘Aggression’ and Perspective

  • Marcus offers a dose of realism: "They could sign two free agents at $7 million and it would be the most aggressive free agency period they've had in decades." (11:07)
  • On possible moves: "Don't expect like if they signed Nakobe Dean, that will be their one big ticket free agent. I, I'm sure of that." (11:07)
  • Landon tempers expectations: "What does that actually mean in reality and scale? I think that's what we still have yet to determine." (12:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Landon’s Pun: "Connecting the dots, he's going to wear the green dot if he comes here." (02:10)
• Landon: "You just have to go into that open-eyed and understand, hey, this is a guy with an injury history. He's an imperfect player, obviously..." (04:27)
• Marcus: "This isn't like Kenneth Murray where you're gambling on an athlete… Like Nakobe Dean has been a good player. The concern here is the health." (05:12)
• Landon (on Jerry Jones): "Is this just the next act of the Jerry Ring circus? Who knows?" (09:55)
• Marcus: "They could sign two free agents at $7 million and it would be the most aggressive free agency period they've had in decades." (11:07)
• Landon: "Is he operating different? … It feels like that could be true. What does that actually mean in reality and scale? I think that's what we still have yet to determine." (12:40)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:11 – Nakobe Dean to Cowboys: Rumor unpacked, fit, price, and logic
• 03:03 – The Eagles’ depth chart; Why Dean is likely available
• 03:35 – Dallas linebacker depth chart projection with Dean
• 04:27 – Dean’s value as a scheme fit and leader
• 05:12 – Concerns about linebacker health and Dean’s track record
• 09:55 – Jerry Jones’ new tone; Promises, reflection, and skepticism
• 11:07 – Championship window, urgency, and realistic free agency expectations
• 12:40 – Defining “aggressive” for Dallas in free agency

Episode Takeaways

• Nakobe Dean represents a sensible, mid-tier free agency target for the Cowboys given his fit and knowledge of Christian Parker’s defense—but injury history tempers full endorsement.
• Dallas is not expected to make big splashes for top-end linebackers due to cost and longstanding philosophy.
• Jerry Jones’ comments are a mix of cautious optimism and skepticism—the hosts sense a possible change in tone, but question how substantive any shift will be.
• The “most aggressive” free agency for Dallas could still be modest by league standards—fans should temper expectations for an overhaul.

Summary prepared to inform both die-hard Cowboys fans and newcomers of the critical themes and tone of this episode.