Dallas Cowboys: Five possible trade targets
With the trade deadline quickly approaching, here are five possible trade targets for the Dallas Cowboys that could instantly improve their roster.
The Dallas Cowboys have an opportunity to improve their roster prior to today’s 3:00 pm CT trade deadline. With the 7-1 Philadelphia Eagles making a move to add running back Jay Ajayi to their team, the Cowboys may opt to follow suit in order to keep pace with their divisional rivals.
I believe Dallas could use help in two specific areas of their roster right now. Their defensive secondary, which is full of unproven players. And the Cowboys wide receiver corps, that desperately needs a consistent deep threat. So here are my five possible trade targets for America’s Team based on those needs.
T.J. Ward, Safety – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The All-Pro safety expressed his displeasure with playing time in Tampa Bay recently. Just 30-year old, Ward could be a perfect bridge player for Dallas, allowing the younger players like Chidobe Awuzie and Xavier Woods time to develop while also ending the Jeff Heath experiment in Dallas.
T.Y. Hilton, Wide Receiver – Indianapolis Colts
The Cowboys need a reliable deep threat to play opposite of wide receiver Dez Bryant. Hilton could be that player in Dallas. The 27-year old receiver has posted four straight 1,000 receiving yard seasons for the Colts. But the biggest impediment to a trade will be his salary, as Hilton signed a massive six-year, $65.5 million deal back in 2015.
Vontae Davis, Cornerback – Indianapolis Colts
In the Cowboys current defensive secondary, the team is relying heavily on second-year corner Anthony Brown and rookie defensive back Jourdan Lewis. Both of them have been pressed forced to play extended snaps due to Dallas’ losses in free agency and, in turn, their lack of free agent help (see Nolan Carroll). A player like Vontae Davis could give this unit a veteran to add some much needed experience and depth to the roster while also taking the pressure off of their young corner.
Kenny Vaccaro, Safety – New Orleans
Again, it’s unknown exactly how the Cowboys feel about the play of safety Jeff Heath so far this season. But he’s certainly been an inconsistent tackler at times, appears to be a liability in coverage and has yet to show any playmaking ability. Adding a player like Vaccaro, who appears to be playing some of the best football of his five-year career right now, could transform this Dallas secondary.
Next: Six reasons the Cowboys might be doomed to fail
Martavis Bryant, Wide Receiver – Pittsburgh Steelers
One of the biggest and most controversial names on this list is Martavis Bryant. One of the league’s top deep threats, Bryant could add a dimension to the Cowboys offense that would make them unstoppable. But his drug history and public issues with his current team make him near toxic to trade for right now. Although the Cowboys are known for taking risks, this one might be too much for even Dallas to consider.