The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, are once again at a crossroads. Following another disappointing playoff exit in the 2024 season, the pressure to win is mounting in Arlington. With a Super Bowl drought that stretches back to 1996, the Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott are seeking the final piece of the puzzle — the weapon of attack that could change everything.
While the Cowboys have remained competitive under head coach Mike McCarthy, they have lacked the kind of offensive firepower in key moments that separates contenders from champions. As the 2025 season looms, whispers are turning into roars: the Cowboys are eyeing a new offensive weapon, either through trade, free agency, or internal development, that could elevate Dak Prescott’s performance and ignite a new era in Dallas.
The State of the Offense: Good, But Not Great
On paper, the Cowboys’ offense should be enough to win big. Prescott passed for 4,516 yards and 36 touchdowns last season, leading one of the top scoring teams in the NFC. CeeDee Lamb emerged as a top-5 wide receiver, and Brandin Cooks provided veteran savvy alongside young playmakers like Jake Ferguson at tight end and Tony Pollard in the backfield.
But numbers don’t tell the whole story. The offense sputtered in crucial moments. In the NFC Divisional Round against San Francisco, Dallas managed just 17 points. Prescott threw two costly interceptions, and the run game vanished against a physical front. It was a frustrating reminder of 2022 and 2023 — seasons that ended with early playoff exits.
The narrative is set: Prescott needs help. He’s a capable quarterback with strong leadership and football IQ. But without another dynamic weapon, the Cowboys may fall short again.
What Kind of Weapon Does Dallas Need?
There are three avenues the Cowboys could explore in acquiring a new “weapon of attack”: a premier wide receiver, a dual-threat running back, or a hybrid offensive player who blurs the lines between positions.
1. A True WR2 or WR1b to Complement CeeDee Lamb
The most obvious move would be to add another high-level wide receiver to play opposite CeeDee Lamb. While Brandin Cooks has provided depth and experience, he’s past his prime. Michael Gallup has been inconsistent since his ACL injury, and Jalen Tolbert has yet to emerge.
Imagine what Prescott could do with a second elite receiver. It would force defenses to pick their poison, opening up the field and reducing double teams on Lamb. Several intriguing names have emerged as potential trade targets or cap casualties across the league.
- Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals) – In a contract year and potentially available via trade.
- Brandon Aiyuk (San Francisco 49ers) – Reportedly seeking a long-term extension; if talks fall through, Dallas could make a move.
- Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – A veteran with route-running excellence and YAC potential.
Adding one of these players would give Dallas one of the best receiving duos in football and offer Prescott the firepower he needs to thrive.
2. A Game-Changing Running Back
Tony Pollard did what he could as the full-time starter in 2024, but he struggled with consistency behind a shaky offensive line. With Pollard now gone in free agency (signed with the Tennessee Titans), Dallas must reassess the backfield.
The current group — led by Rico Dowdle and sixth-round pick Deuce Vaughn — lacks a true lead back. There’s growing buzz that the Cowboys could turn to the trade market or late free agency to land a star runner.
One name continues to surface: Saquon Barkley, who signed a one-year deal with Philadelphia in 2024 but may be available again in 2025. Others include:
- Derrick Henry – Still a free agent as of early May 2025. Though older, he remains a physical force.
- Josh Jacobs – A bruising, versatile back who could thrive behind Dallas’ offensive line if healthy.
- Braelon Allen (Rookie, Wisconsin) – A second-round pick with three-down potential.
A powerful running game would take pressure off Prescott and set up play-action opportunities. Dallas hasn’t had a dominant back since Ezekiel Elliott’s peak years. Reestablishing that identity could redefine the offense.
3. A Hybrid Threat: The Deebo Samuel Type
In recent years, offenses have evolved to feature hybrid players — wideouts who can carry the ball, backs who can catch 70 passes, or tight ends who function like slot receivers.
Dallas may not need a traditional running back or receiver. What they need could be something more creative — a chess piece that defensive coordinators struggle to account for.
Enter someone like Curtis Samuel, Laviska Shenault Jr., or Cordarrelle Patterson — players who aren’t elite in one category but bring utility across the formation. The Cowboys could use pre-snap motion, jet sweeps, screen plays, and trickery to get the ball in space.
These types of players don’t always show up on stat sheets but can be game-changers in playoff matchups.
Can the Weapon Come From Within?
While fans and analysts clamor for a splashy move, the Cowboys’ brass believes in developing from within. Several young players could emerge as Prescott’s much-needed weapon.
- Jake Ferguson took significant strides in 2024 and is trending toward becoming a top-10 tight end.
- Jalen Tolbert has flashed big-play potential and is entering Year 3 — traditionally a breakout year for wideouts.
- Deuce Vaughn could be used creatively in the passing game if Dallas commits to motion-based schemes.
Still, relying on internal development can be risky. Dallas is in win-now mode. Patience may not be an option.
What Would This Mean for Dak Prescott?
Prescott’s contract situation adds another layer to the urgency. He’s set to become a free agent after the 2025 season unless the Cowboys extend him beforehand. A new offensive weapon wouldn’t just help him succeed — it might define whether he stays in Dallas.
Prescott has consistently proven to be a top-10 quarterback when surrounded by talent. But his critics point to playoff shortcomings and turnovers in key games. The right offensive addition could tilt the scales — finally giving him the support he needs to silence the doubters and deliver a deep playoff run.
It’s also worth considering how such a move would affect his market. If Dallas lands a weapon and Prescott thrives, both sides might be more inclined to agree on a long-term deal. If they stand pat and falter again, a breakup could be inevitable.
Will Jerry Jones Make the Move?
Owner Jerry Jones has never been shy about making splashy moves. The Cowboys’ draft strategy in 2025 was conservative, addressing depth needs on defense and the offensive line. But that only heightens the expectation that Jones will use trades or late free agency to make noise.
There’s precedent. In 2018, Jones traded for Amari Cooper midseason, and the move sparked an immediate turnaround. He could do the same this year — if the right name becomes available.
The problem, of course, is cap space. Dallas is up against the ceiling, with extensions due for Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb. A creative restructure of Prescott’s deal or cuts elsewhere may be required.
Still, if there’s one owner willing to gamble for glory, it’s Jerry Jones.
Final Thoughts: One Piece Away?
The Dallas Cowboys aren’t in need of a rebuild — they’re a piece away. The roster is loaded with Pro Bowlers. The defense, led by Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs, is elite. The offensive line, while aging, still has capable anchors. The quarterback is a top-tier starter when given time and weapons.
All signs point to the same conclusion: the Cowboys need a new offensive weapon — one that fits the identity they want to project and gives Dak Prescott the confidence to let it rip on third-and-long.
Whether that weapon is a veteran receiver like Tee Higgins, a dynamic back like Saquon Barkley, or a do-it-all hybrid like Cordarrelle Patterson, the time is now. Anything less could doom them to another year of “what ifs.”
Cowboys Nation is restless. The team has flirted with greatness for too long. If the front office makes the right move this summer, the Cowboys could have not just a new offensive star — but a new hope.