NFL insider rules out blockbuster Cowboys trade in light of injury crisis

Not only did the Dallas Cowboys squeak by the lowly New York Giants on Thursday, but the outlook for the 2024 season looks shady following the injuries to star defenders Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.

Cowboys fans should never apologize for a win, especially one of the gritty variety on a short week, on the road and in rainy conditions.

Having said that, is it hard to have a glass-half-full mindset now that Parsons and Lawrence could miss extended time with their ankle and foot injuries, respectively. While Parsons is considered week-to-week and will push to return before the Week 7 bye, the Cowboys will likely place Lawrence on injured reserve in the coming days, which could knock him out a minimum of four games.

The Cowboys have liked what they've seen from rookie Marshawn Kneeland and Chauncey Golston offers upside as a run defender off the edge, but Mike Zimmer needs more than that. A lot more. A trade for an impact player would move mountains, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler all but ruled out a deal for the most talented (and polarizing) player that could be available before the deadline.

NFL rumors: Cowboys will not pursue trade for DE Haason Reddick

"The Cowboys are looking at external options at pass rusher with Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence going down, but they will start in-house," Fowler writes. "They are hopeful Parsons will be back sooner rather than later. A source called him "week-to-week," and he will be pushing to get back before the Week 7 bye. Lawrence's absence is more open-ended, but it's not a season-ender. This is a big stretch for rookie Marshawn Kneeland, on whom the Cowboys are high. (As for external candidates, I'm told Haason Reddick of the Jets isn't a viable option via trade due to cost.)"

Cowboys fans might scoff at this, but not going after Reddick is the right move. That's not to say there are better options available for trade, but he is not worth the baggage.

A Pro Bowler in each of the last two seasons with the Eagles, Reddick still has not reported to the Jets as he seeks a new contract. He missed his fourth consecutive game on Sunday and has now left over $9 million on the table between forfeited salary and bonuses and fines.

It's become increasingly likely that the Jets will shop Reddick leading up to the deadline. A recent report noted that Reddick would be open to the idea of returning to the Eagles.

While his relationship with New York is seemingly fractured beyond repair, what would stop him from pulling a similar stunt with whichever team trades for him? He's been steadfast with his desire for $25 million per year. Only three players have more sacks than Reddick's 50.5 since the 2020 season, but he is asking for Myles Garrett money at age 30.

Despite that production, PFF ranked Reddick as the No. 18 edge rusher in its preseason position rankings. That is nothing to sneeze at given how many impactful EDGEs reside in the league, but there's a reason teams aren't chomping at the bit to trade for him.

While the idea of adding a double-digit sack machine to a depleted defensive end room is hypnotizing, the negatives far outweigh the positives. Not only did he cost the Jets a conditional third-round pick, but he wants a contract that the Cowboys can't give him. To top it all of, he clearly isn't the kind of character this team needs right now.

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