Dallas Cowboys: Stealing one player from every NFC East foe

What if the Dallas Cowboys could steal one player from their divisional foes?

The Dallas Cowboys have a very talented roster. Yet, there are always potential weak spots that could be upgraded.

What if you could add one player from each of the Cowboys’ divisional rivals to improve the roster? We play out this hypothetical exercise below, swiping one player from the three other teams in the NFC East to add to America’s Team.

Saquon Barkley, RB – Giants

The Cowboys don’t have a need at running back. Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard represent one of the best one-two punches in the NFL. And while tight end Evan Engram earned some consideration here, running back Saquon Barkley is simply too talented not to steal.

The thought process behind the selection of Barkley here is two-fold. Despite the presence of Zeke, having a playmaker like Saquon in the backfield to pair with Elliott would be must-see TV. But also, taking Barkley away from the Giants would remove New York’s single biggest threat.

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Chase Young, DE – Redskins

While the Cowboys could use an upgrade at left guard with Washington Redskins Pro Bowl offensive lineman Brandon Scherff, the prospect of pairing Ohio State rookie pass rusher Chase Young opposite of defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is far too tempting.

If Young can have the initial impact other fellow Buckeye pass rushers like Nick and Joey Bosa have had in recent years, then he’ll emerge as a defensive force that could eventually shift the balance of power in the NFC East.

We tried to upgrade the Dallas Cowboys offensive line here, but couldn’t

Fletcher Cox, DT – Eagles

The Cowboys have a major void to fill at the center position along their offensive line following the retirement of five-time Pro Bowler Travis Frederick. So, the Philadelphia Eagles three-time Pro Bowl center, Jason Kelce, would be the obvious choice. But his public disdain for America’s Team makes it a bad fit.

The next man up could have been guard Brandon Brooks as the 30-year old offensive lineman is coming off three-straight Pro Bowl nominations of his own. Unfortunately, Brooks recently suffered an Achilles injury, ending his 2020 season. Tight end Zach Ertz and cornerback Darius Slay got some consideration as well.

Instead, we shifted our focus to the Eagles’ defensive line and found All-Pro defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. The Cowboys did sign Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe as free agents at the position this offseason. But Cox is a five-time Pro Bowler who’s only 29-years old. And the Cowboys could always use more interior disruptors and he’s been one of the league’s best for quite some time now.