The Miami Dolphins already have traded star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, there has been speculation about running back De’Von Achane, and now it’s Jordyn Brooks’ turn.

The team’s best defensive player during the disappointing 2025 season, Brooks’ name has come up in reports out of the Dallas Cowboys as they look for a high-end linebacker to anchor their defense.

Dallas was said to be interested in trading for Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen but instead have pivoted to Brooks and Azeez Al-Shaair, according to Cowboys reporter Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

It’s really not surprising to see Brooks’ name being involved in trade speculation given the state of the Dolphins, who already this offseason have said goodbye to mainstays Tyreek Hill, Tua Tagovailoa, Bradley Chubb, Alec Ingold, Jason Sanders and Waddle, among others.

The Dolphins clearly want to get rid of big contracts and build up some draft capital, and trading Brooks could help accomplish both goals.

It also might be telling that the Dolphins restructured the contracts of both Achane and center Aaron Brewer, but didn’t do the same for Brooks even though they clearly could use the cap space.

WHY MIAMI WOULD MOVE BROOKS

Brooks led the NFL in tackle last season and earned first-team All-Pro recognition in his second season with Miami.

He also was a team captain and would seem to embody the kind of player new head coach Jeff Hafley would want on his roster.

But business is business, and Brooks just might be more valuable as a trade asset than leading a defense on a team that really doesn’t figure to contend in 2026 as he heads into the final year of the three-year deal he signed as an unrestricted free agent in 2024.

So maybe it’s going to come down to the Dolphins not wanting to worry about negotiations with Brooks (through his agent) as he heads into his contract year, particularly if they can get a choice draft pick in return.

The Cowboys already have traded a fourth-round pick to the Green Bay Packers for edge defender Rashan Gary, so the big question obviously is what kind of return Brooks could bring.

WHY MIAMI WOULD NOT TRADE BROOKS

Given his position and his contract situation where an acquiring team might be looking at either a one-year rental or an expensive extension, it’s probably not realistic to expect even as high as a second-round pick for Brooks.

And then maybe Dallas asks for a later draft pick along with Brooks in return for whatever pick they send Miami, something like a third-round pick for Brooks and a fifth or a seventh.

Ultimately, the biggest question will be whether the Dolphins see Brooks as a key piece beyond 2026 and whether they’re willing to pay him what he would want to stay in Miami beyond the upcoming season.

If the answer to either question is a no, then we absolutely could see a Brooks trade to follow up the Waddle deal.

But that’s not the same as suggesting a trade is imminent because Miami just might decide Brooks is a keeper for what he brings on and off the field.

But the way things are going this offseason for Miami, it’s easy to understand why the speculation would be there and why Brooks’ name would be mentioned as a trade possibility.

Craft Hospitality’s Dallas Coffee Festival is coming back for a refill — and make it a double. Taking place April 18-19 at Gilley’s, the “immersive coffee experience” will build on 2025’s inaugural success by expanding from one day to two, in anticipation of another sold-out crowd of more than 2,000 java junkies.

New York-based Craft also hosts Coffee Festivals in Austin, Philadelphia and San Diego, among other cities. In addition, the company hosts whiskey, margarita and wine events across the country and operates a restaurant consulting business.

“One of the highlights of the first event was simply seeing how strong the Dallas coffee community is,” a company representative said via email. “Many of the city’s best-known roasters and cafés participated, giving attendees the rare chance to explore a huge cross-section of the local coffee scene in one place.”

With tickets starting around $30, it’s not a cheap date. Here are a few reasons why you may want to shell out the beans.

1. Find a new local fix.
   Dallas Coffee Festival’s Texas representation is strong, with the majority of its three dozen exhibitors hailing from or operating cafés within the DFW area. Many are new to us, and that’s saying something given the volume of coffee we consume, including Flying Squirrel (Mansfield), Forest Flame (Arlington), Tejana Coffee (Dallas) and Kabita Indonesian Coffeehouse (Dallas).

2. Taste “the Tesla of coffees.”
   A curious exhibitor, BVP Coffee Co., is a tech startup focused on applying AI-powered operations to the coffee business. Proudly “building the Tesla of coffees,” BVP aims to increase efficiency and scalability while reducing waste and environmental impact. They’re also seeking investors. Sounds slick, but how does it drive … er … taste?

3. Connect with a cause (in a cup).
   Several booths will be hosted by companies with give-back business models. For example, Dallas-based Elevate Coffee Trading provides a month of clean water for a child in Guatemala with every bag sold. Cofounder Michael Iwasko is returning to the festival after a successful show last year, anticipating another opportunity to “build relationships with enthusiasts and wholesale partners who align with our shared vision for the cause.”

4. And even if you don’t like coffee…
   While you’ll never truly be our friend (sorry), there are plenty of non-coffee perks to enjoy at the Dallas Coffee Festival. On the exhibitor side, Piper & Leaf Tea Co. from Alabama brews leaves instead of beans, and California-based COBA makes caffeinated chocolate bars. The festival will also feature a lineup of four live music acts (two each day) and food from Oak Cliff’s for purchase.

Gilley’s Dallas is located at 1135 Botham Jean Blvd.