Dallas Cowboys fans did not set high expectations for the NFL trade deadline. Not after the team traded for Jonathan Mingo before last year's deadline, and certainly not after it traded away arguably the most talented pass rusher in franchise history right before the season.
It's not like Jerry Jones to make the most out of a bad situation -- albeit one that he created -- but he did just that by acquiring Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson before sending the NFL universe into a frenzy by netting Jets Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.
These moves were clearly made with an eye on 2026 and beyond, but they make the rest of this season interesting even as Dallas sits at 3-5-1. If Jones actually wants to make a run at the playoffs, he should think about signing cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., who's finally cleared to play after spinal fusion surgery.
Cowboys should consider signing Asante Samuel Jr. to help defense
Interest in Samuel is already rampant. The former second-round pick of the Chargers already has visits lined up with the Panthers, Packers, Vikings, 49ers, Bears, and Steelers. He is clearly being diligent about where to sign. What's the harm in Dallas throwing its hat into the ring?
At this rate, it would not be a surprise if Trevon Diggs, currently on injured reserve due to a concussion and knee injury, has played his last game for the Cowboys.
While third-round pick Shavon Revel Jr. is expected to make his return in Week 11 against the Raiders, he'll likely be on a snap count. Second-year man Caelen Carson made his season debut against the Cardinals, but he can't be relied on.
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At the end of the day, Dallas is still playing Kaiir Elam and Trikweze Bridges too many snaps. Both players arguably don't belong on an active NFL roster, and yet, Elam played 41 snaps against the Cardinals. Bridges only saw seven snaps, but that Matt Eberflus has to play him at all is a major problem.
Odds are the Cowboys will ride out the season with their current CBs, but adding Samuel could send one of Bridges or Elam to the bench permanently.
With an improved front thanks to the additions of Williams and Wilson, a CB rotation of DaRon Bland, Revel, Reddy Steward, Samuel, and Carson could give Dallas a chance to make some noise in the second half of the year.
It's worth a try in light of Tuesday's splash.