The Dallas Cowboys chose to stick to their guns and roll with the guys that have gotten them to 6-2. One can’t fault them too hard for not making any moves as they are viewed as one of the top contenders in the NFL right now, but there were some hypothetical trades and moves out there that could have added a key contributor to the roster.
There is always the cap situation that comes into play and is a little bit of a crutch that front office member Stephen Jones likes to fall on a bit too much. The cap is more of a guideline and closer to a myth than it is something that really exists. If teams want a guy, simply put, they will get him. They can maneuver signing bonuses, deferred money, etc. in order to get the guy they want. Don’t fall for the cap space fallacy front offices tell fans.
That said, there are a handful of players that stayed put during the NFL trade deadline that would have made a lot of sense for the ‘Boys to pursue. There is one move still out there that America’s Team could make and there is more than one reason it makes sense which we will discuss at the end.
5 trades the Cowboys were foolish to not make before the deadline
5. D.J. Moore, WR, Carolina Panthers
Hypothetical trade package: Cowboys receive D.J. Moore and a 5th-round pick; Panthers receive a 2nd-round pick and 3rd-round pick
D.J. Moore would have made sense for a few reasons here. One was the end of the Panthers game last weekend. While Moore did reel in the Hail Mary from P.J. Walker to tie the game, he promptly took his helmet off during the celebration and was flagged 15 yards. The extra point was missed and the Panthers lost in overtime.
Moore is a talent that could have been moved by the Panthers as they look to enter another rebuild and coaching search this offseason. It would have taken two picks at least as the market was reset by Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool being traded to the Bears for a second-round pick.
4. Cedrick Wilson, WR, Miami Dolphins
Hypothetical trade package: Cowboys receive Cedrick Wilson Jr.; Dolphins receive a 4th-round draft pick
Cedrick Wilson Jr. returning to Dallas would have been a great move to give Dak Prescott a familiar face he enjoys throwing to. Ultimately, it didn’t happen and that’s likely due to Wilson’s contract, the same reason the Cowboys let him walk this past offseason.
Where this does make sense is the Dolphins having Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle eating up targets with tight end Mike Gesicki there as well. There simply isn’t a spot for Wilson in their offense. He has just four receptions for 40 yards on the season. With Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb back to full speed, Wilson would have been an instant plug-and-play third receiver, a spot the Cowboys are still trying to fill.
3. Elijah Moore, WR, New York Jets
Hypothetical trade package: Cowboys receive Elijah Moore; Jets receive a 3rd-round pick and 5th-round pick
Elijah Moore’s unhappiness with the Jets‘ offense, his usage, and other gripes have been well-documented by the New York media. The twitchy slot receiver has been very outward with his dismay.
Elijah Moore on his chemistry with #Jets QB Zach Wilson: “I don’t get the ball. I don’t know.”
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 30, 2022
On the year, he has just 16 receptions for 203 yards after a 2021 season that saw him have a strong rookie output of 77 receptions and five trips to the end zone. His unique skillset is different than that of Lamb and Gallup and would have provided the Cowboys with a true slot receiver presence.
2. Brandin Cooks, WR, Houston Texans
Hypothetical trade package: Cowboys get Brandin Cooks and a 3rd-round pick; Texans get a 1st-round pick and take a chunk of Cooks’ cap hit in 2022
Brandin Cooks is just 29 years old and has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving six times in his career. Yet, he has somehow been traded three times already. Wherever he goes, he produces. With the Texans and Davis Mills last year, he put up 1,037 yards. This trade just about did happen but Jerry Jones and the Texans couldn’t seem to agree on the numbers.
Two sources directly involved tell me #Cowboys and #Texans discussed a potential trade involving WR Brandin Cooks until the final minutes before the NFL trade deadline expired. Draft pick compensation and the $18M guaranteed salary for Cooks in 2023 could not be resolved in time
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) November 1, 2022
The reason the Cowboys did not pursue him is the contract he carries. Cooks cashed in on the booming receiver market when he signed an extension guaranteeing him $36 million over the next two years.
Jerry Jones and the front office didn’t want to eat that hefty contract. Any realistic would have had to make the Texans take on part of the cap hit, hence the first-round pick it would take to convince them of that.
1. Odell Beckham Jr., WR
Hypothetical contract: one year, $6.5 million fully guaranteed
Let Odell Beckham get healthy. Let him get into game shape. Sign him for the stretch run down the final few games of the regular season and into the playoffs. He has been linked to the Cowboys more than a few times and the move makes sense.
Beckham is estimated to be worth roughly $13 million per year. If the Cowboys sign him for just half a year, they can each win here. The Cowboys only pay half that salary, but to show Beckham they are serious, they fully guarantee it to convince him. Jerry was quiet during the deadline, but it’s possible that all of this was to ensure that OBJ puts a star on his helmet. If this deal happens, it could be worth the quiet trade deadline after all.
Dallas Cowboys release DT Trysten Hill minutes after trade deadline
Minutes after no moves were made at the trade deadline, the Cowboys decided to release DT Trysten Hill. Trying to use him in a trade proved unsuccessful.