It is simultaneously true that the Dallas Cowboys are one of the best teams in the NFC and are also an exceptionally flawed team. Yes, the root of their flaws might be holding a clipboard in the form of Mike McCarthy, but the roster itself isn't perfect. And with the NFL Trade Deadline looming on Oct. 31, there is a possible opportunity for Jerry Jones to add more talent.
What the Cowboys plan to do at the trade deadline is impossible to know, especially with two conflicting reports about the plan in Dallas just this week. Jordan Schultz of The Score reported during a radio appearance that the "Cowboys are expected to be buyers" on Wednesday. Just two days later, though, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported that the "Cowboys are not expected to be major movers at the deadline, barring surprise."
How to proceed from there is difficult. However, the conflicting information might mean that the truth lies somewhere in the middle. That is to say that the Cowboys might not be fishing for a trophy catch at the trade deadline, but could look to take what's available in the shallow end. That would make sense considering Dallas does not have a fourth, fifth or sixth-round pick in the 2024 draft due to previous trades.
So what deals could the Cowboys pull off to help make a push in the NFC this season? Here are three trades that could help the cause.
3. Hunter Renfrow, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
Hunter Renfrow, the dimunutive slot receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders, has enjoyed plenty of success in the NFL despite coming into the league as a fifth-round pick back in 2019. He made a Pro Bowl in 2021 with a 103-catch, 1,038-yard seasonw ith nine touchdowns. In the two years prior, he also had at least 49 catches with 600+ yards.
Over the past two seasons, though, Renfrow's role has been severely diminished after the arrival of Davante Adams. No, the two players aren't that similar, but Adams commands such a role in the offense that Renfrow's target share and general looks in the Raiders offense have been almost nonexistent. He's played in six games this season and has just six catches on nine targets for 59 yards.
As the Raiders look to reshape and add more pieces to the roster, they could view Renfrow as more valuable as a trade asset than as someone who can help the team. His usage thus far in the 2023 campaign indicates as much.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, could use a slot possession receiver in the worst way. CeeDee Lamb is a do-it-all threat, but the likes of Michael Gallup and Brandin Cooks haven't filled a true role in the current offense. Renfrow could help open up the field for everyone if he can get back to his previous form, which seems like a worthwhile bet as he might only cost a Day 3 pick from this year and next year's draft.
2. Josey Jewell, LB, Denver Broncos
Losing Leighton Vander Esch isn't the same detriment to the defense that losing someone like Trevon Diggs was. But don't let anyone tell you it's not an important injury for the Cowboys.
Though he's an imperfect player, Vander Esch is a savvy run defender and a great point guard for the defense in the middle of the field. We saw how his absence is problematic in the win over the Chargers in Week 6 as LA was able to attack the middle of the field on multiple occasions to pretty notable success.
Essentially since Vander Esch went down and was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the season, fans have been calling for a linebacker trade to replace him. Many have looked the way of Vikings veteran Jordan Hicks, a pending free agent with NFC East experience. However, Josey Jewell might be a better option who better fills the LVE role while not offering much downside.
Jewell and Vander Esch are shockingly similar players. Both are best in run defense but can hold their own in coverage as essentially league-average type players at the position in that capacity. They are also both sure tacklers with plenty of veteran experience.
The Broncos seem destined for a fire sale this season. While the Cowboys' ideal target might be the former draft apple of their eyes, Patrick Surtain II, he might be the one player Denver isn't willing to part with. As Jewell will be a free agent after this season, though, he could be a cheaply had asset for Dallas that won't affect future financials and can fill a major hole for the rest of the 2023 campaign.
1. Donte Jackson, CB, Carolina Panthers
Alright, let's say the Cowboys get a little aggressive and want to make a splashier move than the ones for Renfrow or Jewell. Perhaps looking to the Carolina Panthers, a team that isn't being shy about being in the market for a wide receiver, for help to fill a defensive hole could help out both organizations in their plights.
For the Cowboys, getting Donte Jackson could be exactly what the doctor ordered with Trevon Diggs out for the rest of the season. DaRon Bland has continued to be solid while moving to the outside, but he's better in the slot while Jourdan Lewis has been problematic taking over for Bland in the slot. Jackson, who has been up-and-down but with extreme flashes, could take the outside spot opposite Stephon Gilmore, moving Bland back into the slot.
The Panthers, meanwhile, would get Michael Gallup in this deal. Since he returned from at torn ACL suffered in 2021 at the start of last season, the Colorado State product hasn't recaptured his mojo in Dallas. He could be in need of a change of scenery, and the Panthers are absolutely looking to get Bryce Young more weapons in the passing game. It could be a great match.
Carolina is getting the more proven player in the trade, so Dallas gets a fourth-rounder this year for a fourth-rounder next year. Perhaps that valuation is slightly off, but the player swap will likely not be enough straight-up. At the end of the day, though, the player swap would be the most impactful aspect for both franchises, particularly with the Cowboys filling the hole created by the Diggs injury.