As the NFL off-season heats up and the 2025 season looms, teams around the league are strategically positioning themselves to either build for the future or go all-in on the present. One such team is the Dallas Cowboys, who, despite a solid roster, are still actively exploring “several things” when it comes to evaluating potential trade alternatives. With the right trade, the Cowboys could bolster their chances for a deep playoff run, but the front office is being deliberate and methodical in weighing its options.
In this analysis, we will explore what these trade alternatives could look like, the strategic goals behind them, and how they fit within the Cowboys’ current roster and long-term plans. The Cowboys’ leadership under Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, and head coach Mike McCarthy is focused on creating a Super Bowl-caliber team. Given their recent playoff appearances and the desire to contend for championships, the team is balancing immediate needs with potential future investments. The trade market, as always, is one of the key avenues through which the Cowboys might add depth or address key weaknesses. Here’s a look at how and why they are still exploring “several things” when it comes to trades.
The Context: A Strong Roster, but Gaps Remain
Before diving into specific trade alternatives, it’s important to acknowledge the current state of the Dallas Cowboys roster. On paper, the team looks competitive, with strengths on both sides of the ball.
Offensive Strengths
- Quarterback Dak Prescott is a seasoned leader who has shown he can handle big moments, even though inconsistency at times has held him back from achieving more.
- Running back Tony Pollard has emerged as a dual-threat back, combining speed and versatility to contribute both in the running game and as a pass catcher.
- Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has become a true No. 1 receiver, with the ability to stretch the field and make acrobatic catches in clutch moments.
- The offensive line, while not as dominant as it once was, still has playmakers like Zack Martin, one of the best guards in the league.
Defensive Strengths
- The defense has been the heart of the Cowboys’ success under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. The team’s pass rush, led by Micah Parsons, is one of the most feared in the NFL.
- The secondary has been bolstered by the addition of new players like Stephon Gilmore to complement Trevon Diggs, forming one of the most dynamic cornerback duos in the league.
- Linebacker play, led by Leighton Vander Esch and Damone Clark, has been steady, and the overall defense is aggressive and well-coached.
Areas of Concern
Despite these strengths, the Cowboys are not without their areas of need. The roster still has some question marks, and the team is actively seeking ways to address them before the season kicks off.
- Wide Receiver Depth – While CeeDee Lamb is an elite option, the Cowboys have lacked a consistent second receiving threat since the departure of Amari Cooper. Michael Gallup has not returned to his pre-injury form, and the rest of the depth chart remains a question mark.
- Offensive Line – While the Cowboys still boast a solid offensive line, their depth is a concern. Injuries to key players like Tyron Smith have exposed vulnerabilities in past seasons, and the team could benefit from bolstering their line depth or adding a more dominant presence.
- Tight End – Dalton Schultz is no longer with the team, and while Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot are promising young players, the Cowboys could use a more established tight end in their offensive scheme.
- Defensive Tackle – Although the Cowboys have a potent pass rush, their defensive line struggles to stop the run at times, particularly in the interior. This has been a weak point in their defense, and there is an ongoing need for a more dominant interior presence.
- Linebacker Depth – The team’s linebacker depth behind Vander Esch and Clark is not as solid. A versatile, experienced linebacker would provide a boost to their overall defensive unit.
Trade Alternatives: What Are the Cowboys Exploring?
As the Cowboys’ front office examines their trade alternatives, it’s clear that the team is keeping an eye on opportunities that could fill these gaps. As Jerry Jones himself has hinted, the Cowboys are “exploring several things” and will not shy away from making moves if they see a clear path to improving the roster.
1. Wide Receiver Help
One of the primary trade alternatives the Cowboys are likely evaluating is a potential upgrade at wide receiver. While CeeDee Lamb is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ receiving corps, the team’s lack of a consistent second option has been a recurring theme in recent years. Dak Prescott needs another reliable target to balance out Lamb’s contributions and help stretch the field.
