3 players the Cowboys could include in blockbuster trade

The entire complexion of the Dallas Cowboys’ offseason changed Tuesday. Little did fans know that re-signing Donovan Wilson to a three-year deal would mark the start of a memorable Day 2 of the legal tampering period.

In the late afternoon, the Cowboys got busy. First, they sent shockwaves around the NFL by trading for cornerback Stephon Gilmore. All it took was a 2023 fifth-round compensatory pick to nab Gilmore from the Colts.

Less than an hour after that deal was reported, Dallas re-signed Leighton Vander Esch to a two-year deal worth $11 million. In one fell swoop, they retained their two most important free agents, and plugged a massive hole in the secondary by acquiring a CB2 to pair with star Trevon Diggs.

What about the other side of the ball, now? The offense needs another receiver, and DeAndre Hopkins, Brandin Cooks, and Jerry Jeudy are just some of the names rumored to be available for trade.

In fact, Broncos insider Benjamin Allbright of KOA Colorado shared Thursday that Dallas is one of three teams (Patriots and Browns are the others) that have inquired about Jeudy. Allbright added Denver is seeking either a first-round pick, or a high second-round pick.

The Cowboys have more than enough draft capital to secure a trade, but what if a team wants a player in return to sweeten the pot? Well, Dallas has plenty of those, too. Let’s highlight some of them, shall we?

3 players Cowboys could trade in potential blockbuster trade

3. Israel Muakuamu, DB

This would be a tough pill to swallow about Cowboys fans, as there’s legitimate excitement about Muakuamu’s future after his finish to 2022.

There were two huge X-factors on Dan Quinn’s defense last season: DaRon Bland’s turnover creation and insertion in the starting lineup, and Mukuamu’s performance in Dallas win over the Buccaneers in the Wild Card round.

Drafted as a safety in the sixth round of the 2021 draft, Mukuamu was thrust into the starting lineup as the nickel corner. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed two catches for 16 yards on five targets. Tom Brady had a 48.8 passer rating when throwing into his coverage. He hadn’t played more than 10 snaps on defense in a game since Week 8.

Mukuamu’s arrow is pointing up, and he could be in for a bigger role in Year 3 depending on what happens with the cornerback and safety rooms (Anthony Brown is a free agent). Trading him when he could finally breakout would sting, but the return a star player would provide makes it palatable.

Teams would be nuts not to invest in Mukuamu’s potential.