Cowboys have perfect backup WR trade option after Davante Adams dream crumbles

It is no secret that the Dallas Cowboys need more help at wide receiver. Fortunately, there figures to be multiple players at the position available before the trade deadline. Raiders star Davante Adams has requested a trade amid frustration with the team's direction and an apparent falling out with head coach Antonio Pierce.

The Cowboys were initially reported as one of the teams that "checked in" on Adams, but it has since been disclosed by various team insiders that Dallas is, in fact, not interested in Adams due to his salary and the projected trade cost.

Even though Adams would transcend the offense, the team has pulled out the familiar excuses to justify its lack of interest in the three-time All-Pro.

NFL Network insider Jane Slater was told directly by a team source that they "don't have the money" and that the team values its 2025 draft capital more than most years because of all the money it has tied to current extensions and set aside for future deals. Micah Parsons, Tyler Smith, DaRon Bland and Jake Ferguson are next in line to get paid.

While the Jets and other teams aggressively pursue Adams, the Cowboys do have an attractive fallback option if Jerry Jones and Co. are willing to step up to the plate.

Cowboys can trade for Panthers WR Diontae Johnson after Davante Adams dream hits dead end

With the Carolina Panthers 1-3 and headed for another last-place finish in the NFC South, Diontae Johnson has found himself at the center of trade speculation. ESPN insider Adam Schefter appeared on the Pat McAfee Show this week and circled Johnson as a potential trade candidate.

"Diontae Johnson is in the last year of his contract," said Schefter. "He's going to be leaving Carolina after this year anyway. If they [the Panthers] lose a few more games, why would you not be open to the idea of moving him if you got the right offer before the deadline?"

Panthers head coach Dave Canales downplayed the idea of trading Johnson, but that is typical coachspeak. Johnson is Carolina's top playmaker. He hasn't requested a trade. Obviously Canales doesn't want to lose him.

Should Johnson become available, though, the Cowboys should be the first team on the phone. The 2021 Pro Bowler is prone to the occasional drop, he is one of the cleanest route runners in the league. He's produced in his career both as a WR1 and a secondary option.

From 2020 to 2022, Johnson averaged 93.6 catches for 987 yards and five touchdowns per season. Even despite missing four games and in spite of horrendous QB play, Johnson posted 51 catches for 717 yards and five touchdowns last season. He also had a 100.8 passer rating when targeted.

Johnson plays primarily on the outside, but he can check inside. Mike McCarthy can use CeeDee Lamb in the slot to create free releases for Johnson on the outside. The two receivers would complement each other perfectly.

Johnson being on an affordable and expiring contract will make his price tag palatable for Dallas' penny-pinching front office. If the Panthers want to cash in on the 28-year-old before he reaches free agency, the Cowboys should give them a ring and offer a third- or fourth-round pick.

It wouldn't fix the run game, but it would make Dak Prescott's life markedly easier.

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