Depart it to Jerry Jones to drum up the intrigue. The Cowboys proprietor and basic supervisor has lengthy been well-known for headline-grabbing quotes. So, why would this week be any totally different?
Jones and the remainder of the Cowboys’ mind belief held the group’s annual pre-draft press convention Tuesday, dealing with questions on their wants, needs and goals for the upcoming festivities.
True to his model, Jones raised eyebrows not when speaking in regards to the picks he would make, however the trades that he might.
“We’re taking a look at two issues that might occur earlier than or after the draft,” Jones informed reporters. “Two fairly substantive trades. Been engaged on as we speak.”
That stands out for 2 apparent causes.
First, the concept one thing might occur after the draft. Transactions that happen earlier than the draft begins Thursday might embrace something, however a commerce after the draft would virtually actually be a maneuver for a veteran participant, somewhat than 2026 draft capital. Second is the all-important phrase “substantive.”
The Cowboys usually are not strangers to minor dealings across the league. Simply final month, they acquired cornerback Kaiir Elam and linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. in swaps of Day 3 draft picks. Respectfully, these do not qualify as “substantive” strikes.
To get substantive, you’d need to a minimum of purchase confirmed difference-makers. The capital they traded to accumulate Brandin Cooks and Stephon Gilmore on the eve of the 2023 draft wasn’t eye-popping due to the dimensions of their contracts, but it surely was a boon so as to add two licensed starters with a couple of quick telephone calls.
So far as true blockbusters go, you’d need to assume all the way in which again to 2018, once they traded a first-round decide for Amari Cooper. And that call got here in October, when their season was on the brink — far after the optimistic days surrounding the NFL Draft.
Current Cowboys historical past is affected by draft trades, however a substantive commerce for a veteran participant is not a daily incidence.
It’d make good sense, nevertheless. Even whereas holding the No. 12 total decide within the draft, the Cowboys have a variety of work to do, and most of their ammunition to do it’s on the tail finish of the draft. Dallas holds three picks within the prime 100, and a whopping 5 from decide No. 200 onward. If the Cowboys are in search of quick affect, packaging a commerce for a confirmed pass-catcher, a veteran nook or a beginning operating again is likely to be the way in which to go.
Now, what would that appear to be? It relies on whom Dallas is speaking to.
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We all know that perennial Professional Bowler Jalen Ramsey is obtainable, for the reason that Miami Dolphins have made it identified. Ramsey turns 31 this yr, and he is owed roughly $21 million, however a participant of his caliber nonetheless probably has a number of years as a viable starter — at both nook or security — left forward of him. It’d even be a hell of a full-circle second, because the Cowboys famously handed on Ramsey in favor of Ezekiel Elliott in the course of the 2016 NFL Draft, a lot to Ramsey’s chagrin.
Talking of the Dolphins, nobody within the league is linked to as a lot commerce speak as Tyreek Hill today. Hill has been hinting at it for the reason that day the season ended, and his present contract makes it onerous to think about he’ll play in Miami past 2025. The Cowboys aren’t the kind of group to be swayed by the scrutiny and controversy that appears to comply with Hill, however they is likely to be postpone by the dimensions of that deal. If the Dolphins agreed to pay a minimum of a few of his 2025 ensures, although, this can be a deal the Cowboys might swing to offer their offense a lift of much-needed explosiveness.
Steelers receiver George Pickens has been a rumored commerce goal ever since D.Ok. Metcalf landed in Pittsburgh. The 24-year-old has one yr remaining on his rookie deal and would fill an enormous want in Dallas. It is unusual to assume the Steelers would need to weaken a receiving group that appears extremely sturdy heading into the 2025 season, however maybe Pickens is the piece that may assist them land their quarterback of the long run.
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If the Jacksonville Jaguars truly comply with by on the pre-draft hype and make Ashton Jeanty the No. 5 total decide, then their former first-round operating again might change into obtainable. Travis Etienne in all probability would not transfer the needle a lot amongst followers, however he is nonetheless solely 26 and has only one yr remaining on his rookie deal. Buying a first-round expertise with 3,737 profession yards for a Day 3 decide would not be something to scoff at.
Equally, Kenneth Walker could possibly be on his manner out of Seattle relying on how the Seahawks use their 10 draft picks this weekend. Walker has one yr left on his rookie deal, and it is easy to think about Seattle choosing a duo of Zach Charbonnet and a rookie in its backfield. With such a short while left on that rookie deal, Walker might supply immediate affect at a low commerce worth — offered the Cowboys are prepared to offer him some kind of extension.
Clearly, there are offers on the market to be made if the Cowboys are prepared.
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Would it not be a jaw-dropping, internet-breaking commerce that vaults Dallas to contender standing? I are likely to doubt it. The Cowboys have sufficient issues paying their very own stars with out including another person’s, as they’re at the moment getting set for an additional contract standoff with Micah Parsons.
With so many different big-money gamers on their roster, in addition they want draft picks to maintain the remainder of their roster younger and low-cost. Should you’re as unwilling to spend on exterior free brokers because the Cowboys are, you’ll be able to’t afford to half with too many draft picks.
That does not imply one thing “substantive” cannot occur. Once more, they maintain a whopping 10 picks, and it does not at all times require a blockbuster deal so as to add a difference-maker. If the chance arises so as to add a starter or two with out leveraging their complete draft, they need to completely take it.
David Helman covers the NFL for FOX Sports activities and hosts the NFL on FOX podcast. He beforehand spent 9 seasons overlaying the Cowboys for the group’s official web site. In 2018, he received a regional Emmy for his position in producing “Dak Prescott: A Household Reunion” in regards to the quarterback’s time at Mississippi State. Comply with him on Twitter at @davidhelman_.
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