Should the Cowboys trade for Muhammad Wilkerson?

With his contract situation at an impasse, should the Dallas Cowboys offer a future first round pick for the talented Jets defensive lineman.

On Sunday, I wrote a tongue-in-cheek article, responding to a very hypothetical question posed by an ESPN columnist wondering if the Dallas Cowboys would trade quarterbacks with the New York Giants if the option was on the table.

Today, we’re going to discuss a much less hypothetical trade that could potentially change the franchise.

As you may or may not know, the Jets decided to use their franchise tag on defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson. Mr. Wilkerson, not amused by this tactic, is not signing it and has until Friday to do so.

The chances of him doing so are about two… as in slim and none.

This little mini drama in the Big Apple has been going on for the better part of two years so unless either Wilkerson budges or the Jets somehow change their offer, this one is likely to extend into training camp.

Now, we all know what happens when guys decide to skip camp in search of big dollars. Some get their money, others get nothing but by and large, almost everyone who elects to use camp as fodder for a new deal seemingly ends up getting injured.

Look no further than last year and Dez Bryant for exhibit A.

So, with all this discord going on, it may appear like the perfect time for owner Jerry Jones to make a phone call and see if he can pry Wilkerson away by offering up a future pick or two to do so.

It certainly wouldn’t be the first time Jones though the Cowboys were close enough to ring number six that mortgaging the future was a legitimate option.

Of course times have changed since the days of giving up two first rounders to secure the services of a player like Joey Galloway (did that really happen? Ugh.) Times have changed since giving up a first and a third rounder for a player like Roy Williams (I really need to stop) as well.

The reason that the Cowboys should consider such a move is based largely on the fact that Wilkerson plays a much more important position than wide receiver.

Not only does he play a much more important position, he plays a position that is bereft of talent when you look at this roster.

With the suspensions of Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys will be hard pressed to put any pressure on the quarterback. With Wilkerson in the mix, all of a sudden opposing offensive lines would have someone to worry about.

More from The Landry Hat

In two of his last three seasons, Wilkerson has amassed double-digit sacks playing primarily as a 3-4 defensive end. While the scheme is different, talent is talent.

I’m pretty sure that his sack totals are not because of the Jets amazing rush prowess from their outside linebackers. After doing a quick fact check, the next highest total in sacks on last year’s Jets team was five, from fellow defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson.

Once Gregory and Lawrence return, you now have a trio of rushers that you can keep fresh and constantly bringing heat off the edge. Also, because of Wilkerson’s size and abilities, you can slide him inside and play him at tackle, next to Tyrone Crawford, when you want to unleash hell on third down.

The question really becomes, what would be the cost to do so?

Could the Cowboys offer a second and fourth round pick in next year’s draft to get the job done?

Maybe, but it’s likely that the Jets would want a first round pick. A counter of adding a third rounder in the 2018 draft may also work as well, as that would be three picks.

If that’s more valuable than a late first rounder to New York, you just landed a Pro-Bowl defensive lineman who is turning 27 years old for the cost of three picks that you weren’t likely to get that same return out of anyways.

If they insist on a first rounder, I would still suggest doing so as the last first round pick that Dallas has made who ended up being the kind of player Wilkerson is, was Tyron Smith, back in 2011.

There are certainly risks to any move of this magnitude.

Of course, you have to wonder what it would take for the Cowboys to sign him and how that would affect future signings down the road.

You also would need absolute guarantees that Wilkerson is fully healed and ready to go after coming off a season-ending injury late last year.

Next: What’s with all the Tony Romo bashing?

Ultimately, fortune smiles upon the brave. If the Jets don’t feel like a deal can get done, it might be the perfect time for a phone call.

Cowboys fans, what would you do?

Home/Cowboys News