In a league built on calculated risk and reward, few franchises embrace big swings quite like the Dallas Cowboys. As the NFL offseason heats up, a shocking blockbuster trade proposal involving the Cowboys and Buffalo Bills has set the sports world abuzz. At the heart of the deal? A projected $40 million star who could fundamentally reshape the Cowboys’ roster and their Super Bowl aspirations.
While rumors and speculation are always part of the offseason churn, multiple sources close to both organizations have hinted that serious discussions are underway. And if the pieces fall into place, Dallas could land one of the NFL’s most dynamic—and expensive—playmakers in a bold move that signals a win-now mentality.
Let’s break down the proposed deal, what it means for both franchises, and why the Cowboys may be on the verge of shaking up the league in a way only “America’s Team” can.
The Trade Proposal: Dallas Goes Star-Hunting
According to reports from NFL insiders and draft analysts, the trade on the table is as follows:
Dallas Cowboys Receive:
- Stefon Diggs, WR (projected 2025 cap hit: $27.85 million, potential earnings through incentives: ~$40 million)
Buffalo Bills Receive:
- 2025 First-Round Pick
- WR Michael Gallup
- 2026 Fourth-Round Pick
The proposal is stunning—not only because of the magnitude of talent involved but also because it signals that Dallas is willing to go all-in to maximize its championship window under head coach Mike McCarthy and franchise quarterback Dak Prescott.
Stefon Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler with four straight 1,000-yard seasons, is among the most explosive wide receivers in the NFL. Despite some late-season frustrations and tension in Buffalo, Diggs remains one of the premier route-runners in the league with elite separation ability and game-breaking potential.
At 31 years old, Diggs still possesses the physicality and football IQ that have made him one of the most dangerous players in the league. With a projected 2025 cap hit of nearly $28 million and incentives that could push the total to $40 million, acquiring Diggs would be a significant financial commitment—but one that Jerry Jones may see as necessary to elevate Dallas from playoff contender to Super Bowl favorite.
Why Dallas Is Making This Move
The Cowboys are no strangers to high-profile moves. From trading for Amari Cooper to signing Ezekiel Elliott to a record-setting extension, Jerry Jones has never shied away from bold decisions when he believes it can produce results. In 2024, Dallas once again fell short of its ultimate goal, despite a 12-5 regular season and strong showings from Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
But there’s a growing sense of urgency within the organization. With Prescott’s contract situation looming and several stars nearing the backend of their prime years—like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs entering contract negotiation zones—the Cowboys need to strike while the iron is hot.
Adding Stefon Diggs would give Dallas arguably the most dangerous 1-2 punch at wide receiver in the NFL, pairing him with CeeDee Lamb, who posted career highs in 2024 and earned First-Team All-Pro honors. With Brandin Cooks as a reliable third option and Jake Ferguson emerging as a top-tier tight end, this offense could become virtually unguardable.
This isn’t just about talent. It’s about versatility, matchup problems, and a willingness to challenge top-tier defenses with multiple elite weapons. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer could open up a vertical passing game that pushes the limits of Prescott’s arm talent and mental processing.
The Financial Gamble: Cowboys Bet Big
There’s no denying the risk involved. Stefon Diggs’ contract is steep, and at 31, his production window might be shorter than Dallas hopes. The Cowboys would need to restructure or extend the deal to lessen the immediate cap blow—likely offering more guaranteed money in exchange for lower yearly hits.
But Dallas has already shown a willingness to manipulate the cap through void years and back-loaded deals. The bigger issue may be how to juggle this with impending paydays for Lamb, Parsons, and even Prescott, who is due for a contract rework or extension soon.
Still, Dallas has long prioritized star power, and Diggs fits their mold: high-profile, skilled, marketable, and with a chip on his shoulder. His leadership and playoff experience could also benefit a locker room still haunted by early postseason exits.
What’s in It for Buffalo? A Strategic Reset
For Buffalo, this deal is about balancing competitiveness with long-term sustainability. After another disappointing postseason run and mounting internal tension between Diggs and quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills’ front office may feel the time is right to retool the offense around a younger, more controllable core.
Michael Gallup provides a veteran presence who can fill in alongside emerging star Khalil Shakir and tight end Dalton Kincaid. Though Gallup hasn’t been the same since his ACL injury in 2022, a change of scenery might rejuvenate his career.
But the real prize for Buffalo is the 2025 first-round pick, which gives them ammunition to either draft a top-tier wide receiver or package multiple picks to move up for an elite player. Given GM Brandon Beane’s history of aggressive draft-day maneuvers, the Bills could be setting the stage for a major pivot.
Buffalo also clears substantial cap space—freeing up nearly $20 million by moving Diggs’ base salary and bonuses off the books. That gives them flexibility to address their aging defense or invest in offensive line upgrades to protect Allen.
How This Impacts the NFC and AFC
If this deal goes through, the Cowboys instantly become one of the most feared teams in the NFC. Their offense, already top-five in scoring last year, would be turbocharged with Diggs in the mix. Defenses would be forced to pick their poison—double Lamb and risk Diggs beating single coverage, or play zone and let Prescott carve them up underneath.
In a conference where the 49ers and Eagles are viewed as the top dogs, this move could catapult Dallas into the conversation as the favorite. And it would place enormous pressure on McCarthy to deliver postseason results.
For Buffalo, the move may be painful in the short term but prudent long-term. If Diggs had become a locker room distraction or was unhappy with his role in the offense, his trade clears the way for a fresh start. Josh Allen would need a new WR1, but the 2025 draft class is loaded with receiving talent, and the Bills could position themselves to grab one of the elite prospects.
The AFC East also becomes more competitive. The Jets, with Aaron Rodgers returning, and the Dolphins, boasting a track-meet offense, are legitimate threats. The Patriots are in rebuild mode, but their revamped coaching staff and incoming rookies could create headaches in the division.
Fan Reaction and Media Frenzy
Predictably, the trade proposal has sent shockwaves through fan bases. Cowboys fans are torn—some are ecstatic at the idea of Diggs donning the star, while others fear the cap consequences and giving up another first-round pick.
Buffalo fans are similarly divided. Diggs has been the heart of their offense and helped elevate Allen to MVP-caliber play. But the chemistry appeared to sour late last season, and whispers of frustration surfaced even during the offseason.
NFL analysts have largely praised the deal as a classic win-win—both teams address immediate and future needs, and both quarterbacks get clarity on their weapons heading into critical years.
If the Cowboys pull the trigger on this deal, they are going all-in. It’s not just about winning the NFC East. It’s about winning Super Bowl LVIX in New Orleans next February. It’s about shaking off nearly three decades of postseason mediocrity and finally cashing in on the talent they’ve assembled.
For Buffalo, it may feel like the end of an era, but it could be the beginning of a smarter, more sustainable team-building strategy around Josh Allen’s prime years.
One thing is certain: this proposed Cowboys-Bills blockbuster will be one of the defining storylines of the 2025 NFL offseason. Whether it becomes reality or not, the conversation it has sparked is already reshaping expectations—and reminding fans that in the NFL, the next big move is always just a phone call away.
