5:38pm: Jordan Schultz has provided more hints of a potential deal, noting that the Cowboys have discussed trades with multiple teams. Dallas has specifically been targeting defensive players, with a particular focus on pass rushers and linebackers.
There’s an expectation that the team will consummate at least one trade tomorrow.
Schultz also provides some potential names, noting that the Cowboys have reached out to the Bengals about DE Trey Hendrickson and LB Logan Wilson and the Dolphins about LB Bradley Chubb.
Hendrickson would obviously represent the most expensive investment of that bunch, and the 2024 NFL sacks leader would be able to somewhat fill the gap left by Micah Parsons‘ departure.
Meanwhile, Jones appeared on ESPN’s pregame show this evening. He wouldn’t reveal any additional details about impending deals, but he continued to acknowledge that a trade is in the works.
“The details are tomorrow,” Jones said (via Jon Machota of The Athletic). “… There’s a good chance that we’ll have some things to talk about tomorrow.”
2:40pm: It appears as though the Cowboys’ discussions on the trade front will result in at least one deal being made. During an on-stage appearance on Sirius XM radio Monday, owner Jerry Jones took the unusual step of stating a trade has been made.
“A lot of action going on right now in terms of trading, we certainly have made a trade and we may make a couple more trades before that deadline,” Jones said (via Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News). “We’ve made one. We possibly could make two more and I’m going to wait and let you read about that when we send the papers in tomorrow.”
Based on those comments, the swap Jones is referring to has been agreed upon by all parties but will not be finalized with the league office until Tuesday (which marks the deadline).
It will likely not be until that point that the full details of the trade are revealed. Jones did add, however, that the player heading to Dallas via this move will be on the field “immediately” and his addition will “address some of the things that have been our shortcomings.”
It is not difficult to predict this mystery trade is aimed at providing a needed upgrade on defense for the Cowboys. Dallas ranks second in the league in scoring but 31st in points allowed on a per-game basis.
Reinforcements will be coming relatively soon in terms of injured players returning to health, including most notably linebacker DeMarvion Overshown working toward his season debut. Still, help in the front seven or the secondary would be welcomed.
Getting Overshown back will be key, although fellow linebacker Jack Sanborn was placed on injured reserve earlier today. His absence will thin out the position for at least the time being.
Meanwhile, Dallas sits 30th in the NFL against the pass. Even if rookie cornerback Shavon Revel plays a role once healthy, adding further contributors would be a feasible move. The Cowboys entered Monday with nearly $31MM in cap space.
Mazi Smith was recently named as a player Dallas could be willing to part with in a midseason trade.
It will be interesting to see if the underwhelming former first-rounder is included in the return for whomever the Cowboys are set to acquire (or any other moves which are finalized in the next 24 hours). In any case, it seems as though at least one addition will be in place for the stretch run.
