Grade the Trade: Proposed deal has Cowboys going all-in for star WR

The large majority of Dallas Cowboys fans never believed that Jerry Jones would fulfill his "all-in" promise. However, the fact the 2023 season ended with a blowout home playoff loss to the No. 6 seed Packers prompted some to think that Jones would push all of his chips to the middle of the table.

Alas, the Cowboys have spent the least money of any team in the NFL. They've attributed that to the salary cap and contract extensions for Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons. Of course, that wouldn't be an issue had they been proactive with those deals, but Cowboys fans are way past the point of trying to make sense of the Joneses' line of thinking.

While the Cowboys are welcoming a strong 2024 draft class to the fold and made some savvy low-profile moves in free agency, it doesn't take a brain surgeon to realize that this roster could use a spark-plug on offense.

In a recent article, Bleacher Report writer Gary Davenport proposed some "shocking" trades that could impact the playoff race in both conferences. Davenport views Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton as a potential Cowboys target.

Broncos WR Courtland Sutton makes sense as a Cowboys trade target

Sutton alone would be a great addition. However, we can't help but balk at Davenport's proposed package. While Sutton would be a game-changer for the offense, a conditional day two pick (a second- or third-round pick) and a fifth-rounder is an expensive price to pay for a WR that's only crossed the 1,000-yard threshold once in six seasons.

Sutton isn't a possession receiver by any means, but the Bills got less for Stefon Diggs, who's made four straight Pro Bowls and has more than double Sutton's receiving yards and catches since the 2020 season. Diggs went for a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. As long as the Cowboys can negotiate better terms, Sutton would make a ton of sense.

On paper, Lamb, Brandin Cooks and Jake Ferguson form a formidable trio of pass-patchers for Prescott. Behind them, though, Dallas has a jumble of unproven commodities in Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks and Ryan Flournoy. Their backfield is nothing to write home about either.

Sutton has been outspoken about wanting a new contract (and to remain in Denver), but the team hasn't made him a compelling offer. The Brenham, TX native has two years and $26.5 million remaining on his current deal.

After leading the Broncos in receiving last season and finishing fourth in the league with 10 touchdown catches, Sutton wants around $15 million per year on his new contract, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. If Sutton is willing to wait until next March to sign, the Cowboys could make the money work and they'll have extra incentive to do so being that Cooks will be hitting free agency.

Assuming they could lower the price, Dallas should absolutely inquire about Sutton, whether it be before the season or the 2024 trade deadline.

Grade (at proposed price): B-

Grade (at lowered price): A

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