Cowboys Reportedly 'Pushed Hard' for Eagles FA Nakobe Dean Before Raiders Contract

The Dallas Cowboys reportedly were in the mix for a coveted free agent linebacker this week.

Per NFL Network's Jane Slater, the Cowboys were "very competitive" in the race for former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean before he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on a deal worth $36 million.

According to Slater, Dallas was one of the five Zoom calls Dean made while weighing his options.

"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," Slater wrote.

Slater added that Dallas "pushed hard" for Dean.

Dean has dealt with various injuries over the past three years, but has shown flashes of an elite player when healthy. In 10 games last season, he picked up 55 tackles and a career-high four sacks.

Considering the Cowboys' desperation for defensive pieces, Dean would have been a big pick up.

Dallas did end up making some moves on Monday, adding edge rusher Rashan Gray in a trade with the Green Bay Packers and signing safety Jalen Thompson, but the team still has some work to do.