The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2023 training camp with a very strong roster. When taking a look at it from top to bottom, it is hard to find any glaring holes and weaknesses. That is why the Cowboys are considered to be one of the best teams in the NFC entering the season.
General manager Jerry Jones did a good job of addressing some of the team’s needs coming into the offseason despite not having much money to spend in free agency. Two trades were completed with Stephon Gilmore being acquired from the Indianapolis Colts and Brandin Cooks coming to Dallas from the Houston Texans.
In the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Cowboys shored up the interior of their defensive line, selecting defensive tackle Mazi Smith out of Michigan. If they can shore things up against the ground game, this will be a tough defense to produce against.
While the roster does look good, Jones isn’t one to sit idly by. If there is a chance to upgrade the roster and move the team closer to winning a Super Bowl, he will make that move. Which players could qualify as such? Here are three dream trade targets for the Cowboys ahead of the 2023 season.
3. Tight End Zach Ertz
If there is a weakness in the Cowboys’ offense heading into the season it is the tight end spot. Dalton Schultz departed in free agency, signing a one-year deal with the Texans and leaving a sizable void in the lineup.
The Cowboys used a second-round pick on Luke Schoonmaker to help fill the void and have holdovers Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershoot as well. None have a ton of experience, which could lead to Dallas bringing in a more seasoned veteran.
One player who could pique their interest is Arizona Cardinals tight end, Zach Ertz. The Cowboys are familiar with Ertz after trying to stop him for 8.5 seasons as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Out of place on the rebuilding Cardinals, he would be a nice upgrade to the tight end depth chart in Dallas as another set of reliable hands for Dak Prescott to target in the passing game.
2. Linebacker Devin White
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense is littered with stars. However, depending on how they deploy Micah Parsons, as he could be used as a pass rusher exclusively in 2023, their second line of defense could need some reinforcements.
If they want to take a big swing, calling the Tampa Bay Buccaneers about Devin White would qualify. White is the next linebacker in line for a mega-contract as he possesses elite athleticism that we have seen translate to elite production on the field.
However, we have also seen the lows of his production as his PFF numbers fell off a cliff in 2022. But, there is no denying the upside and impact that White could have if you put him in the middle of what looks to be an already strong Cowboys defense.
1. Safety Budda Baker
The one area of the Cowboys’ defense that is a bit lacking right now is the safety position. Jayron Kearse, Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker make up their top three currently, so if an upgrade were to become available, Jones would at least consider making a move.
Buddha Baker, also of the Cardinals, would be that upgrade. He requested a trade from Arizona months ago but nothing has come to fruition yet. Baker is seeking a new contract and wouldn’t mind leaving the rebuilding Cardinals for a team closer to contention.
The Cowboys would certainly qualify as such as they look like the third-best team in the NFC right now. Landing a player of Baker’s caliber and further upgrading their secondary would move them one notch closer to the Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.
