Dallas Cowboys fans' trade antennas are up after the team's introductory press conference from Oxnard ahead of the first training camp practice on Wednesday.
Long story short, Jerry Jones stated that the Cowboys never lost interest in a Maxx Crosby trade. That doesn't mean Jones has been in touch with Raiders owner Mark Davis, but Jones did reveal he discussed a "substantive" trade with another team as recently as Monday.
Talk about setting the stage for training camp. It goes without saying that a "substantive" trade will have consequences for the 53-man roster. Crosby makes a ton of sense for this team, but he's not the only edge rusher the Cowboys could trade for. Let's break it down in this 53-man roster prediction.
Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster prediction includes a trade for Josh Sweat
Quarterback (2): Dak Prescott, Sam Howell
Despite a few bumps and bruises, Dak Prescott had a clean bill of health last season, marking the second time in three years that he's played all 17 regular-season games. Having said that, he's missed at least one game due to injury in four of the last six seasons, underscoring the importance of having a capable backup behind him.
Unfortunately, Joe Milton cannot be trusted to run the offense if Prescott were to miss time. Last preseason was a difficult watch with Milton under center. His inaccuracy made it nearly impossible to properly evaluate the rest of the offense, particularly the wide receivers, because he simply couldn't get them the ball consistently.
For that reason, Sam Howell gets the nod. He's hardly a top-tier backup, but he's got more command of the QB position and experience running an NFL offense.
Running back (4): Javonte Williams, Hunter Luepke, Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah
Keeping four RBs may seem like a lot, but Hunter Luepke is a positionless player, often lining up as an extra blocker on top of being a core special-teams player. He could become expendable, though, if another run blocker emerges in camp; looking at you, Brevyn Spann-Ford.
Our outlook could change a week into camp, but for now, Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah make the roster as Javonte Williams' primary backups. That doesn't mean they'll both be active on game days, but each offers something unique that warrants a spot on the team.
In this prediction, veteran Malik Davis signs back to the practice squad as insurance if Blue and Mafah slip up. He exceeded expectations in the RB2 role last season and can wear multiple hats on special teams. The Cowboys are betting on their young backs here, but Davis is a trusted vet they'll have on speed dial.
Wide receiver (5): CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, Traeshon Holden
The first four are locks.
CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are looking to cement their case as the league's premier WR duo, while Ryan Flournoy has been widely circled as a breakout player after solidifying himself as the WR3 last season. Meanwhile, Turpin is the team's primary return specialist and is fresh off averaging15.2 yards per catch while posting a 112.0 passer rating when targeted, per PFF.
Elsewhere, you can't be surprised to not see Jonathan Mingo's name. A groin injury sidelined him in minicamp, so he enters camp with zero wind in his sails. That opens the door even more for Traeshon Holden, who's arguably the most talented playmaker of the Cowboys' depth receivers.
If Holden performs like he did last summer and shows he can be trusted on special teams, that should be enough to make the 53. That said, don't discount rookie Anthony Smith, vet Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and UDFA Jordan Hudson.
Tight end (4): Jake Ferguson, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Luke Schoonmaker, Michael Trigg
By only carrying two QBs, we have enough flexibility to keep an extra tight end. That spot is awarded to undrafted free agent Michael Trigg, who arguably has the highest pass-catching ceiling of any TE on the roster.
As talented as Trigg is, we're hard-pressed to envision him giving Dallas enough reason to part with Luke Schoonmaker, the team's second-round pick in 2023.
Entering a contract year, this is likely Schoonmaker's last rodeo with America's Team. However, his value on special teams and as a run blocker gives him a clear edge over Trigg, who must improve in both areas if he wants to see the field as a rookie.
Similar to Ryan Flournoy, there is a groundswell of belief that Brevyn Spann-Ford could break out this year. Keep an eye on his role in Oxnard.
Offensive line (10): Tyler Smith, Tyler Booker, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Guyton, Terence Steele, T.J. Bass, Nate Thomas, Drew Shelton, Trevor Keegan, Ajani Cornelius
The Cowboys may choose to keep 10 offensive linemen after losing backup center Matt Hennessy to a season-ending neck injury. It'd normally be a stretch to say that the first eight spots are locked in, but Thomas and Shelton are Guyton's primary competition at left tackle.
Keegan appeared in just two games last season, but Hennessy's injury bumps him up one spot in the pecking order. That may be enough to make the roster, provided he holds up his end of the bargain in camp.
Interior defensive line (5): Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Otito Ogbonnia, LT Overton, Jonathan Bullard
Arguably the most talented and deepest position on the roster. Somehow, it gets overlooked that Quinnen Williams is on this team. It's easy to take greatness for granted, and Williams' time on the Jets may have dulled the perception of just how dominant he is. He's got Defensive Player of the Year upside. A full season playing next to Kenny Clark could help unlock that.
