In keeping with their usual tradition, the Dallas Cowboys chose not to be big spenders on the first day of free agency.
Handing out a three-year deal to Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson was the big move that Jerry Jones decided to finalize in the first few hours. The team made a pair of depth signings on Day 2 in safety P.J. Locke and nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia.
Considering that many of the rumors percolating in the mill lately suggest that Dallas is more interested in improving their roster via trades than any other avenue. After many teams brought in some impactful starters in free agency, some incumbents could be kicked to the curb.
After all, Maxx Crosby is somehow back on the trade market after the Baltimore Ravens shockingly backed out of their blockbuster trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. A Crosby trade is reportedly still on the table for Dallas, but here are some names who can be had for a similar price to what they paid for Rashan Gary.
5 Dallas Cowboys trade targets after quiet start to 2026 free agency
5. LB Pete Werner, New Orleans Saints
The loss of Demario Davis could lead to the Saints utterly immolating their linebacker room, and Werner could be thrown out of town after seeing his playing time start to dip ever so slightly. Werner is a bit of a dice roll, but he's certainly going to be less expensive than someone like Patrick Queen.
4. CB Riley Moss, Denver Broncos
Moss has been up-and-down in Denver, but his performance is generally better than the raw statistics would indicate. With first-round pick Jahdae Barron knocking at the door, Denver might offload Moss to a Dallas team that is still trying to assemble a cornerback room that is worth a damn.
3. LB Jamien Sherwood, New York Jets
The signing of Davis and the deluge of quality inside linebacker prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft could lead to the Jets cutting ties with Sherwood after a disappointing season. In the right scheme, which defensive coordinator Christian Parker might be able to provide, Sherwood could get back on track.
2. EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants
Thibodeaux managed to avoid a trade for one year after the Abdul Carter selection, but the Giants may not keep him around in a limited role for much longer. The Cowboys' Maxx Crosby pursuit suggests they want to make a meaningful upgrade to their edge room, and Thibodeaux can provide that for a fraction of the cost.
1. RB Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
The Javonte Williams contract pays him handsomely, but it doesn't block Dallas from possibly adding someone who could be a much better pass-catching back. The Travis Etienne signing is likely going to bring about the end for Kamara in New Orleans, and Dallas could give him a fairly solid workload for a running back his age.