The Dallas Cowboys did a good job of addressing some of their biggest needs on the roster entering the 2023 offseason. Jerry Jones isn’t afraid to make some splashes if it gets the team closer to contending for a Super Bowl and that is exactly what they did the last few months.
While they didn’t have the cap space to be players in free agency, the trade market and the 2023 NFL Draft provided a talent infusion. Needing to upgrade the secondary around cornerback Trevon Diggs, the Cowboys acquired Stephon Gilmore from the Indianapolis Colts.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Cowboys acquired wide receiver Brandin Cooks from the Houston Texans. He will provide Dak Prescott with a consistent second option behind CeeDee Lamb, taking pressure off of everyone in the passing game.
As Dallas prepares for training camp, there aren’t glaring holes on the roster. But, if the opportunity presents itself to upgrade, they should take full advantage. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report suggested a few trade ideas that could shake up the team.
One of them, acquiring Ed Oliver from the Buffalo Bills, is off the table. Oliver signed an extension earlier this offseason with the Bills after trade rumors swirled around him. The Cowboys did improve at defensive tackle, selecting Maxi Smith out of Michigan.
Another suggestion that Ballentine made was trading away long-time left tackle, Tyron Smith. Smith has struggled to stay on the field in recent seasons and his value isn’t going to get any better. Smith wasn’t very productive last season in his limited appearances according to PFF and moving on could be best for the franchise.
The Cowboys have a plug-and-play option in Tyler Smith, who played left tackle last season with Tyron was sidelined. With plenty of depth, replenishing some draft capital by trading the former All-Pro makes sense.
Last but not least, Ballentine suggested the Cowboys make a bold move to upgrade their defense. Already with star players at the first and third level of their defense, acquiring linebacker Devin White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be the cherry on top.
White has shown elite production already in his career, but he has also produced some lows. Possessing elite athleticism, he would be a great fit in the middle of the Cowboys’ defense as a sideline-to-sideline tackling machine. He also possesses some pass-rushing and coverage abilities as the total package at linebacker.
