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While the Cowboys were more active than typical for them on the first day of legal tampering, they were unable to land one of the day's top prizes.

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The team first made an improvement to the front line of their defense on Monday morning with a trade for Rashan Gary, sending a 2027 fourth-round draft pick to Green Bay for the talented edge rusher. That was followed by an afternoon announcement that they'd come to terms with former Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson shortly after the tampering window opened.

Turns out the middle level of the defense nearly got a big upgrade, too, in the form of 25-year-old linebacker Nakobe Dean. But the ex-Eagle opted instead for the Las Vegas Raiders, reportedly agreeing to a three-year deal worth $36 million.

But it wasn't the length of the contract or the money that swayed the three-year veteran.

It was vibes.

According to NFL insider Jane Slater, "Dallas was actually very competitive" in the bidding for Dean's talents and made an offer that "was similar" to that made by the Raiders. For his part, Dean apparently said "he could have seen himself in both places." In the end, though, Slater says, "ultimately he went with his gut feeling" and picked Las Vegas by what was described to her as a "51/49 margin."

Just talked with someone close to the situation and apparently Dallas was actually very competitive in the Nakobe Dean market.

He 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…

— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) March 9, 2026

If true, that is going to be a tough pill for the Cowboys to swallow. Owner Jerry Jones has long taken pride in his organization being one of the most desirable in the NFL, with unparalleled exposure for star players and world-class facilities. On the field, the Cowboys have enjoyed three 12-win seasons out of the last five; the Raiders have hit that mark just once this entire century. Add in the lack of state income tax in Texas, a reunion with Christian Parker as the Cowboys' new defensive coordinator, and the chance for Dean to step in and be the leader of the linebacker corps from Day One, and the tiebreaker arguably should have gone to America's Team several times over.

So what was it that finally swayed Dean to Vegas? Some contractual difference in guaranteed money? First-time head coach Klint Kubiak? General manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady? The opportunity to line up again with former college teammate Quay Walker (also secured on Monday)? Just residual Dallas hatred from his years spent in Philly?

The truth may never be fully known, especially the final decision was as close as Slater reports.

The Cowboys will continue their search for an impact-making linebacker, but Dean may be seen as the one who got away as Dallas rebuilds their defense for what they hope is a title run.

Visit the Cowboys Wire Free Agency Tracker for the latest on who the team has signed, who they've lost, and contract details as they're made public.

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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys lost LB Nakobe Dean to Raiders on 'gut feeling'

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