5 immediate trades Cowboys should make before deadline to boost playoff chances
The Dallas Cowboys’ roster construction is about as black and white as it gets in the NFL. The team’s offense is leading the way thanks to the overperformance of Javonte Williams and George Pickens, both of whom were added in the offseason. However, the Cowboys’ biggest issue is even clearer—and it’s one that arguably stems from a decision made by Jerry Jones earlier in the year.
By moving on from Micah Parsons, Dallas’s mid-tier defense took a significant nosedive, becoming one of the weakest units in the league. With added resources from the Parsons trade, the Cowboys have an opportunity to improve their defense substantially — potentially transforming the team into an NFC contender overnight.
Here’s a look at five immediate trade targets who could help mask the loss of Parsons and elevate Dallas’s defensive performance.
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### 1. Darius Slay, CB – Pittsburgh Steelers
The Cowboys currently rank 30th in passing defense. The fastest way to improve that is to bolster the cornerback room, and Darius Slay fits the bill.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have little reason to demand a high price for Slay, as he’s a recent addition who hasn’t quite found his groove in Pittsburgh. However, as a Super Bowl winner last season, Slay’s experience and potential make him a valuable asset.
Slay also has familiarity with the NFC East, which could provide the Cowboys with an edge against their division rivals. Additionally, having been a recent member of the Philadelphia Eagles, Slay might bring some insider knowledge—perhaps even strategies on how to stop the “tush push.”
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### 2. Zaven Collins, Edge – Arizona Cardinals
With Micah Parsons gone, the Cowboys find themselves in the bottom ten in total sacks. Adding a pass rusher would help pressure opposing quarterbacks and alleviate stress on the secondary.
Zaven Collins could be the perfect boost. Dallas will face the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football, giving Jerry Jones an ideal opportunity to assess Collins firsthand—and potentially initiate trade talks with Arizona’s general manager, Monti Ossenfort.
Collins has recorded five sacks so far in 2024 and could help speed up opposing QBs’ internal clocks, benefiting the entire defense.
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### 3. Ja’Quan McMillian, CB – Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have an abundance of cornerbacks, with young stars like Patrick Surtain II and rookie Jahdae Barron forming a strong core. This depth means they can afford to consider moving a player like Ja’Quan McMillian without devastating their unit.
The Cowboys experienced firsthand the effectiveness of Denver’s defense earlier this season in a blowout loss, giving Jerry Jones reason to pursue a piece of what’s working in Denver.
McMillian’s standout skill is his ability to blitz effectively from the cornerback position—he’s amassed two sacks this season. Adding him would strengthen both the secondary and the pass rush, addressing two areas Dallas desperately needs to improve.
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### 4. Logan Wilson, LB – Cincinnati Bengals
Logan Wilson is still in his 20s and entering the final year of his contract, according to Spotrac. The Bengals may be open to trade offers, especially as they look to rebuild their defense in the offseason.
Wilson has demonstrated playmaking ability with four interceptions in two separate seasons, a stat that could significantly bolster Dallas’s defensive unit. While the Bengals’ defense as a whole has had struggles, Wilson himself has performed well.
If Jerry Jones can acquire Wilson at a reasonable price, it could be an instant impact move for the Cowboys.
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### 5. Jarrian Jones, CB – Jacksonville Jaguars
Jarrian Jones is a slot cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars who had a promising rookie season, earning a 69 grade from PFF. He also posted an impressive run-stuffing grade.
Strengthening the secondary with someone like Jones would give Dallas’s pass rush more time to reach the quarterback, boosting coverage sacks—something the Cowboys desperately lack.
Moreover, if Jones can help lock down the run and force opposing quarterbacks to pass more frequently, it could pay big dividends for Dallas’s overall defensive success.
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### Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys have a clear path forward to address their defensive woes through strategic trades. By targeting players like Darius Slay, Zaven Collins, and others, Dallas can quickly reload their defense and return to NFC contender status.
With the resources gained from the Micah Parsons trade, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office have the pieces to make significant improvements—and the potential to balance their roster as effectively on defense as they already do on offense.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/5-immediate-trades-cowboys-make-deadline-boost-playoff-chances
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