Cowboys headlines: All eyes on Downs, LB trade target gets the bag

The hype surrounding Dallas Cowboys' first-round pick Caleb Downs continues to grow, and so do the expectations. Cowboys training camp is around the corner, and all eyes will be on Downs and the defense in hopes of a turnaround. This team has a lot riding on the unit after all the offseason collateral invested in it; if Downs can quickly show everyone the talk about him is legit, it will go a long way toward returning to the playoffs.

But everything can't hang solely on Downs; he won't be able to solve all the Cowboys' defensive issues; it would help if they could add another linebacker. Unfortunately, Jordyn Brooks, the veteran linked to Dallas by numerous insiders, just received a healthy extension. The move removes Brooks from any potential trade conversations; now the Cowboys will have to look elsewhere if they want to find a linebacker that can help lead this young group.

Dallas Cowboys Top Headlines

• No.5) How does Caleb Downs live up to expectations? :: DallasCowboys.com (Link)
• Dallas Cowboys Trade Target Now Off the Board After Massive Extension :: Sports Illustrated (Link)
• 2nd-rounder traded among 4 wild Cowboys training camp predictions :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
• Mailbag: Three 1,000-yard receivers possible? :: DallasCowboys.com (Link)
• The biggest issue for Dallas heading into training camp is clear as day :: Inside The Star (Link)
• Adam Schefter just added fuel to Cowboys' growing playoff hype :: The Landry Hat (Link)
• Cowboys lose top LB target to new contract with Dolphins :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
• 'Controversial' Cowboys Super Bowl Hype Will Rely On Coach Not Named Christian Parker :: Sports Illustrated (Link)
• Cowboys Headlines: Predictions for Dallas, NFC East upgrades, scares :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
• Cowboys just got reminded why trading Osa Odighizuwa could age horribly :: The Landry Hat (Link)
• The last 9 spots: Why Cowboys roster projections go wrong :: Blogging The Boys (Link)
• Cowboys score small win on Rashan Gary trade after Packers overpay :: The Landry Hat (Link)
• The last 9 spots: Why Cowboys roster projections go wrong :: Blogging The Boys (Link)
• Don’t overlook 4th round rookie DT for the Cowboys this year :: Inside The Star (Link)
• Cowboys players with the highest floor for this season :: Blogging The Boys (Link)

News & Headlines Around the NFC East

• Will Jalen Hurts, Eagles offense get back on track? | 'GMFB' :: NFL.com (Link)
• Laremy Tunsil ranked as Top 5 tackle in ESPN rankings :: Commanders.com (Link)
• 20 Questions in 20 Days: Players primed to make a jump :: Giants.com (Link)
• Jonathan Greenard: 'We are working our tails off' :: PhiladelphiaEagles.com (Link)
• Washington Commanders hidden gems: 3 secret superstars for the 2026 roster :: Hogs Haven (Link)
• Why the Giants Are One of the NFL's Best Bets to Beat Their Win Total in 2026 :: Sports Illustrated (Link)
• Nick Sirianni: New Eagles OC Sean Mannion has an “obsession to get better” :: ProFootballTalk (Link)
• Giants' Malik Nabers injury situation is weird and problematic :: The Sporting News (Link)
• 7 Commanders entering training camp with everything on the line :: Riggo's Rag (Link)

News & Headlines Around the NFL

• Previewing the top storylines for 2026 NFL training camps :: ESPN.com (Link)
• Dolphins, All-Pro LB Jordyn Brooks reach 3-year, $51.3M extension :: ESPN.com (Link)
• Shedeur Sanders working with Deshaun Watson ahead of QB battle: 'Best version of ourselves' :: NFL.com (Link)
• Most important player in NFC North? | 'GMFB' :: NFL.com (Link)
• Bucky Irving expects to be ready to go at start of training camp :: ProFootballTalk (Link)
• Panthers' Moton sidelined indefinitely with blood clot in lung :: ESPN.com (Link)
• Sara Walsh on Baker Mayfield, Bucs on potential contract extension | 'GMFB' :: NFL.com (Link)
• On-Air Beef During Cowboys Segment Was 'Peak' Of ESPN Souring On Ryan Clark :: Sports Illustrated (Link)
• Texans WR Nico Collins clarifies why he was limited during offseason workouts :: NFL.com (Link)

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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys Headlines: All eyes on Downs, LB trade target gets the bag