FRISCO – The Dallas Cowboys need weaponry at wide receiver and there might be some logic to them going retro by dealing with long-time arch-nemesis the San Francisco 49ers. Back in Dallas’ halcyon days of the 1990s, when the Cowboys were “The Team of the Decade” after having jousted and won with the powerhouse 49ers, both organizations saw value in trying to rob talent from their rival.

So Dallas traded for the Niners’ gifted pass-rusher Charles Haley. And the Niners signed Dallas linebacker Ken Norton. And Dallas signed superstar cornerback Deion Sanders. As 49ers team president Carmen Policy told me back then, “Win a deal like that and you win twice. We get stronger and they get weaker.” Fast-forward to 2025 and both legendary organizations are struggling a bit. Dallas finished 7-10 and is now “remodeling” the roster. San Francisco was worse still, finishing 6-11.

And among the coming changes in The Bay? They are moving on from standout receiver Deebo Samuel. The Niners are now allowing Samuel and his representatives to seek a trade. “It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle because of the relationship that we have,” Samuel told ESPN. “But I have to do what’s best. I’m more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime … “But now I think it’s best that we find another team.” Could that “other team” be the Cowboys?

Deebo has been a particular thorn in the side of the Cowboys as his 49ers have all too often taken down Dallas in head-to-head meetings. Indeed, Dallas is 0-4 in recent clashes, including two painful playoff losses. In 2022, Samuel ultimately signed with the Niners on a three-year, $71.5 million extension. Is he still a $20 million APT-level receiver? Samuel, 29, is coming off maybe his worst season ever, with 51 catches and 670 yards with three TDs through the air. (A dual threat, he also 136 rushing yards with another score).

Those are full-season career-lows. Can the Cowboys salvage something here to put Deebo in partnership with CeeDee Lamb as a top-notch duo for QB Dak Prescott? As always, this isn’t a matter of Dallas’ cap ability; it’s a matter of want-to … and a matter of value. Samuel first needs to be judged by the personnel department as his going-forward value is gauged. And if he passes that test? Maybe the Cowboys can go retro and steal some talent from an enemy.