While it didn't come as a surprise to anyone, all Philadelphia Eagles fans knew that linebacker Nakobe Dean's numbers were done entering the offseason.
Dean expressed his desire to return to Philly, but the feeling was not mutual as Eagles general manager Howie Roseman warned the fan base that many of their free agents would not be returning to the team. That was exactly the case with Jaelan Phillips to the Carolina Panthers, Reed Blankenship to the Houston Texans, Jahan Dotson to the Atlanta Falcons, and Dean decided to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders on a three-year, $36 million contract.
The initial sting of Dean signing with the Raiders was felt, but most Eagles fans were happy that he got his money and was out of the NFC. One scenario almost came to pass: Dean would have played against his old team twice a year, but he showed that midnight green still bleeds in his heart.
Nakobe Dean passes on playing for NFC East team
NFL Network reporter Jane Slater shared that after the Dean signing with the Raiders, he almost signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Slater shared what went into his decision to pick Las Vegas over Dallas.
"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 have seen himself in both places and it was “51/49” margin but Raiders won this one."
The Cowboys were always an option for Dean since their new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, spent the last two years as the defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator for the Eagles. Blankenship and Phillips were also names attached to the Cowboys, but ultimately did not sign with them.
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While Eagles fans will miss Dean, his final act before Las Vegas will be remembered for years to come.