Otito Ogbonnia was one of Dallas' first signings of free agency. The 25-year-old can play 4i in base defense and slide inside to 2i or 3-technique in nickel packages, giving Christian Parker the flexibility to move him around in the personnel grouping he'll likely use most.
Jonathan Bullard's role isn't as clear, but his ability to play the run give him the nod over 2025 seventh-round pick Jay Toia, who's the most notable omission.
Outside linebacker (6): Rashan Gary, Josh Sweat, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Malachi Lawrence, James Houston, Sam Williams
Projected trade with Cardinals for EDGE Josh Sweat
Jerry Jones' Maxx Crosby nugget has everyone in a chokehold, but it's important to remember that the Cowboys had a very competitive offer for the five-time Pro Bowler turned down by the Raiders. Dallas reportedly offered a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and additional compensation.
Even if Las Vegas has reduced its demands, Sweat would still come cheaper. He reported to training camp amid perceived frustration that Arizona fired head coach Jonathan Gannon, who was a driving force behind his decision to sign with the Cardinals last offseason.
Naturally, trade speculation ensued. Nothing materialized, but Arizona's expectations haven't changed. They don't intend to compete this season. Trading Sweat for another pick in a stacked 2027 draft has to be on the table, and the Cowboys are a logical landing spot.
Not only did Sweat cross paths wth Christian Parker in Philadelphia, but he was teammates with Jalen Thompson for a season in Arizona, and he's familiar with Cowboys' new secondary coach, Ryan Smith, who previously served as the Cardinals' cornerbacks coach.
With 102 pressures, 20 sacks, and 47 defensive stops over the last two seasons (via PFF), Sweat is exactly what the Cowboys need coming off the edge. He'd take pressure off Rashan Gary as the primary pass rusher while giving Dallas another reliable two-way defender.
Is Crosby better? Sure, but Sweat's been the best defensive player in a Super Bowl, and he's the more realistic acquisition.
Linebacker (5): DeMarvion Overshown, Dee Winters, Shemar James, Jaishawn Barham, Curtis Robinson
Another position that feels pretty straightforward. DeMarvion Overshown and Dee Winters are your projected starters, while Shemar James enters his second season fresh off starting six games and recording 91 tackles (40 solo) as a rookie.
Fellow second-year man Justin Barron is still hanging around and could challenge Robinson for the final spot, though Robinson's experience and special teams versatility will carry significant weight.
Rookie Jaishawn Barham is the X-factor. He's moving back to off-ball linebacker after playing nearly exclusively as an edge rusher at Michigan last season. You'd feel SO much better about this group if Barham carved out an early role.
Cornerback (6): DaRon Bland, Caleb Downs, Cobie Durant, Shavon Revel, Caelen Carson, Devin Moore
A "safety" at Alabama and Ohio State, Caleb Downs is expected to start in the nickel for Christian Parker, meaning he belongs with the cornerbacks.
This room is full of wild cards, but none bigger than Shavon Revel Jr., who finally has a clean bill of health after an injury-riddled rookie year ... and a defensive coordinator who recognizes the importance of putting players in positions to succeed.
Injuries have stalled Caelen Carson's development, but he impressed in OTAs and minicamp. He gets the edge for now, but sleep on Derion Kendrick, Reddy Steward, or Zion Childress.
Safety (4): Malik Hooker, Jalen Thompson, P.J. Locke, Markquese Bell
Jalen Thompson is going to have a massive impact on this secondary. He has a chance to go down as one of the best free-agent signings in the NFL this offseason. His athleticism and versatility should unlock the best version of Malik Hooker, while giving Dallas one of the league's more complete safety duos.
Behind them, P.J. Locke brings valuable depth after serving as a trusted role player on one of the NFL's top defenses with the Broncos over the last two seasons.
The Cowboys could justify keeping three safeties -- understanding that Caleb Downs will be moved around -- but Markquese Bell is one of the best special teams players on the roster, and his role should only grow following the retirement of C.J. Goodwin.
It also doesn't hurt that Bell is guaranteed $1.5 million this season.
Special teams (2): Brandon Aubrey, Bryan Anger
Before you freak out about us cutting long-snapper Trent Sieg, it's merely strategic. The Cowboys are hardly the only team that plays roster gymnastics during the final cutdown.
How many times over the years did Dallas and the aforementioned C.J. Goodwin have a handshake agreement that he'd be back shortly after getting released? Sieg doesn't make our initial 53, but his place on the team is secure.
Meanwhile, Brandon Aubrey will look to break more records, and he'll be kicking without the pressure of needing a new contract after signing a four-year, $28 million extension with Dallas. This could be Aubrey's best season yet, though Cowboys fans will hope the team doesn't have to use the All-Pro kicker as much as it did last season.
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