There had been some speculation after Christian Parker was hired as the DC for the Cowboys that he would try to lure some of his former Eagles players to their NFC East rival, including Nakobe Dean. The linebacker ended up agreeing to sign with the Raiders at the start of the NFL’s legal tampering window, but it turns out that the Cowboys made a big push to get Dean to Dallas.
Jane Slater reported that the Cowboys were very competitive for Dean, but couldn’t pull it off.
“[Nakobe Dean] 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.“
Perhaps Dean’s gut feeling was a tinge of loyalty to the Birds and to the City of Philadelphia — or perhaps he knew that the Cowboys wouldn’t have the kind of success he’s been used to with the Eagles. Either way, it’s good for his former team that they won’t have to face him twice a season, and it’s a small gesture, intentional or not, that will keep Dean welcome in Philly for the rest of his career.
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