Several potential trade targets could provide that spark:
- D.J. Moore (Chicago Bears) – A top-tier wide receiver with great route-running ability and a knack for making plays after the catch, Moore would be a major upgrade to the Cowboys’ receiving corps.
- Keenan Allen (Los Angeles Chargers) – While Allen is on the older side, he remains one of the most reliable wide receivers in the NFL, capable of creating separation with his crisp route running and hands. His experience would provide a veteran presence to complement Lamb’s development.
Another option could be adding a player with significant upside who could grow with the team. A younger wide receiver on a less-established team might be available for the right trade package.
2. Tight End Depth
After losing Dalton Schultz in free agency, the Cowboys are left with younger, less proven options at tight end. Jake Ferguson has shown promise, but the team may still look to add a more established target who can contribute immediately, particularly in the red zone and as a blocker.
- Darren Waller (New York Giants) – Waller is an elite pass-catching tight end who could be a game-changer for the Cowboys’ offense. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches in the middle of the field would complement Lamb’s skill set.
- Hunter Henry (New England Patriots) – A consistent, reliable option at tight end, Henry could provide the Cowboys with a secure target in the middle of the field and in the red zone. His ability to block and catch passes would make him a great addition to the Cowboys’ offense.
3. Defensive Tackle Help
As mentioned, the Cowboys’ interior defensive line has been inconsistent in stopping the run. While they have a dynamic pass-rushing unit, they need to shore up the front seven against power-running teams. A trade for a veteran defensive tackle could help address this weakness.
- Daron Payne (Washington Commanders) – A dominant force in the middle of the defensive line, Payne could provide immediate help in both run defense and as a pass rusher. His ability to occupy blockers and disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage would provide significant value.
- Fletcher Cox (Philadelphia Eagles) – Though Cox is on the back end of his career, he remains one of the more skilled defensive tackles in the league. His leadership and ability to create havoc in the interior would make him a valuable asset to the Cowboys’ defensive front.
4. Linebacker Depth
The Cowboys are relatively solid at linebacker with Leighton Vander Esch and Damone Clark, but adding a more versatile, experienced linebacker could add depth and flexibility. A linebacker capable of covering tight ends or playing in a variety of schemes could provide a boost to the Cowboys’ defensive unit.
- Deion Jones (Cleveland Browns) – A former Pro Bowl linebacker, Jones has the speed and instincts to cover ground quickly. Adding him to the linebacker corps would help shore up any potential weaknesses in coverage and provide more depth behind Vander Esch and Clark.
- Bobby Wagner (Los Angeles Rams) – Wagner is a veteran presence with an incredible football IQ. His leadership and experience would add tremendous value to the Cowboys’ defense and make the linebacker group even stronger.
5. Offensive Line Depth
Injuries have been a concern for the Cowboys’ offensive line in recent years, and the team could look for a trade to improve depth and add another reliable piece to the front five.
- Jeremiah Sirles (Free Agent) – While not a trade target in the traditional sense, signing a free agent offensive lineman like Sirles, who has experience starting games at multiple positions, could provide valuable depth at guard or tackle.
- Zach Martin Trade or Extension Considerations – While it’s unlikely, the Cowboys could explore trading or extending Zack Martin, their elite right guard. If they feel they can secure an upgrade at another position with Martin’s salary cap relief, it could be a consideration, though unlikely.
Dallas Cowboys: Evaluating Risk vs. Reward
As the Cowboys explore their trade alternatives, there are several key factors at play. Every trade involves risk, and the Cowboys must evaluate whether the potential reward is worth the cost—whether that be in terms of draft picks, players given up, or the salary cap ramifications.
The Cowboys’ current roster is solid, but they’re still in a position where they need to make incremental improvements to push them over the top. With a Super Bowl window opening, any trade the Cowboys make should be viewed through the lens of making a push for immediate success while also preparing for the future.
Additionally, the Cowboys’ approach to trades has often been conservative. Jerry Jones, for all his willingness to make bold moves, is also careful about sacrificing future assets for short-term gain. The Cowboys will be deliberate and thoughtful as they evaluate potential trade partners and alternatives.