New Cowboys Trade Rumors Reveal Azeez Al-Shaair Interest Before Texans Contract Extension

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair reportedly generated trade interest from Texas' other team before signing a contract extension on Wednesday.

Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, ESPN's Todd Archer reported that the Dallas Cowboys discussed a trade for Al-Shaair with the Texans, but Houston values him "for his play on the field and community work off of it." The team affirmed its commitment to Al-Shaair on Wednesday by signing him to a three-year contract extension.

In his second season with the Texans in 2025, Al-Shaair led the team with 103 total tackles while also adding nine passes defended, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery on his way to earning his first career Pro Bowl selection. The 2026 season was the final year of his previous contract, so Houston proactively rewarded him with a new deal before he hit the open market.

It's easy to see why the Cowboys wanted Al-Shaair, as they prioritized repairing their defense this offseason. In 2025, Dallas ranked last in the NFL with 30.1 points allowed per game and 30th with 377.0 yards allowed per game.

When their pursuit of Al-Shaair fell short, the Cowboys pivoted by trading a fifth-round draft pick to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for linebacker Dee Winters on Friday. Archer and ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported that in addition to speaking to Houston about Al-Shaair, Dallas also had trade discussions with the Miami Dolphins regarding linebacker Jordyn Brooks, but "what those teams wanted in return was too much." The Cowboys reportedly also pursued linebackers Quay Walker, Devin Lloyd and Nakobe Dean in free agency, but they all opted to sign elsewhere.

Dallas also used five of its seven picks in the 2026 draft on the defensive side of the ball, so it's clear that the team is hoping to make significant strides next season as it chases a spot in the playoffs.