The Dallas Cowboys are 3-4, and they're not a particularly good 3-4 team right now. With Dak Prescott, who is normally capable of papering over many of the cracks on Dallas' roster, struggling right now, the Cowboys are in danger of sinking to the bottom of the proverbial ocean this season.
The Cowboys are always going to be buyers on the trade market, as Jerry Jones is not the type of guy who turns down the chance to add premium talent at a fairly cheap price. Though there are just two wins seperating division leaders from teams with top-five picks, the market could still be very active.
The needs are very clear for Dallas. The running game remains putrid, the receivers outside of CeeDee Lamb remain pitiful, and the pass rush is missing so much sting after injuries ravaged the defensive line. The Cowboys need a major infusion of proven talent, not rookies getting their feet wet.
These three trades are needed in the worst way possible. If Jones sits on his hands like he did in the offseason and watches these targets fly off the market, Cowboys fans better start loading up the mock draft machines and look forward to next year.
3 emergency trades the Cowboys need to make before the season slips away
3. RB Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears
The Bears seem to have finally gotten D'Andre Swift on track after a nightmarish start, and Roschon Johnson seems to have some use as a short-yardage plowhorse. Herbert, who led all Bears running backs in rushing during the last two years, could be had on the trade market.
Herbert may not necessarily be a game-changing running back, but he is a proven power back with a good deal of big-play potential. With more speed than Ezekiel Elliott, more pedigree than Rico Dowdle, and no "washed" tag like Dalvin Cook has, Herbert could be had for a Day 3 pick if Jones wants to go down that road.
2. EDGE Za'Darius Smith, Cleveland Browns
The Browns may have picked up a win with Jameis Winston at quarterback, but this team is still very much a rebuilding squad that could benefit from some extra capital. Smith is still productive at getting to the quarterback, even as some of his other defensive end skills have started to flake away.
Dallas has a few individually excellent defensive players, but the collective talent, especially up front, has been lacking. Smith still has some very solid pass rush skills, and he's on pace for another season with double-digit sacks. In Dallas, he'd be a gigantic upgrade over players like Carl Lawson.
1. WR Mike Williams, New York Jets
While the Jets might be a bit hesitant to move their backup wide receiver, New York might get better trade offers for Williams after an injury to Christian Kirk depleted what was left of the wide receivers on the trade market. Even with his struggles in 2024, Williams is a quality vertical threat with the ball in his hands.
Dallas lacks that physical outside receiver to the point where Dak has been forced to try KaVontae Turpin go-balls with the game on the line. Williams is beat up and not the player he was with the Chargers, but moving to a friendlier offensive scheme could be what Dallas needs to right the ship.