Cowboys just lost perfect trade deadline target after major NFL injury

The Dallas Cowboys historically have not been involved in the trade deadline sweepstakes. Not since October of 2018 has Dallas made a nation-sweeping move before the deadline. That, of course, is when they sent a first-round pick to the Raiders for Amari Cooper.

After the Cooper blockbuster, the Cowboys' most recent deadline move was in 2022 when they acquired veteran nose tackle Johnathan Hankins and a 2023 seventh-round pick from the Raiders for a 2023 sixth-round pick.

It's very rare that Dallas is active before the trade deadline, but they have a variety of roster warts that could become more problematic as we get deeper into the weeds of the season.

Everyone points to running back, nose tackle and wide receiver as areas of need, but the defensive end position has been ransacked by injuries. While a move for disgruntled Jets star Haason Reddick has all but been ruled out by insiders, the other team that calls New York home has an ideal target for Dallas.

Well, had an ideal target for Dallas.

Kayvon Thibodeaux injury takes Azeez Ojulari trade off the table for the Cowboys

Giants standout pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeux suffered a wrist injury in the team's upset win over the Seahawks in Week 5. It has been reported that Thibodeaux had surgery to repair a fractured scaphoid bone. The former No. 5 overall pick is considered week-to-week.

While Thibodeux avoided a long-term injury, the Giants now can't afford to trade Azeez Ojulari, who had been the subject of trade speculation amid a diminished role in New York's defense under coordinator Shane Bowen. An Ojulari trade is likely off the table now.

Ojulari has yet to top 30 defensive snaps in a game this season, but he is next in line behind Thibodeaux to start opposite two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns.

A second-round pick in 2020, Ojulari's career has been hampered by injuries. However, he has 17 sacks in 40 career games. That is nothing to sneeze at. With the way he's played of late, Giants fans are even bullish on him replacing Thibodeaux in the starting lineup.

Micah Parsons is expected back no later than Week 8 and DeMarcus Lawrence and Marshawn Kneeland are eligible to return after four games on IR. While Chauncey Golston, Carl Lawson and Tyrus Wheat all played inspired football in Week 5, it's unrealistic that they maintain that pace. Not to mention, the Steelers were missing three starters on their offensive.

Reinforcements are on the way, but Ojulari would have made for a low-cost one-year rental to strengthen a lackluster pass rush. If the Cowboys are looking outside the organization for pass rush help, they can cross Ojulari off their list in light of Thibodeaux's injury.

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