3 players on expiring contracts the Cowboys should trade (and 2 they shouldn't)
By Randy Gurzi
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Cowboys should trade Dante Fowler, Jr.
Another former first-round pick, Dante Fowler, Jr. signed with the Dallas Cowboys last year following Randy Gregory's decision to head to the Denver Broncos. Dan Quinn wanted a rotational pass rusher and the two were briefly together with the Atlanta Falcons.
Their reunion was a success with Fowler appearing in all 17 games and finishing with six sacks despite not recording a start. He then hit the open market but returned on another one-year deal to fill the same role.
However, he hasn't been as effective this year. After six games, Fowler has just four tackles with a single sack — although that one did turn into a defensive touchdown when Leighton Vander Esch scooped it up and ran it back against New England.
Leighton Vander Esch Scoop And Score off the Dante Fowler strip sackpic.twitter.com/jlu76vIwCd
— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) October 1, 2023
This year, Fowler's snap count is down slightly as Quinn has been working in several defensive ends. They're also using Micah Parsons on the edge with higher frequency as well.
Fowler can still bring the heat despite his usage this season and that could lead to someone who is in need of a pass rush giving Dallas a call. In normal circumstances, teams that want to make a run shouldn't trade off such players but the Cowboys can afford to make a move.
Not only do they have talented starters ahead of Fowler but there's also second-year player Sam Williams, who has always performed well when given a shot. Perhaps it would be a good move to add draft capital in exchange for Fowler while also giving Williams more time to develop.