If every cornerback on the Dallas Cowboys' roster right now were healthy, one could argue that America's Team could have one of the top groups in the league at the position, even with nickel specialist Jourdan Lewis out of the picture after joining the Jacksonville Jaguars.
But it's no secret that Dallas simply can't say they've got an overall healthy room in that regard heading into training camp.
As such, when offering up suggestions on a trade every NFL team should make before the start of the season, Bleacher Report's Matt Holder believes Dallas should attempt to bring in a veteran corner.
"The Cowboys have some uncertainty at cornerback heading into training camp with Trevon Diggs and rookie Shavon Revel Jr. coming off torn ACLs from last season," Holder wrote.
"While the addition of Kaiir Elam can help, he struggled to see the field in Buffalo last season. So, Dallas should explore the idea of trading for a veteran cornerback with starting experience to help bridge the gap until Diggs is ready to return. Or, it could add a nickelback to replace Jourdan Lewis, who signed with the Jaguars in free agency."
Holder fails to offer up any specific targets, but he certainly makes some valid points. That said, though, the Cowboys might be better off looking at some available free agents instead of looking for a trade partner.
The Cowboys have cornerback options at their disposal
Let's have a look at what Dallas is dealing with right now.
For starters, of course, two-time Pro Bowler Trevon Diggs, who earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2021 after recording an NFL-best 11 interceptions, has missed considerable time over the past two years with knee injuries, appearing in just two games in 2023 and sitting out six a season ago.
While the soon-to-be 27-year-old is hoping to suit up to start the regular season, there's no guarantee that he'll be on the field for the Cowboys' Week 1 matchup against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles.
The status of DaRon Bland is a bit better, but the 2023 league leader in picks missed the first 10 games last year after suffering a stress fracture to his left foot during training camp. The Cowboys did the best they could with what they had in his absence, but it clearly wasn't enough.
Dallas did address the position some during the offseason, making a trade with the Buffalo Bills for 2022 first-round pick Kaiir Elam and taking East Carolina standout Shavon Revel Jr. in the third round of this year's draft.
But it's hard to know what to expect from those two. Elam certainly hasn't lived up to his draft status, and Revel, as Holder mentioned, is coming off a torn ACL. But hopes are high for this duo, at least higher than what most are expecting out of the likes of current perimeter backups Caelen Carson, Josh Butler, C.J. Goodwin, and Andrew Booth Jr.
The depth chart at the slot is decent with Israel Mukuamu and Kemon Hall currently holding down the top two spots, but an upgrade there would certainly be welcomed by most fans.
As mentioned, the trading block at the position isn't the greatest right now, but the Cowboys undoubtedly have options in free agency.
Many are clamoring for a reunion with Stephon Gilmore, who had a solid 2023 campaign in Dallas as a fill-in for Diggs and played well last season with the Minnesota Vikings. So, the 34-year-old certainly has to be considered. Rasul Douglas, Kendall Fuller, and James Bradberry could be options as well, although Bradberry would be a big risk, seeing as how he missed all of last season with a torn Achilles.
The best option at the slot corner is easily Mike Hilton, who's been one of the most consistent players at his position during his eight-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals.
The Cowboys' front office obviously has a lot going on right now with the ongoing Micah Parsons saga, but a little time could be spared to add a little depth at cornerback.