Dream Cowboys trade target might be too expensive after dazzling Week 7 performance

The bye week came at a perfect time for the Dallas Cowboys. With the NFL trade deadline approaching, the Cowboys got to take in the Week 7 slate and evaluate potential trade targets and which teams have needs that would allow Dallas to sell off some expendable pieces in exchange for draft capital.

It's obviously more likely that the Cowboys buy at the deadline then sell. It's perhaps even more realistic that they stand pat and don't make any notable moves. But to dismiss bolstering an already-stacked roster would be franchise malpractice.

With that, folks have identified defensive tackle, linebacker, wide receiver (albeit slightly) and cornerback as areas that could be improved.

Most fans would welcome a trade for a CB after Trevon Diggs' season-ending injury. There's numerous CBs reportedly for sale, but Bears starter Jaylon Johnson is someone who makes a lot of sense for the Cowboys.

Unfortunately, Johnson's price tag might've skyrocketed after his two-interception performance against the Raiders on Sunday.

Cowboys Rumors: Trade target Jaylon Johnson showed out for the Bears in Week 7

Johnson would be a fantastic get for the Cowboys. A second-round pick out of Utah in 2020, Johnson ranks among PFF's highest-graded cornerbacks this season. His 85.5 player grade is second at the position and his 88.1 coverage grade is first out of 115 qualified corners.

For context, Johnson's 43.5% completion rate allowed ranks second among CBs who've logged at least 150 coverage snaps, per PFF (subscription required). Additionally, he's first with a 22.3 passer rating allowed and his 111 receiving yards allowed are the fewest at the position. He also hasn't missed a tackle in coverage.

The only knock on Johnson's career thus far has been injuries. He's started 44 of a possible 57 games in three-plus seasons. He've never missed more than five games, but played less than 660 snaps last season.

Johnson's inability to log a full season could deter potential buyers, but his production and linear progression makes him arguably the top CB on the market. The Bears can only get so much in return for a free agent contract (Johnson is a FA after this season), but his price has likely jumped from a fourth-round compensatory pick to as much as a third-round comp pick, if not more.

Of course, the Bears could simply keep Johnson and extend him in the offseason. It's possible Johnson played himself off the market entirely with Sunday's performance. His age aligns with Chicago's rebuild timetable, especially if they get a high pick in the 2024 draft and trade quarterback Justin Fields for future assets.

Anything can happen at the trade deadline, but the Cowboys will probably have to look elsewhere if they want to upgrade at cornerback.

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